Me vs a Pushy Receptionist

[EasterJoy]

Which is why the receptionist is really stuck.

She can’t say comply or walk. All she can do is ask for compliance every time the customer shows up. She doesn’t have the authority to draw a line in the sand and turn away a customer permanently.

Exactly. She is caught in the middle, trying to do both customer service and following the rules of her superiors give her to enforce, and expected by both sides to always do that with a smile. That is a tall order.

Don’t shoot the messenger. Either do what you said you’ll do–show up looking the way you want to look and submit to a photograph–or else say, “You know, I just have an internal resistance to this whole idea. I do not want my gym photo on the internet (or I want to see the security in place before I give a picture or whatever the real concern is). I’m sorry to put you through this, but could you tell me who has the authority to make exceptions to this or who can explain the policy and all of the security that’s in place? I need to talk to that person.”

 

[AbideWithMe]

Exactly. She is caught in the middle, trying to do both customer service and following the rules of her superiors give her to enforce, and expected by both sides to always do that with a smile. That is a tall order.

Don’t shoot the messenger. Either do what you said you’ll do–show up looking the way you want to look and submit to a photograph–or else say, “You know, I just have an internal resistance to this whole idea. I do not want my gym photo on the internet (or I want to see the security in place before I give a picture or whatever the real concern is). I’m sorry to put you through this, but could you tell me who has the authority to make exceptions to this or who can explain the policy and all of the security that’s in place? I need to talk to that person.”

I think this post is a really good example of how to consider all parties involved.

 

[esieffe]

If is a line in the sand for you, for whatever reason, I would put an end to the stressful ritual you both go through every time. Tell her that you will not have your picture taken and then she can follow up with her manager. At that point they can decide if they want to keep you as a customer, or they can make an exception. Either way, everyone can move on.

 

[Hoosier_Daddy]

If is a line in the sand for you, for whatever reason, I would put an end to the stressful ritual you both go through every time. Tell her that you will not have your picture taken and then she can follow up with her manager. At that point they can decide if they want to keep you as a customer, or they can make an exception. Either way, everyone can move on.

This is true. The op could just be honest and say firmly they won’t do it. This is a one time conversation. It should not be revisited.

I have no idea why the op can’t just comply with the requirementseople of a system they are trying to implement. This type of thinking can sure hinder productivity.
It’s like walking into Costco and accosting the doorman because you don’t want to be a member but you do want to buy stuff there.
Just comply and move on, or don’t and switch gyms.

Take off your shoes at the airport, show your ID when asked,

And people think immigration reform is going to be easy!!!
Our own people can’t even comply with a gym.

If not, start a band, dye your hair and write songs about “the man come and take you away”

Get yourself a sign that says " not my gym!" And set a car on fire!

 

[mommy_k]

I would speak to the manager, and tell them u are not comfortable to do this and ask if they can help u out.

I’f it’s that important to you let them know that this may prompt you to go elsewhere. You are the paying consumer, and the money- i mean customer is always right.

 

[BlueEyedLady]

It’s like walking into Costco and accosting the doorman because you don’t want to be a member but you do want to buy stuff there.

Speaking of Costco, the third or fourth thing I did when I found out I was pregnant is buy a membership. They took my picture and put it on my membership card. Not unlike the last gym I had a membership to.

Gee, it’s almost as if businesses have a vested and reasonable interest in making sure two or more customers don’t share one purchased benefit between them…

But, whether this policy is reasonable or not doesn’t really matter, and could be argued either way for days. The OP has to decide how she feels about it and then take it up with the person in charge. Right now, she’s just being a terrible customer.

 

[WingsOfEagles]

So here’s the thing…I don’t really want my picture to be taken. It’s not necessary. I pay for my classes. I sign in. I work out. And then I leave.

There’s no reason for my picture to be “required”.

Receptionist: “You HAVE to do this. It’s REQUIRED.”

Actually, my mother works for a gym. The photo is to assist with security and is required.

