Words or phrases that annoy you (even if you can't explain why) . . .

[Scepticalscribe]

IMO incorrect use of 're-seller'
I accept this just maybe an American thing, because it's not terminology we use in the UK in this context, but I've seen it a lot on this site, and most members on here are from the states, so that might explain it.

E.g. 'I just bought an XYZ from a re-seller'. So, you mean it's a used product? 'No, it is new'. Eh? So how is it from a re-seller? That implies the trader sells previously-sold goods, which are now being re-sold, hence they are a 're-seller'.
Surely the word you need is 'retailer', which no, is not the same.

Ah, yes, that irks me, also, and I agree with you, and I also find it confusing.

To me, a reseller just means a company who is not the manufacturer. You can buy Apple products at an Apple Store, or you can buy them at Amazon, Best Buy, John Lewis, etc. The non-Apple stores are resellers, or third party sellers. They had to buy the product from Apple (albeit at a discount) and they are re-selling it to you.

Across The Pond, our understanding of the term "reseller" is what @MajorFubar has written: A reseller is someone selling a used product; on the other hand, a shop, or store that sells the product - irrespective of whether they are a third party seller or not, - are the actual seller, the retailer, the vendor, and the law (such as the Sale of Goods Act) and consumer protection legislation takes this view and regards them - for legal purposes - as such.

 

[adrianlondon]

I'm British, and "reseller" doesn't confuse me.

Apple's UK website lists resellers. As an example, Selfridges calls its Apple department a "premium Apple reseller".

I suspect Apple doesn't loan (or give!) products to these stores, but sells them at a slight discount, and hence they are being re-sold. That would be my guess.

Maybe, as it's Apple and people like to stick to their vocabulary, it is am Americanism that is used in some retail contexts.

 

[Huntn]

Well, in that case, the customer shouldn't say "thank you" either. The employee is just doing their job, not a favor, right? As with many widely-used phrases in personal interaction, it's best not to take them too literally or overthink them 😉 What's far more annoying to me is when you say something to someone and they don't even respond at all!

No, when a customer says thank you, they are simply being courteous, that is voluntary. As part of the service industry the employee should promote a positive reason for the customer to return. My pleasure even as a cliche beats the hell out of No problem.

Every time I am told no problem when I order off a menu, I wonder are there usually problems here? Why verbalize that there is no problem with every customer you addres, better to think of a more positive reply imo. 🤔

 

[Huntn]

YES!!
Drives me nuts!
And I'm a millennial who I think are the worst offenders.
What I've heard (which I think is a coached replacement) is "my pleasure"
Refills water with pitcher, "Thank You", "My pleasure"
Not as bad as No Problem, but did they really get pleasure out of filling my water?

They got pleasure from serving the customer, even if they don’t mean it at least it sounds positive. My guess is this is well known among the people who rely on tips (because their employer pays them a pittance for their labor) that being on good terms with your customers makes a huge difference to their pockets.

 

[usagora]

No, when a customer says thank you, they are simply being courteous, that is voluntary. As part of the service industry the employee should promote a positive reason for the customer to return. My pleasure beats the hell out of No problem.

Every time I am told no problem when I order off a menu, I wonder are there usually problems here? Why verbalize that there is no problem with every customer you addres, better to think of a more positive reply imo. 🤔

But, again, the employee is simply doing their duty, so why should they be thanked? Anyway, we simply disagree on this. A lot of people in the service industry do indeed act like everything is a burden/problem, so I personally like the "no problem" response/attitude! Beats the hell out of a "uh-huh" or nothing at all. But let's be real--both "no problem" and "my pleasure" tend to be pat phrases anyway that most people are conditioned to say out of habit and don't think too deeply about.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

No, when a customer says thank you, they are simply being courteous, that is voluntary. As part of the service industry the employee should promote a positive reason for the customer to return. My pleasure even as a cliche beats the hell out of No problem.

Every time I am told no problem when I order off a menu, I wonder are there usually problems here? Why verbalize that there is no problem with every customer you addres, better to think of a more positive reply imo. 🤔

They got pleasure from serving the customer, even if they don’t mean it at least it sounds positive. My guess is this is well known among the people who rely on tips (because their employer pays them a pittance for their labor) that being on good terms with your customers makes a huge difference to their pockets.

