Miss Manners answered a question that runs rampant among workers who wear a name tag as part of a uniform. While this question is not always comfortable to ask, we are here to answer it. Name tags are a great tool for personal identification. People have been using them for many, many years in many, many circumstances. Retailers, restaurants, hotels and other consumer service providers continue to use them.
The question posed: “Is it presumptuous to start a personal conversation with a person who is wearing a name tag?”
Miss Manners gave the following answer:
Miss Manners: A name tag does not invite personal questions. A server’s name tag is not an invitation for friendship.
By Judith Martin, “Miss Manners” (Advice Columns, August 11, 2015)
DEAR MISS MANNERS:
Sometimes I see patrons in a store or restaurant peer at the service employee’s name tag and say something like, “Hello there . . . Tiffany . . . how are you today?” It always comes out with this forced conviviality, as if to say, “Look, everyone! I’m a good, egalitarian person treating the lowly server as a person. Isn’t that great of me?”
I think it actually says, “You have such a menial job that you’re forced to wear a stupid name tag, so I know your name and feel free to use it even though I don’t know you — but you don’t know my name because I’m a higher-class person and get to dress the way I want.”
I think name tags are just so you know whom to refer to if needed, as in, “I think Tiffany is our server. Could you ask her to bring the check?” Am I right to see this as presumptuous behavior?
GENTLE READER:
The presumption in the greeting you mention is not in using Tiffany’s name, but in asking the waitress how she is “doing,” a question about her mood or life that is not relevant to the business at hand.
Miss Manners has no objection to using a form of address that has been supplied by the addressee, even if, in this case, it may technically have been Tiffany’s boss who chose the form. She does wish the form supplied was more formal, as she agrees with you that first names in this context are an invitation to mistreatment.
So, in not so many words, remember what Miss Manners teaches about the etiquette of respecting someone’s personal boundaries. While it is nice to know your server’s name at a restaurant, be kind. Treat all those in service positions in the same manner in which you want to be treated. Name tags are a convenient way of remembering someone’s name. They are an identifier and as such, we should treat them with respect.
No matter your profession, we have a name tag that is suitable for your needs.
Most stores will let you try on a shirt or a pair of pants to make sure that the fit, color, size and shape are what you’re looking for. When you shop for towels, pots/pans and many other items, you can hold them and look at those too. But, how often do you get to try examples of name tags and other personal identification products?
Picture this: your boss opens a box of name badges that you ordered for a trade show or meeting. Your company’s logo isn’t the expected quality, nor is the name badge. Now, you probably won’t be fired and may not even get in trouble for it; it wasn’t your fault anyway. But, with Name Tag, Inc., you never have to be in the position of disappointing anyone when ordering any personal identification products. You never have to run the risk of hearing, “These don’t support the quality of our brand.”
We take out all the risk of buying personal identification products. Experience the high quality of our products by requesting samples of the products you choose. Example requests are for generic products showing the capabilities of our machines and processes. Your complimentary product package will arrive within three to four business days. While we do not offer the actual product without an order, we are more than happy to send something similar in nature so that you will be able to make the correct purchase when it comes time. Get peace of mind and just ask for a product example!
Just a couple of quick sample terms:
Products will not include any personalized information (your name, your logo, etc).
Color and material chips may be selected as part of the example packet.
These products do not count as a design proof. If you would like to purchase duplicates of the item sent to you then you must relay the specific design information to your customer service agent.
Any products sent may vary from those shown on the order form.
Once again, we’d like to say thank you to all of our customers by highlighting our most recent donation activities. We were contacted by Tiffany Antony of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Houston Youth Adult League. Antony is the DYA Regional Coordinator for the church. Here are some wonderful details about the organization and how we were able to help!
Tiffany Antony, DYA Regional Coordinator, said “(The church is) a new and upcoming diocese. The mission of the Diocesan Youth Apostolate is to unite all young people of the Diocese in response to the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ by encouraging the formation of a deep interior life that overflows into genuine service to the Church and to the world.”
If you could describe your organization in three words, what would they be?
“Passionate, United and Spiritual,” said Antony.