 

[AbideWithMe]

Actually, my mother works for a gym. The photo is to assist with security and is required.

Is there a reason other ID, such as a driver’s license, can’t be used? And how does the gym’s photo get kept secure online? And is the image erased from the business’ camera so it can’t be misused?

Identity theft is a very real concern; I would not just go along like a sheep with the business’ interest without protecting my own. I’ve had my credit card hacked online, from a supposedly secure site, so I’m admittedly extra wary, but I personally would not just comply in order to keep peace.

 

[psalm90]

So there’s a new policy in the business I frequent which requires my picture to be taken for an online ID.

• She’s just doing her job. (Although her manner of conducting is abrasive to me).
• It’s really not that big a deal for me to have my picture taken, even when I don’t look my best
• This is the most insignificant issue compared to the great concerns we have for our world today. I get that. But this is a forum to discuss minutiae and I have the time to discuss this so…

Get the photo taken and move on. Why jeopardize your business or your employer’s status or your career. I see no evil here. If that’s what it seems to you, yes, swallow your pride and get on with it. You have already made too much of this.

If the receptionist is “just doing her job” then let her do it, keep her out of trouble, avoid confrontation. Even if she later smirks at you, let it go.

 

[WingsOfEagles]

Is there a reason other ID, such as a driver’s license, can’t be used? And how does the gym’s photo get kept secure online? And is the image erased from the business’ camera so it can’t be misused?

Identity theft is a very real concern; I would not just go along like a sheep with the business’ interest without protecting my own. I’ve had my credit card hacked online, from a supposedly secure site, so I’m admittedly extra wary, but I personally would not just comply in order to keep peace.

In this case, it’s a private server for the gym (I don’t think it’s even Internet connected). When you scan your key tag on the way in, the receptionist can see your photo on the screen (and an alert if you’re behind on payments). The photo isn’t done with a traditional camera, but with one where it goes right to the computer. I suppose the main reason against a license being used is the pain of having to stop you every single time you come in (and you even having to wait while they are helping another patron). This way, they can glance at the screen quickly when you scan and you’re on your way.

 

[pianistclare]

It’s a picture that only you and maybe a couple of other people will ever see.
Like all of us have not had an ugly picture. Come on now?

Everybody who has had an ugly picture post a thumbs up.

After you read the dozens of thumbs…go get the lousy picture made.
It’s a GYM.
Who takes a great photo at the gym anyway?

 

[AbideWithMe]

In this case, it’s a private server for the gym (I don’t think it’s even Internet connected). When you scan your key tag on the way in, the receptionist can see your photo on the screen (and an alert if you’re behind on payments). The photo isn’t done with a traditional camera, but with one where it goes right to the computer. I suppose the main reason against a license being used is the pain of having to stop you every single time you come in (and you even having to wait while they are helping another patron). This way, they can glance at the screen quickly when you scan and you’re on your way.

Thanks, WingsOfEagles. Hmm…I’m still not seeing why a driver’s license can’t be an ID option if the patron prefers, though.

 

[pianistclare]

This reminds me of a friend who went with the staff to a Christmas dinner at a nice restaurant.
They had a unique margarita special the evening we were there.

She wanted a margarita. But made totally differently and could not understand why she couldn’t get the same price as the special. It’s a different product, but she wanted it her way.

If one does not like the policies of any given establishment, the thing to do is spend your dollars elsewhere.

The girl behind the counter has been given instructions, and likely can’t afford to lose her receptionist job. If it were me, I would give the girl a break.
I’ve also found, that when I am very angry , or puzzled or upset, I will say to the person “Listen, I’m not mad at YOU, I’m frustrated. Could you get me someone else to speak to, or tell me who I can contact? I don’t want to make an issue with you, as I know it’s not your fault.” Works like a charm.

Catch more flies with honey.

 

[Reepicheep]

So there’s a new policy in the business I frequent which requires my picture to be taken for an online ID. It supposedly facilitates online signins.

