This question is to young behind the counter workers like at Starbucks or a health club or something?

Question

At what age of the customer do you start calling them sir or ma'am? What is the earliest age? And what age is TOO early (like 15? 16?) to call someone sir or ma'am?

Answer 1

If they are spending money at the counter then they are entitled to be called sir or ma'am, after all they are still paying customers, they are part of the job security of the person behind the counter.

You just might make that little fellows day by addressing him as sir or the little lady as ma'am.

They may really get a kick out of it, and it really costs you nothing.

Answer 2

Best rule of thumb on this one is when you feel that they are older than you.

Answer 3

depends on how old they look.  I'd ma'am a 10 year old if they were really tall! lol  but obviously if they're little munchkins that can barely see over the counter and are obviously tween or lower it's too young.  i'd say high school age is the earliest age.  that's when i got my first ma'am.

Answer 4

You don't really have to call them Sir or Ma'am if you don't want to. Just treat them with respect.

I'm 18 and get called ma'am a lot. Just depends on the person or the rules of their employers'