[anxiousdude]

So, I'm an independent operator for a chips and snacks company here in Illinois. Basically I drive around, stock and order stuff for chain grocery stores. I only have to deal with the store managers for about 5 minutes, but I always feel like I'm coming off badly. All the other indepedent operators, who work for other food comapanies, chat it up with these managers and are very outgoing. Meanwhile I do the normal, "Good morning" then "Have a nice day" when I leave. Sometimes I will say something about the weather, but that's it. I just have nothing to say! Is this acceptable or do you think I'm coming off badly? I guess I shouldn't give a crap, but I always feel like I'm doing something wrong by not having big old chit chats with these people. What do you guys think?

 

[morning_glory]

Wow this sounds familiar. Chances are that they just think you are too busy to chat...but I understand your thinking completely. I feel the same way. :sigh I wish I could get past that "How are you?" "Fine, how are you?" stage in a conversation.

 

[Neptunus]

My parents own a sandwich shop, and they're always happy to have the vendors in and out ASAP, less interference with business. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[anxiousdude]

Phoebus, good to know that. Thanks

 

[Bassman]

I work in sales too most of it is over the phone, which I don't mind, but I do regularly have to visit clients face to face. I always feel the same way afterwards, that my social chat skills are severely lacking. Especially when the other person makes it obvious that they are not interested in what you're trying to say. I'm just glad I don't have to cold call. It would kill me.

 

[laura024]

I think it's okay. Like someone said, they probably think you're busy. The chat you do make sounds polite and acceptable.

 

[Curb]

The weather should be your last resort

 

[softconcrete]

i work at a retail store and see vendors everyday that i work. they just give a casual hello how are you. some of them try to chit chat but i cant keep the conversation and focus on my work and let them be. some of them dont say anything to anyone and go right in and out.

 

[shyvr6]

At my previous jobs the vending people just did their job and then left without saying anything. No one really bothered to pay attention to them so it seemed pretty normal for them to not talk to people.

 

[jenkydora]

So, I'm an independent operator for a chips and snacks company here in Illinois. Basically I drive around, stock and order stuff for chain grocery stores. I only have to deal with the store managers for about 5 minutes, but I always feel like I'm coming off badly. All the other indepedent operators, who work for other food comapanies, chat it up with these managers and are very outgoing. Meanwhile I do the normal, "Good morning" then "Have a nice day" when I leave. Sometimes I will say something about the weather, but that's it. I just have nothing to say! Is this acceptable or do you think I'm coming off badly? I guess I shouldn't give a crap, but I always feel like I'm doing something wrong by not having big old chit chats with these people. What do you guys think?

I dont know if the same can be said for a checkout lane at woolies, but I get in a tizz if the checkout woman wants a lengthy chit chat, she tries, but I have impatient people behind me giving me the evil eye. Some of the convo topics lend to more than a few minutes.
Dont worry, people arent thinking about it.

 

[justpassinby]

A lot of people would prefer someone just comeing in and doing their job and leaving them alone. If the other guys are chatting them up, maybe they don't really like it and are chatting back to be polite. If you're quiet yet friendly that should be enough.

 

[coldmorning]

If I were a grocery store owner, I'd think you were a hard worker just doing your job. I don't think there's anything wrong with not chatting it up.