The Case Against Overly Perky Salespeople
There are better ways to win customers' good will and wallets.
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Trader Joe's sales clerks make small talk as they bag our groceries. Salad makers at Sweetgreen use a "sweet touch" with us as they scoop avocado onto piles of kale. Zappos customer service reps "let their true personalities shine" while fielding shoe returns.
Sure, we know it's an act. Salespeople, who make around $10 an hour, on average, are required to put on a happy face in the service of "company culture." Most days, we just want to order a slightly overpriced but delicious salad from a moderately pleasant person and move on with our days.