The very best teacher I ever had at university used to thank his students at the conclusion of every lecture he delivered, a touch I always liked, - and it contributed to an excellent ambience, or atmosphere, - mutually respectful and courteous and pleasant - in his classes.

He was a superb public speaker and a brilliant historian who made you think and laugh and made you want to learn; if anything, his classes were always full, and it was a privilege and pleasure to study under him; for such an individual to thank his students - at the conclusion of every class - astonished me; it was we who ought to have thanked him, for such gifted teachers are rare.

When I started teaching, I followed the same practice to the initial astonishment of my students, who then came to smile, expecting it, and, appreciating the gesture, invariably returned it. Again, it contributed to a warm, pleasant and mutually respectful atmosphere in the classroom.

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

IMO incorrect use of 're-seller'
I accept this just maybe an American thing, because it's not terminology we use in the UK in this context, but I've seen it a lot on this site, and most members on here are from the states, so that might explain it.

E.g. 'I just bought an XYZ from a re-seller'. So, you mean it's a used product? 'No, it is new'. Eh? So how is it from a re-seller? That implies the trader sells previously-sold goods, which are now being re-sold, hence they are a 're-seller'.
Surely the word you need is 'retailer', which no, is not the same.

Ok, in Aus. reseller (no hyphen) simply means somebody who sells products they got from a distributor. It is synonymous with retailer but with the connotation that reseller is more for expensive goods (computers, cars, etc) while retailer is more for cheaper items (food, groceries, alcohol, etc).

 

[MajorFubar]

Ok, in Aus. reseller (no hyphen) simply means somebody who sells products they got from a distributor. It is synonymous with retailer but with the connotation that reseller is more for expensive goods (computers, cars, etc) while retailer is more for cheaper items (food, groceries, alcohol, etc).

In the UK we don't differentiate. The retailer is the retailer whether they're selling loose oranges or a 4K TV, and no matter where they got it from. A reseller sells used goods.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

In the UK we don't differentiate. The retailer is the retailer whether they're selling loose oranges or a 4K TV, and no matter where they got it from. A reseller sells used goods.

Exactly.

This is also my understanding of this word.

 

[mollyc]

Well just because the meaning is different for different countries, doesn't mean the American definition is invalid.

Apple specifically lists "Apple Authorized Resellers" as credible places to purchase Apple goods.

Apple Authorized U.S. Reseller Return and Refund Policy

www.apple.com

Samsung also lists Authorized Resellers:

Samsung Authorized Resellers | Samsung US

Samsung Authorized Resellers

www.samsung.com

Authorized Reseller Definition: 504 Samples | Law Insider

Sample Contracts and Business Agreements

www.lawinsider.com

 

[Huntn]

But, again, the employee is simply doing their duty, so why should they be thanked? Anyway, we simply disagree on this. A lot of people in the service industry do indeed act like everything is a burden/problem, so I personally like the "no problem" response/attitude! Beats the hell out of a "uh-huh" or nothing at all. But let's be real--both "no problem" and "my pleasure" tend to be pat phrases anyway that most people are conditioned to say out of habit and don't think too deeply about.

Nice chatting with you. To clarify my points:

• My pleasure, You’re welcome or No problem can be cliches or can be meant depending on the circumstance and the individual saying it. This is not central to my argument. However, I like helping others, so my typical repose to anyone telling me thank you would be, your welcome, my pleasure, or glad I could help. I reserve no problem as a neutral to slightly negative response.
• I’ve not made an argument that the customer is obligated or should thank the employee as a matter of routine, unless they want too. I’m saying that as a matter of curtesy I, and I think most people tend to thank others when handed an item purchased even if it is just their job. In some cases it is deserved for when a job is well done. The other day I thanked and tipped an Uber driver because we got to my destination without incident. This is my option to do so.
• Regarding human nature I think most employees appreciate a thank you versus silently being regarded as the customer takes the item out of their hands, or departs their company after being served/helped. This is human nature.
• As a routine, I do not see employees who act like they are being inconvenienced, or seem annoyed by being asked to do their job, unless they are basically unhappy in their job, overworked, or just having a bad day. This is not the norm.
• After working in the service industry for 30 years, I will tell you without a doubt that most people and employers expect a pleasant positive attitude from the employee. People who work for tips know this the most, have most to gain financially, and I cant’t remember a waiter telling me no problem in response to any exchange I have with them.