At first, I demurred due to the fact that I was not pleased with the way I looked and would prepare myself for the photo next time.

But I kept forgetting to make myself pretty so would decline each time I signed in subsequently.

Now it’s becoming a line in the sand for the receptionist.

And kind of for me, too.

She’s being forceful and officious.

That makes me want to resist.

What are your thoughts?

I acknowledge these points:

• She’s just doing her job. (Although her manner of conducting is abrasive to me).
• It’s really not that big a deal for me to have my picture taken, even when I don’t look my best
• This is the most insignificant issue compared to the great concerns we have for our world today. I get that. But this is a forum to discuss minutiae and I have the time to discuss this so…

My first reaction: If this is required by the company then you should do it unless doing it would be a sin. Your irritation with the receptionist, however justifiable, is irrelevant.

I’ll red the thread now and possibly comment again.

 

[Reepicheep]

Tell the gym receptionist you still believe the old superstition that a photograph steals your soul. Then threaten them with legal action for violating your religious liberty.

That would mean lying. Not good.

If you have an issue with the rule, take it up with management. Stop making this poor girl’s life difficult.

And yes. Talk to someone who has the authority to make the exception you want. Or else just comply.

EDIT: And it seems uncharitable to me to fight the receptionist over an unimportant issue, especially since she’s required to insist on it.

 

[MarkInOregon]

Gee, it’s almost as if businesses have a vested and reasonable interest in making sure two or more customers don’t share one purchased benefit between them…

Actually most of us already have a photo ID–it’s called a drivers license. I can see no good reason for most places to actually need their own photo id cards. If the gym is concerned that someone is using someone else’s membership card–they can ask for another piece of id or to see the persons drivers license. Just last week at my bank–there was a new teller who didn’t know me and requested that i show my drivers license–worked just fine. Now if the bank wanted to generate a new bank membership card requiring my photo for me to carry around and show every time I went to the bank --well I might look for a new bank.
There was a game store where my son wanted to trade in one of his games and they wanted my finger print in order to trade it in–I drew the line there and let them know we would no longer be doing business with them. No idea if they still have that policy–we’ve never been back to buy or sell. I don’t like my picture taken and it irks me when places want it and when there appear to be more than workable alternatives.

The peace of Christ,
Mark

 

[BlueEyedLady]

Actually most of us already have a photo ID–it’s called a drivers license. I can see no good reason for most places to actually need their own photo id cards. If the gym is concerned that someone is using someone else’s membership card–they can ask for another piece of id or to see the persons drivers license. Just last week at my bank–there was a new teller who didn’t know me and requested that i show my drivers license–worked just fine. Now if the bank wanted to generate a new bank membership card requiring my photo for me to carry around and show every time I went to the bank --well I might look for a new bank.
There was a game store where my son wanted to trade in one of his games and they wanted my finger print in order to trade it in–I drew the line there and let them know we would no longer be doing business with them. No idea if they still have that policy–we’ve never been back to buy or sell. I don’t like my picture taken and it irks me when places want it and when there appear to be more than workable alternatives.

The peace of Christ,
Mark

Cool. Take it up with the manager and leave the receptionist be.

 

[PRmerger]

But it isn’t the receptionist’s fault that they have this rule. If it’s such a big issue, take it up with the management, not the person doing their job.

Lou

Oh, I haven’t said it’s the receptionist’s fault.

She could just tell the owner: “This woman doesn’t want her picture taken” and then all of us would be happy.

Just like the instructor could say: “This woman doesn’t want to exercise bra-less”, and then all of us could just go on an work out like we want to.

 

[PRmerger]

Have you ever worked with the public in a low-authority position?

Not since I was a teenager and got an education.

 

[PRmerger]

My thoughts? Have you actually signed any contract with them?

No, there is no contract. I just purchase “punchcards” for 5, 10 or 20 visits.