Shanu Singh Guliani

Is Wearing Name Tags the Walmart Thing to Do?

About a month ago, the staff at my parent’s store suggested they wear name tags. Apparently, two women sales associates, about the same age, and height whom close many sales together—are being confused for one another.

My father feels the staff should get a say in many of the decisions made at the store, so being the great employer he is, he tends to run the store like a democracy.  “Okay we’ll get everyone together and vote.” Without asking mom or me he proceeds to have them vote. The ones for name tags won.

I thought this was the most horrible idea ever…of course at that time I didn’t tell dad or mom (I figure I have to pick my battles and I get my dad to bend over backwards for me all the time, so I thought I’d let this one slide). Because the staff for name tags won—mom and dad wore them too—to support the staff and unite them as a whole.

I couldn’t help but have nightmares that our store would be on the same level as Walmart—“seemed like a Walmart thing to do.” I was so embarrassed and thanked god I was only there to see my folks and wasn’t working. The staff was happy with the decision so I just laid back and avoided any questions/comments about it (I’m not a good liar and the truth would come spitting out).

I started to question why I hated them wearing name tags? It hit me. I like to walk up to my customers, shake their hand, and introduce myself. I feel it’s much more personal. Yeah, Shanu is a difficult name and half the time they never remember my name but I remember theirs because I introduced myself and asked them for their name. I felt like wearing name tags is impersonal and it doesn’t give you a free and open chance to introduce yourself and ask for theirs. I felt like that’s why at Walmart they wear name tags—they don’t care to introduce themselves or to get to know the customer—they are just there doing their 9-5 job.

Would you allow your staff to wear name tags? Do you feel name tags are impersonal? Do you think wearing name tags makes your store seem less “high class?”

Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on October 15, 2007 | Comments (4)