 

[Huntn]

IMO incorrect use of 're-seller'
I accept this just maybe an American thing, because it's not terminology we use in the UK in this context, but I've seen it a lot on this site, and most members on here are from the states, so that might explain it.

E.g. 'I just bought an XYZ from a re-seller'. So, you mean it's a used product? 'No, it is new'. Eh? So how is it from a re-seller? That implies the trader sells previously-sold goods, which are now being re-sold, hence they are a 're-seller'.
Surely the word you need is 'retailer', which no, is not the same.

Exactly.

This is also my understanding of this word.

I’ve not been following this conversation closely but for myself if I have it correctly, I don’t understand why an Apple store would be called a re-seller. My understanding is that they are all corporate owned, so wouldn’t this be the seller? Or am I confused about the argument?

With an authorized seller, in the States, someone like Best Buy or Costco, where the item is sold new, maybe you could call them re-sellers? What I don’t know is if Best Buy is actually buying Apple products as their own to be sold, and once they have them it is up to them to get rid of them or if unsold inventory can be returned to Apple for a refund?

 

[Huntn]

We are experiencing heavier than usual call volumes, please hold, we value your our time...

I'm going to call this a lie in many cases. For the most part, at least in my experience over the last 40 years, the USA has evolved from businesses having people answering their phones in a timely manner to the above. I'm sure there are variations of this, but my impression is that businesses are no longer properly staffed, they don't want to pay for employees to answer the phone, would rather have you hold, or you end up talking to someone in India, the Philippines or Asia where they are paid relatively less.

 

[rm5]

I'm going to call this a lie in many cases. For the most part, at least in my experience over the last 40 years, the USA has evolved from businesses having people answering their phones in a timely manner to the above.

Another reason why I wish I could've been alive 40 or more years ago... when representatives actually answered the phone rather than throwing you on hold, where you sit for half an hour listening to the worst music, and ads about the company's newest products and services that you could care less about. At least that's been my experience.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Another reason why I wish I could've been alive 40 or more years ago... when representatives actually answered the phone rather than throwing you on hold, where you sit for half an hour listening to the worst music, and ads about the company's newest products and services that you could care less about. At least that's been my experience.

Agreed.

Yes, that habit of placing uou on hold, sentenced to suffer a loop of witlessly cheerful ads interspersed with truly atrocious music is almost enough to make one homicidal by the time a real human actually designs to respond to you.

One way around this is to ask people for the number of their direct line when you do (finally) get to meet them, so that you can bypass the horror of being put on hold.

 

[Clix Pix]

What I hate even more than being put on hold by a cheery voice that informs me that all their "representatives are handling other calls; please stay on the line and your call will be answered in turn," is being confronted by a menu straightaway after placing a call, and then, after I've more-or-less waded my way through that, worse, instead of finally having reached a live person or at least being merely being put on hold with that atrocious music and such, at this point having some robotic voice instructing me to verbally state my name or the reason I am calling, etc...... ARGH!!

 

[usagora]

What I hate even more than being put on hold by a cheery voice that informs me that all their "representatives are handling other calls; please stay on the line and your call will be answered in turn," is being confronted by a menu straightaway after placing a call, and then, after I've more-or-less waded my way through that, worse, instead of finally having reached a live person or at least being merely being put on hold with that atrocious music and such, at this point having some robotic voice instructing me to verbally state my name or the reason I am calling, etc...... ARGH!!

Or how about after you've told your life story to the first rep and all the details of the issue you're having, then they say they're going to need to transfer you to a different person/department to escalate it, and when the next rep picks up, they've literally not been briefed about ANYTHING you just spent 20 minutes discussing with the first rep, so you have to start all over explaining 🤬

 

[Huntn]

Another reason why I wish I could've been alive 40 or more years ago... when representatives actually answered the phone rather than throwing you on hold, where you sit for half an hour listening to the worst music, and ads about the company's newest products and services that you could care less about. At least that's been my experience.

Agreed.

Yes, that habit of placing uou on hold, sentenced to suffer a loop of witlessly cheerful ads interspersed with truly atrocious music is almost enough to make one homicidal by the time a real human actually designs to respond to you.

One way around this is to ask people for the number of their direct line when you do (finally) get to meet them, so that you can bypass the horror of being put on hold.

The best situation for a long wait, other than having the phone answered, is to be offered a call back in xx minutes where you don’t lose your place in line. The caveat is that you will be available in XX minutes.

