No Problem

Since when did those two words replace "You're welcome" as the accepted response to "Thank you"?

Now don't get me wrong. I am as guilty of using that response upon occasion as the next person, and do have to acknowledge that there are some instances where it may be appropriate. But overall, it really is a bad habit that we have and one of my pet peeves.

Where I particularly find this response bothersome is when I am shopping and the sales associate finishes ringing up my purchases and hands me my receipt, or when I dine out and settle my bill with the waitperson:

      Me: "Thank you"

      Sales Associate/Waitperson: "Oh, no problem."

Of course it is ‘no problem'! It is your job! 

I usually find that the younger person, the more common the NP response.

Perhaps as part of sales training, it might be a good idea to teach more appropriate responses such as, "You're welcome" or "Thank you for your business." It is the little things that count and go a long way to making a good impression and creating a return customer.

"No problem" is a little too casual -- ho-hum, it's what I do -- and somewhat implies to the customer that their business is not necessarliy appreciated. And if doing what they are supposed to do by ringing up my purchase is a problem, then that associate has chosen the wrong job.