I was on a shoot today that took place in a small athletic club in a suburban area. This club obviously catered to probably no more than the 3 mile radius of homes that make up its clientèle, but still, I was appalled at some of the signs I saw.
The first one was upstairs, far away from any entry or exit point, and hanging all alone over a very commonly used drinking fountain. It said something to the effect of: "All customers MUST show their ID tags at the front desk upon entering the club. No Exceptions!" and had the club logo on it.
Now, what could possibly lead someone to put THAT sign up, and THERE? I mean, if they’re already there, they’ve been in the club for a while, it’s far, far away from the front desk. Why bitch-slap your customer when they’re trying to get a drink?
That’s not a sign I’d put up anywhere to begin with – let alone in the place of honor over a drinking fountain. That should be the place for motivational, encouraging, positive signs. Things that, you know, maybe make your customer somewhat happy to be a member.
I started noticing little signs like that around the place – stuff about types of shoes on types of floors, leaving your gear laying around, certain kids of certain ages not being able to be certain places. There was another good one about kids in the "tween" age (like 12-14 I think) having to go through some safety class just to use the upstairs track. Big sign, posted where you’d have to look at it…lap after lap after lap.
That’s exactly how you DON’T build a cult brand.
Kind of like putting up a huge sign at your front counter in big bold all-cap letters saying
"NO REFUNDS
NO EXCHANGES
NO TRANSFERS"
Or even better, the sign I saw at a restaurant in Hood River last week, right in the most conspicuous place possible where you order / pay: "WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE".
Sweet – I’m so glad you let me know. You don’t have a problem with blondes, though, do you? I hope…? Please let me stay. I just want to eat some really crappy Mexican food and then go home with a stomach-ache. The least you could do is serve me with a smile and a gracias.
Those type of business really make me to recommend them to everyone I meet. Coz, you know, maybe someone that I send there will have a great experience with taking their kid running after sneaking past the front desk without their ID and then once they’re refused service they’ll have great fun getting a refund.
Oh, wait…
Well, at least you told me up front. So I can be sure NOT TO EVER RECOMMEND YOU TO ANYBODY!
Just, don’t do it. If it must be said for legal purposes, that’s what small print is for. Idiots.