 

[SalisburySam]

“XX is our top priority!” Said by CEO after a major fail of their company’s TOP priority.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

They got pleasure from serving the customer, even if they don’t mean it at least it sounds positive. My guess is this is well known among the people who rely on tips (because their employer pays them a pittance for their labor) that being on good terms with your customers makes a huge difference to their pockets.

Well, even if they didn't get 'pleasure' from serving the customer, or making the customer's life better, they may have derived some degree of professional satisfaction from doing their job well.

Anyway, - outside the US, at least, - this is not a case of just relying on tips (for, Across The Pond, tips are an extra, a supplement, and are entirely discretionary, and are rarely found outside a small number of service industries, such as hospitality), but is also a matter of basic courtesy.

But, again, the employee is simply doing their duty, so why should they be thanked? Anyway, we simply disagree on this. A lot of people in the service industry do indeed act like everything is a burden/problem, so I personally like the "no problem" response/attitude! Beats the hell out of a "uh-huh" or nothing at all. But let's be real--both "no problem" and "my pleasure" tend to be pat phrases anyway that most people are conditioned to say out of habit and don't think too deeply about.

Thanking people for a service shows respect for them and for what they have done, that they are not just "servants", there to serve you merely because a transaction took place.

Well just because the meaning is different for different countries, doesn't mean the American definition is invalid.

Apple specifically lists "Apple Authorized Resellers" as credible places to purchase Apple goods.

Apple Authorized U.S. Reseller Return and Refund Policy

www.apple.com

Samsung also lists Authorized Resellers:

Samsung Authorized Resellers | Samsung US

Samsung Authorized Resellers

www.samsung.com

Authorized Reseller Definition: 504 Samples | Law Insider

Sample Contracts and Business Agreements

www.lawinsider.com

It is not at all invalid in the US, where it is clearly used extensively, and that specific use, which derived - and derives - from US commercial culture, may have extended to US owned businesses when they ply their trade abroad, aand, from there, may well seep into wider commercial use.

However, this is not how this term is understood - or used - in the UK, where the noun reseller carries, or comes with, rather different connnotations and a different meaning.

This difference can - and does - give rise to confusion when one first encounters a shop/store that announces that it is "An Authorised Apple Reseller."

 

[ThisBougieLife]

In some sense I think bad pronunciations bother me more than words. Some I've been noticing so frequently that I've all but given up on any hope that the correct pronunciation will "return".

Some examples of what I mean:

etc. being pronounced "excedra" - I question whether the people who say this even know what they are saying. It's just a sound they've heard others articulate and are attempting to imitate (poorly).
else being pronounced "elts" - This is so common that, at least in my circles, the pronunciation without the "t" is becoming non-standard.

Sort of off-topic, but I had to post this somewhere. Or elts.

 

[usagora]

In some sense I think bad pronunciations bother me more than words. Some I've been noticing so frequently that I've all but given up on any hope that the correct pronunciation will "return".

Some examples of what I mean:

etc. being pronounced "excedra" - I question whether the people who say this even know what they are saying. It's just a sound they've heard others articulate and are attempting to imitate (poorly).
else being pronounced "elts" - This is so common that, at least in my circles, the pronunciation without the "t" is becoming non-standard.

Sort of off-topic, but I had to post this somewhere. Or elts.

One that bothers me is the way some people pronounce "button" as "BUD-n" or "BUH-n" etc. instead of "BUT-n" Same with the word "mountain" and others.

 

[rm5]

One that bothers me is the way some people pronounce "button" as "BUD-n" or "BUH-n" etc. instead of "BUT-n" Same with the word "mountain" and others.

That’s a regional thing I think. I pronounce them like that. Although I understand how that’d be annoying

 

[Scepticalscribe]

*you meant, 'couldn't care less about'. And that's another increasingly-common modern misnomer that winds me up.

Oh, yes, yes, yes.

This really irks me, also.

 

[ThisBougieLife]

One that bothers me is the way some people pronounce "button" as "BUD-n" or "BUH-n" etc. instead of "BUT-n" Same with the word "mountain" and others.

Oh yes. I watch a lot of tech and audiophile videos, so the word "button" comes up a lot. One YouTuber I watch very clearly pronounces "button" as "buh-in". I would like to know what happened to the /t/! (I hear the same with "important" as "impor-int").