Quit the Queues

[fastfences]

We have to do something about the now acceptable and customary queuing for all manner of banking, postal and other (primarily) government services.

My angst is precipitated by an half hour wait in HSBC (Cheltenham) late this morning. No customer service staff at the counter for 8 mins, one pay-in machine inoperative and a line of 11 people awaiting service.

I acknowledge one person is just a voice in the wilderness and cannot change the mind-set of these companies and instrumentalities, but I wish a few of us would 'vote with our feet.' But where do we go? What can we do? Just accept it? Perhaps I should enter politics on a platform of improving service to the public - could be a worthwhile ticket!

Cheers, Nigel

[clairemackaness]

Make it customary for all public service staff to take their lunch breaks outside of lunch hours, thats the worst time of the day.

By the way Nigel I'm coming to Cheltenham on the 19th October, perhaps we can have a beer.

[KM-Tiger]

My angst is precipitated by an half hour wait in HSBC..............
I know exactly what you mean, why is it I am always behind the person with a suitcase full of small change, when all I want to do is pay in one fat cheque!

I'm trying to encourage all my customers to pay by BACS - we pay all our staff, freelancers, & suppliers that way - to cut down on bank visits, but many still insist on sending cheques. Don't they know it's now 2006?

[clairemackaness]

Can you not use the drop box to pay them in. I never queue in the bank, it's the post office I'm always in as I'm always posting paintings, or ebay parcels!

[fastfences]

By the way Nigel I'm coming to Cheltenham on the 19th October, perhaps we can have a beer.

19th October? You make it sound like next week!!

I've made a diary note: Meet Claire at Wetherspoons, wear good clothes, and oh, buy a painting the week before to earn brownie points :) :) .
Cheers, Nigel

[clairemackaness]

Cool, I'll make sure I remember. I'm actually down from the thursday to the sunday for my husbands ladies festival at the cheltenham park hotel, but as I am organising it Thursday or Sunday are best as the weekend will either just be under way or finished LOL

Weatherspoons? Cant you justify a posh wine bar? Only kidding I love weatherspoons. Their Chicken Pasta Alfredo is the best.

[Cornish Steve]

Many banks around here have set up shop in supermarkets. It means that their hours are much longer, and they are open on Saturdays. They must be meeting a need because business appears to be brisk.

[Hayles]

Our bank in Scotland still closes for an hour at lunchtime!! :roll:

Very good idea to have banks in supermarkets :lol:

Hayles