History of St. Joseph Catholic Church: In 1879, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament founded a school near (the church) site to serve Houston’s Sixth Ward. One year later, St. Joseph Parish was founded…to serve the school and surrounding community. This Romanesque Revival structure, designed by Patrick S. Rabbit and built in 1901, replaced the earlier sanctuary (that was) destroyed in the great hurricane of 1900.
Donation Products: Lanyards, Badge Holders and Inserts
Antony said, “We are hosting a leadership conference for all the youth in the Texas and Oklahoma region this summer. The donation will help St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Houston Youth Adult League to be able to provide an easy way for people attending our conferences to meet one another and get to know one another. The name badges will have also have cabin and group numbers so that people will know where to go.”
“(Coller Industries) has helped us to make our church events so much better and we are so excited and thankful for their generous donation. We are so so so eternally grateful for this donation! You have truly helped us out so much,” said Antony.
After starting from humble beginnings, Coller Industries Incorporated is proud to announce 20 years of being in personal identification business!
Coller Industries Incorporated started as a part-time retirement business in the Coller’s basement and quickly turned into a nationally recognized brand for personal identification products. From name tags and name plates to ribbons, lanyards and signs, Coller Industries is a one-stop-shop for all needs pertaining to these personalized products. With 20 years now in the industry, Coller Industries provides their customers with outstanding customer service and guaranteed products.
Find all of your identification needs:
Name tags for employees, volunteers or party goers
Reusable badges for high turn over positions or one time use needs
Cusotm ribbon rolls for decorations or wrapping (e.g., napkin wraps, centerpieces)
Lanyards for recognition or as a name tag or badge holder
Coller Industries Incorporated is a five time winner of the MWCN (Mountain West Capital Network) Utah 100. They are also a BBB (Better Business Bureau) Accredited Business and are part of the ARA (Awards and Recognition Association). We have been providing outstanding customer service since 1995.
We work hard at making sure our customers and employees are happy with our services and products. Our success rate is about 99.4%; meaning that our error rate is less than one percent. Coller Industries strives for this quality, and then shows that top quality really is attainable. Not many other companies can take pride in such a high quality rate.
A few words from our employees about 20 years:
Vance, Design Manager, “I have worked here for five years and I have enjoyed how close everyone is able to get because of how small the company is.”
Aimee, Customer Service Manager, “I’m not sure how long I’ve been here; it’s been around 13 years. I have enjoyed working with the Collers and watching the company grow. Being part of the history of Coller Industries is exciting. I enjoy the work I do and also appreciate being part of the process that helps us grow and expand our staff and product lines.”
Lydia, Receptionist, “I have worked here for seven years. I have enjoyed watching the company grow over the years and I am glad I can be a part of a wonderful company.”
Rod, Programmer, “I have worked here for the last four and a half years. What I have enjoyed most is the challenge the work has been and the people I have had the opportunity to work with. It is rare to have a company that values it employees and customers, as much as Coller Industries does. The owners and managers of the company regularly meet with the employees seeking their input on the issues and challenges we face. It is good to know that the work we do is noticed and valued.”
William, Machine Operator, “I have been here for almost nine years and the aspect I enjoy the most about my job is working with a team that helps and supports each other.”
Most people don’t randomly search for name tags. And, those who do search for name tags are looking specifically for the product that will best suit their needs. Whether at work or for another purpose (e.g., conferences or parties) name tags come in quite handy. So, what is the importance of wearing a name tag?
Let’s first answer: What is a name tag? A name tag is an identification tag or label worn on the outermost clothing as a means of showing someone’s name and affiliation. Name tags may be temporary, such as the iconic “My Name Is:” sticker, or permanent, such as a metal name tag worn at a retail store by the employees.
Why are name tags important?
The main usage of wearing a name tag is to provide a distinguishing feature to the wearer. These identifiers have become an important and vital part of many companies while allowing each employee to wear any required daily business style and still remain unique in their own aspect.
By wearing a name tag, you become more approachable. It’s all about friendliness and identity. Most people are cautious about strangers these days, but by donning a name tag, you provide an immediate breaking of the ice. By personalizing yourself, you benefit those around you in helping them remember who you are. Set the trend, and let those around you really know who you are!
Why should you WANT to wear a name tag?
Now on to the question of why one should WANT to wear a name tag. By wearing a name tag, you set yourself apart from those in close proximity. Each name tag can bear your name and title to help in this distinguishing. The point is that the wearer becomes unique by utilizing the simplicity of a name tag.
