0 comment Saturday, May 17, 2014 | admin
Firsthand experience: messengers can get treated like shit.
Over the past couple days, I've been delivering some packets for work (marketing materials for clients) via bike. I want to briefly describe the type of treatment I received at some business' reception areas. Normally,when I show up for client meetings or go into any business - the greeting is warm: *smile* "good morning, how can I help you today". The differences pf today and yesterday were: bike helmet, big bag and pants rolled up. The tell-tale signs of any bike commuter.
Note: I do not claim to be a messenger, nor to have ever "messenger'ed". Although, when I am, in fact, delivering packages with a bike - it's tough to explain the contrary.
As faux-messenger Josh (FMJ), there was no greeting. They wait for you to make the first contact. You are given no eye contact. The answers are short - like I had heard them a million times before:
FMJ: Is _name_ available?
Reception: I don't know.
FMJ: Well, I just have a package for them.
Reception: I can sign for it.
FMJ: Actually, I don't have anything for you to sign - I just needed to give this to _name_.
Reception: You can't see them - I have no idea if they are available.
FMJ: Okay, can I just leave this here for them?
FMJ: Thanks.
Another transaction, this time at a hotel. This was an interesting experience where the conversation was disrepectfully casual from the get-go. The hotel attendant started the conversation with, "Hey chief".
After these experiences, I see a different side of what messengers go through. Maybe they have learned not to give a shit. If, by chance, any messengers read this - please let me know how it is you don't slap more people upside the head.
Over the past couple days, I've been delivering some packets for work (marketing materials for clients) via bike. I want to briefly describe the type of treatment I received at some business' reception areas. Normally,when I show up for client meetings or go into any business - the greeting is warm: *smile* "good morning, how can I help you today". The differences pf today and yesterday were: bike helmet, big bag and pants rolled up. The tell-tale signs of any bike commuter.
Note: I do not claim to be a messenger, nor to have ever "messenger'ed". Although, when I am, in fact, delivering packages with a bike - it's tough to explain the contrary.
As faux-messenger Josh (FMJ), there was no greeting. They wait for you to make the first contact. You are given no eye contact. The answers are short - like I had heard them a million times before:
FMJ: Is _name_ available?
Reception: I don't know.
FMJ: Well, I just have a package for them.
Reception: I can sign for it.
FMJ: Actually, I don't have anything for you to sign - I just needed to give this to _name_.
Reception: You can't see them - I have no idea if they are available.
FMJ: Okay, can I just leave this here for them?
FMJ: Thanks.
Another transaction, this time at a hotel. This was an interesting experience where the conversation was disrepectfully casual from the get-go. The hotel attendant started the conversation with, "Hey chief".
After these experiences, I see a different side of what messengers go through. Maybe they have learned not to give a shit. If, by chance, any messengers read this - please let me know how it is you don't slap more people upside the head.