Working retail is a never ending cycle of both amusement and frustration due the customer-centered aspect that makes a business successful. Most days it's incredibly rewarding. Getting to help people and make recommendations about products is something I've developed a passion for; however, as much as I LOVE my customers, they try me.
I am a firm believer that certain people were put on this Earth to make sales associate's and customer service rep's jobs more difficult than necessary. For the most part, working with the public is an absolute joy and leaves me with an overwhelming sense of gratification when I am able to be of service to others. But there are always those few who leave me confused, angry, and exhausted after trying to work with them in the most beneficial way I know how.
For those who work retail, this universal list of annoyances is unfortunately encountered on a daily basis. For those who fit make this list a realistically brutal part of working retail, please chill.
1. When a customer gets mad that you don’t have the super specific thing they want
I’m sorry you drove an hour thinking we have this specific brand of skirt with the pleats. You probably should have called first before going out of your way to get angry with me over something I cannot control.
2. When a customer wants to pull EVERYTHING out to look for a specific color.
I get it, you like this particular shade of blue. I love specific shades of red, but please… like… stop making such a huge mess. I have to clean that up.
3. When a customer completely destroys the thing you just meticulously organized
Fabulous.
4. When a customer walks in mere minutes until closing
...to undertake in a seemingly full-fledged shopping spree across the store... and doesn't purchase anything...
5. Teenage girls who come in to take selfies and make a mess
Y’all need to just go away unless you actually want to be customers and buy something.
P.S.: Obnoxious laughing isn’t funny to anyone. Especially the people having to work.
6. When a customer gets mad about their product breaking… after they broke it.
Completely my fault, you're right.
7. Creepy men acting like you’re their personal entertainment
I get paid to work, not talk to you about your failing marriage and how much you enjoy frozen yogurt.
I get paid to work, not stand here and answer super personal questions for a total stranger.
I get paid to work, not be the receiver of your cringe-worthy pickup lines and uncomfortable flirting.
"Price check on Dave's wife. Price check on Dave's wife."
8. When a customer tries to bring an item back after you explicitly explain that you cannot do returns or refunds
It's posted in the store and I told you when you bought the expensive thing. It’s also right here on the receipt. Like, it’s literally RIGHT HERE.
9. When a customer wants a discount just because they want a discount
No student ID? No student discount.
No military ID? No military discount.
No customer rewards or discount card? No rewards or discounts.
No valid coupons? No coupon discounts.
No reason to be able to receive a discount? No discount.
Please stop being rude to me when you're not meeting the qualifications to ask for a hand-out.
10. When a customer treats you like their personal servant
I will help you all day long and answer any questions you may have because that’s my job and I love it. However, my job does not involve you getting to talk down to me and boss me around like your personal servant or pet. I am a retail worker, not a doormat. So, as easily as I can assist you, I can also ask you to leave.