On a more technical note, name tags are used by many companies, such as restaurants and retailers, so that customers may identify an employee by name. Others use name tags for professional settings. These include universities, banks and other companies where employees typically do not wear uniforms.
There are many types of fasteners to go with your name tag. These include deluxe magnets, pins, swivel bulldog clips, double clutch fasteners, pocket clips and more. Deluxe magnets have become more popular for name tags because they do not puncture clothing with pins. Name tags can also be worn around the neck using a lanyard.
Is it necessary to wear a name tag?
“If everybody wears name tags, no more fighting, no more intolerance and no more disrespect.”
~Scott Ginsberg~
Name tags are part of many people’s daily lives. They are worn at department stores, restaurants and many other places in order to identify the wearer to the patrons of these establishments. Pulling from the definition of a name tag: it is an identification label worn as a means of showing your name and affiliation.
Scott Ginsberg has come up with a philosophy about wearing these name tags. “Everyone should wear name tags, all the time, everywhere, forever.” Scott is The Name Tag Guy. He is the only person in the world who wears a name tag 24-7. He has taken this simple idea and turned it into a business and his adventures have earned him recognition as “The World’s Foremost Expert on Name Tags.” Scott has written several books on approachability, marketing, branding, leadership, creativity and business strategy. He also speaks about these topics.
“A few years ago I gave a speech to a group of individuals with disabilities. I was terrified. I thought the message would go completely over their heads. And I assumed that their intelligence level would keep them from understanding me. I was wrong. They loved it. Best audience I’ve ever had. Afterward, a young man from the front row ran up to me with a huge smile on his face. And although his mental condition made it very difficult for him to speak, he placed his hand on my chest and said: ‘It’s not the name tag; it’s the heart behind it.’ Just because someone is broken doesn’t mean they can’t teach you.”
The Importance of Wearing A Name Tag
These special people taught Scott a great lesson and everyone else can learn the same. Name tags may be a standard in many places, but they are unique. They present you in a way that is very specific to you. No one else can take credit for you, except you. So, in answer to the original question, YES! It becomes necessary at a point in everyone’s life to wear a name tag.
Whether it is for professional or social reasons, name tags will always play an important role in your life. To quote Scott, “Through the basic unit of self disclosure, we reduce the social distance between each other. We don’t have to snap our fingers to get someone’s attention. We just say their name and start engaging. The name tag is a conversational entry point. It’s an interactional accelerator. Permission granted, socialization ensues and the lines of communication are sparked open.”
Customer Reviews
Why should you go to www.nametag.com for your name tag needs? Don’t just take our word for it; check out what our customers have to say about us!
Services:
Melissa W. said, “Requested a sample…sales rep incredibly friendly. Sample arrived in timely manner. Great product, great service!”
Anne Marrie P. said, “Used you guys in the past at companies that I have previously worked for. Great product, great service.”
Patrick C. said, “Your folks sent me the original proof very quickly. I requested some changes and the new proofs were available the next day! When I received the final product…it was just as I expected.”
Products:
Colleen P. said, “I have ordered the Mighty Badges from you many times and we have always been happy with them.”
Nancy B. said, “A co-worker ordered your magnetic name tags for use by our volunteers during an event held here in the City, and they were the perfect size! I would like all my staff who deal with the public to wear them. Clean and customizable. Just perfect!”
Brenda M. said, “I just reordered some name tags and in the small box we a 3 fold flier that had some products listed on it and it triggered my mind that I needed to order the whole office name plates.
Virginia M. said, “First website I found that had the simple ribbons I needed for name badges and a straightforward way of ordering the quantities that I required. You made it easy. Thank you.”
Website:
Khalilia S. said, “I enjoyed the fact that what I needed was right there and straight to the point. I didn’t need to guess about anything. Thank you.”
Miranda S. said, “Very easy to move through your website. Simple. Great selections. Tried many other sites, none had small quantities allowed.”
Lisa P. said, “I used your chat function for a question and it was great! Fast and efficient. Easy site, too!”
*All of these comments have been left through our customer service satisfaction survey.
Check us out for all of your personal identification needs, and to learn more about the importance of wearing a name tag.
