I'm in agreement with previous posters. The service provided does not come close to that expected in the west but seems to be fine withÌý Chinese customers. When I comment to my Chinese wife about being ignored or rude behaviour she replies "it's the Chinese way". This acceptance would suggest nothing will change or even that no change is desired. I was a little surprised to findÌý that Western service attitudes have not found their way into famous brand Western franchises such as MacDonald's, Pizza hut etc.Ìý Japanese company Uniqlo is the exception. Happy helpful staff, once you have distinguished them from customers, (no uniforms)Ìý
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Even a simple smile or acknowledgement is rare. Enquiring as to where to find something will prompt a vague wave of the hand. We recently booked an hotelÌý room weeks in advance and even confirmed the day before arrival, only to find no room had been reserved. Unsurprisingly there were more expensive rooms available. Was this poor service or an upgrade scam? After showing our displeasure in front of other guests and demanding to speak to the manager, a room at the rate agreed miraculously became available.
Warranty and guarantee are unknown words. If you buy something and find it doesn't work you will be lucky to get a replacement or refund. Having said that, when we bought a microwave they insisted on unpacking and testing said microwave on the shop floor. And when we bought a TV it was delivered, unpacked and set up ready for use.
Another unknown word is appointment. Spending two hours in the bank clutching your numbered ticket is the way. However, change may be on the horizon. Our local hospital has just started an appointments system which seems to be working. This replaces a system of queuingÌý (I use the term loosely) for a ticket to see your favoured doctor..... and the selling of tickets by ticket touts. All we need now is to see the end of giving the doctor Hong bao (extra payment) to ensure good work.
On the positive side my wife recently discovered the delights of shopping on line and here the Chinese might have the west beaten. Order one day and deliver the next even until quite late at night after a phone call checking if you are at home. Even some supermarkets will deliver your shopping free if you spend a relatively low amount. Useful when you buy cooking oil or rice but probably ensures you buy more 