Tanya's Thought of the Day
Firstly let me start by saying I’m sort of person who examines the panel when I'm in a lift to see how good the engraving is. I see engraved switchplates wherever I go, or worse, printed labels stuck onto switchplates. Also I knew the brand of a lift I walked past in a building, because I recognised the lift call plate we'd engraved outside it. I was even using the lift. So I’m a fairly observant person.
Yes, I was feeling tired and relaxed, as I’ve been listening to the radio whilst driving (I’ve forgot what that is like), to the shop last night, and it had been a long day. I’d parked (abandoned) the car, after seeing no queue at the shop. The streets have never been so empty around that market square and why risk the alloys for no reason. I chuckled to myself that we’ll have to practice parking properly before things get busy again.
Then I crossed the road, which was also novel as you usually have to have your wits about you to cross there. I walked into the shop, It’s an automatic door so I just strolled in. I have no idea if they were any signs about waiting outside. I've only been in this shop a couple of times since this started and only when I pass and see no queue. I did however see the giant A board advertising Lavazza coffee for £2. Subsequently I pondered over whether they still have the machine in use (Yes, I’m missing Starbucks)! I didn’t grab a basket cos only needed a few bits.
Whizzed around the shop, with only a couple of moving out the way distanced dances with other shoppers. Saw a sign saying I could only have 4 lemons but I only wanted one anyway. Got to the end of the one was system a proceeded to checkout.
Lucky me! No queue again!
One of the staff members was filling the wine fridge. This is very important for the happiness of lockdown for many,so waited for him to finish (2m away). I proceeded towards till after he'd moved on. A lady was at the till (safely hidden behind her new screen). Also another member of staff nearby (assumed she was sorting baskets or stocking in area).
One of the said I needed to queue behind the line...I know...but there isn’t a queue? I’m confused now. Everyone knows you queue behind the lines but there is no one at the till. It’s me she’s waiting for? Isn’t it?
Anyway I do as I’m told and then I start to realise that the other girl, in her staff uniform is shopping. She’s gone away from the till to get something nearby but she’s not working and she’s shopping....the penny drops. She mentioned letting people in to the shop too so hence waiting behind the line. I have two thoughts about this...I saw tumbleweed as I crossed the usually busy road so where did a queue spring from so fast? Secondly, Oh My God! Was I supposed to be waiting outside too when I’d just strolled in?
But then what happened?
Whilst thinking this I noticed the sign or should I say signs... 3 of them, two next to each other, hidden by the man putting the wine in fridge and one perpendicular to my body at shoulder height...not sure who thought that would be spotted. Clearly saying to wait until called forward etc etc. I can't remember all of it, the font was small so a lot to read. But essentially I think all 3 signs read the same or at least had a very similar message. Once I’d spotted them and stood for a couple of minutes to scan read them all. If there hadn’t been a queue at the start there would be now.
So whilst I’ve been mulling the event over I thought back to this HSE article I linked to earlier in the day. Subsequently, for the first time I realised that size really matters! It’s been researched and no doubt proved, what size a sign (of text) needs to be for people to see. This is it at a given distance and in certain conditions (with smoke in the air, in the event of a fire).
Printed black on A4 paper with small font does not stand out in many places. But in a shop full of goodies you have no chance. I remind you this was just past the wine fridge too with all of those enticing labels to see instead. I’m not tall by any means, but shoulder height at a 90 degree angle to my eyes won’t be ideal for most either.
Too much of a good thing - Size matters
So you can’t have too much of a good thing....wrong! I sell signs...and selling signs pays my bills.
- If you have an important message, say it clearly! Don’t dilute it!
People are looking at things they need to buy or just generally minding their own business, daydreaming even. One well placed, bold, clear, brightly coloured sign with large (limited) writing is your best chance of being seen and adhered to.
Oh and just because you always put your coffee board outside in normal circumstances you probably don’t need to now. It’s not the most important message you need people to see. If you simply must, at least make sure the others are clearer or better placed.
So as you can see, there is such thing as too much of a good thing - Size matters
There is some advice available here if you want any more ideas on better solutions in these trying times.
Disclaimer: I’m that annoying person that shoots the breeze with the checkout staff. I generally try to make their day better. Every time I shop I tell them what an amazing job they have been doing. Regularly we've had a laugh with multiple people at a distance discussing the merit of getting the Creme Eggs whilst we still can and on sale too! Why would you not?!
