Sprint lays off all in-store greeters and hosts?

by Chris Ziegler posted Feb 13th 2009 at 5:40PM

We're hearing rumors today that Sprint has laid off greeters and hosts from its stores -- a likely scenario considering the company's ongoing financial struggles and the fact that Verizon appears to be making similar moves. By the same token, it'd seem like these cats would want to be ramping up in preparation for the Pre, not down, so this doesn't bode too well -- making room for more straight-up sales reps, perhaps?

[Thanks, anonymous tipster]

Filed under: Sprint

Tags: greeter, greeters, host, hosts, layoff, layoffs, sprint

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

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cocoviper @ Feb 13th 2009 5:51PM

This seems very unlikely given the renewed focus on customer service and the store experience...

I suppose anything is possible, but if I had to bet I would bet against it.

Highest Ranked

Jeff @ Feb 13th 2009 5:54PM

The greeters were not necessary...in fact, I personally thought they were annoying.

I hate to see anyone without work, they should have changed theese roles to sales roles.

Just my 2 cents.........

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phonjunkie31 @ Feb 13th 2009 6:15PM

this is a sad story and it really is sad when jason is standing there watching you walk out run get out of there friday the 13th

Highest Ranked

JK @ Feb 13th 2009 6:28PM

Good! What's more annoying than walking into a store, telling someone what your there for and then having them tell you to wait for someone to help you. Then explain all over again to another person. I would like to be greeted from the person who is going to help me! Greeters are a waste of time at all stores, Spend the resources training more efficient employees.

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hondamini @ Feb 13th 2009 6:36PM

I can confirm this; it happened nationwide this morning. Not too bad of a VSP, but I feel sorry for even more jobs eliminated.

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Alicia @ Feb 13th 2009 7:03PM

LOL, it's spot the Jason day! better than Waldo I suppose.

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Dan @ Feb 13th 2009 7:54PM

Yup. Our store let go of 4 host this morning. But the store also got approved to hire more retail consultants, and more techs.

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baddoctor @ Feb 13th 2009 8:40PM

Talking with one of the higher ups at Sprint, we learned also that Sprint's looking at going towards an Apple Genius type sign in system, where the greeter's job would have been obsolete anyway. Just sign in on a touch screen and when your time comes, it's announced in some way throughout the store. Kind of a cool concept if you like the feel of an Apple store.

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jrdjrdjrdjrd @ Feb 13th 2009 8:51PM

The Palm Pre.
Only From Sprint.
Only On The Now Network.
http://now.sprint.com/pre/?id9=SEM_Google_C_Sprint_Pre
Sprint. Is The New. Sprint. Is The New. Sprint. Is The New.

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Jamar @ Feb 15th 2009 5:12AM

So is Mr. Friday the 13th, according to the picture.

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Anonymous @ Feb 22nd 2009 12:14AM

I was one of those many store hosts. Perhaps the idea is more antiquated now, then say even five years ago. But the function of ourselves was to enter the needs of the guest into data, which would surface on the screen of the consultant once called, making it not necessary to repeat the info. A good store host, which is what I considered myself, was also quick, efficient and courteous especially with high levels of traffic. We could come in very handy during waiting processes, answering questions, heads-up on specials, even just basic chit-chat could help ease lack of immediate attention; and of course, listening....at least, tempers would be calmer by the time they were greeted by their problem-solving consultant. Because, so often, one can walk into a cell phone store and everyone is with customers; but the store host was one who could answer those phones, operate the name board, offer water or crayons (kids) and maintain phone displays, windexing of doors, glass cases, along with other clerical duties that could be managed at the host station. And of course, the "Ready Now" appointment program, which could be used for any purpose,really--an electronic system of scheduling a date and time for whatever reason the guest would want. And we could assist guests on those self-serve bill pay machines. I can't count the number of people who appreciated my help, by saving them 30 minutes of wait time.

I respect the opinions of those who felt we were actually disruptive or a waste of time, but in my mind we held our own in improving the customer experience, as has been documented. Most of use weren't cell phone sales experts, though many hosts have now moved up. There are some of us who excel at hospitality over sales; that's not a bad thing.....unfortunately, business is business. I remember how the greeter program was pushed when Jacobs Field in Cleveland opened in 1994. The jobs were simple; greet and exit greet. This, I'm sure helped lead to years of consecutive sell outs, along with good players in those days.

I wouldn't have done too well as a sales man at Sprint, given the pressures of quota. I wasn't there to take people's money. I was there to be helpful, period. The one truly human-relations position (as opposed to $$$$) is now gone, and I feel Sprint as a company is of lesser dimension without it.

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Miguel @ Feb 13th 2009 8:55PM

Actually, only the "Ready Now" sprint stores have greeters. I personally find them annoying.....Specially when all im doing is goin to pay ma bill or Get a Charger or Sumthin......If i got a question bout a Phone ill ask but i dont get how they assume you have no clue of anything when you you walk in the door...

Thats Why i try and do as much as possible over the Phone..

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