What do you want ‘ professionals’ to call you?

I think using no form of address is usually the safest option in a shop nowadays, Phoenix, though I don't dislike 'Madam' (or Sir) to such an extent that I would even think of complaining if someone addressed me that way. I just find it outdated.

The problem is that IMO it no longer seems appropriate for a young woman.
I doubt if any us would be likely to use it to address someone that we guessed was in their twenties, or even thirties, would we? Well I certainly wouldn't, anyway.
This means that the speaker has to make a decision based on how old someone looks to them, which can open up a whole can of worms. ?

A nice, polite, 'Good morning/afternoon/evening'. Can I help you?' is always a good start. Or even a friendly 'Hello' instead of the more formal greetings.

From people other than friends and relatives I would expect to be called Mrs. I'm not keen on the current vogue for informality.

It is not what I am called, it is the tone and expression of voice used to say it. If I get that patronising 'talking to an old lady voice' I may make it very clear that it is not acceptable.

Hear hear, Monica - spot on as usual!

Bijou - a belated very Happy Birthday! You often make me smile with your words of wisdom. ???

duly put on a board above my bed
Dottydots: Good idea, provided it's correct! Once, I was returned to my ward bed after an op. for acute pancreatitis and gall bladder removal and when I surfaced, noticed the board said "Neil O'Reilly"; Not me !; until told it actually said "Nil Orally! i.e. total starvation, for one week; standard post op. treatment! Mind you, my appetite wasn't what it used to be until fish-and-chips was back on the menu!

When my very prickly mother was admitted to hospital the nurse said, “Longname Longname Longname! What shall we call you?”
Mother replied,”You may call me Mrs Surname”

I don’t understand the objection to ‘madam’. Yes, it now has some dodgy connotations but, it is only on a par with calling a man ‘sir’.

I quite like being called by my first name; it makes me feel young!!!! Mind you call centre callers don't get away with it! I'm also quite happy to be called 'Mrs' too. However I find 'love', sweetheart etc rather patronising but I appreciate that it's just a habit for some people.

It is not what I am called, it is the tone and expression of voice used to say it. If I get that patronising 'talking to an old lady voice' I may make it very clear that it is not acceptable.

That is the problem with Madam.. it is always accompanied by that tone..

I got used to being called Madam when we lived abroad, just as Dh got used to being called Boss. Those are terms of respect in that particular culture. Our young Dd was called Miss or sometimes Princess.

I did draw the line at being called Mummy, though! That's another term of respect but as I already have four children, I felt really didn't want any more.

I have taken to writing my first name on those queer electronic writing pads that I am asked to sign for deliveries at the door. It's an enjoyable challenge to make a legible mark of any sort.

Just as a follow-up to the ‘madam’ thing, I was in church yesterday and an American visitor called me ‘madam’. It sounded polite and respectful.

I'd have liked that too Tweedle. During the war when I was a small girl a French officer enchantingly addressed me as "Mademoiselle".