The purpose of this guide is to give cell phone users a little bit of knowledge concerning manners and etiquette when using their cell phones in public.  We live in an era that is punctuated by instant access to most people we know via cell phones.  There are however a few drawbacks to this fast access.  One particular area that is both difficult for the cell phone user and the by stander is when a person is out shopping.  Here are a few tips for all of us.

1.  In a discount store or grocery store it is okay to use your cell phone as long as you are talking in a low voice.  Other shoppers, in most cases, do not want to hear your conversation.  If you go to a particular area or person for assistance please end your cell phone conversation or at the very least put your call on hold.  If you are receiving assistance from someone and your phone rings try to silence your phone until they are finished helping you and then call the person back.  When you are in the checkout line it is best if you are not on the phone at all unless it is a self-check out line and no other humans are involved.

2.  At a specialty store where the salesperson or person working will greet you it is best to end your phone conversation before you enter the store.  Even if you already know what you want the person in this store has to ask if you need anything.  They probably will not go back to any task they were doing or start anything new until they are sure they have served your needs.  If you are on the phone they are most likely going to wait until you either give them a signal that you need something while you are on the phone which is awkward at best. Or they are going to wait until you are off the phone to assist you. 

3.  At a doctors office or other health care related office you should look around to make sure there is not a notice saying that use of cell phones will interfere with their equipment.  I know that sounds silly but if a cell phone can accidentally set off a bomb then it is conceivable that it could interfere with medical equipment.

If using the cell phone is okay in the office then you should use it in a quiet voice while in the waiting room and in the exam/therapy room.  If you are being seen by someone then you should not use your cell phone at all if possible. When the professional is in the room working directly with you you should not be on the cell phone and if at all possible your phone should be on vibrate or off.

4.  At  a hair salon, nail salon, or similar business the rule of thumb is that cell phone use is okay while you are waiting but typically not while you are being personally served.  If you have a conversation that just cannot wait (someone is sick, work emergency, personal emergency) then let the person waiting on you know this and go from there.

5.  At a restaurant a cell phone is only appropriate if you are eating alone.  If you are eating with others any phone calls should be ended before entering the restaurant.  If someone calls while you are dining either answer and tell them you will call back or let voice mail pick up and call them after the meal is over.  Remember that those cell phone calls will keep coming long after the company of good family and friends is gone.

I hope this is helpful. I know that we live in a time when everything is do it now!  I have been guilty of many of the above at one time or another without even realizing it.  I wrote this at the request of my husband who works in a customer service oriented business and is often left waiting while a customer is on his/her cell phone.  While the customer is usually right it would be great if the customer could use some courtesy to those that are waiting to assist them:)