If you've ever worked retail, you know it is a demanding job. We have to deal with shoppers who complain about our customer service. We don't always hate our jobs, but some of us have had horrible experiences with shoppers. While I wish I could post this list on top of every rack throughout the store, I still find comfort reading it on my phone in the back room after a tough shift.
1. Please treat us as equals.
We are just like you, I promise. Regular lives, drama, social events, the whole package. That's why we don't appreciate being looked down on simply because we work at the place you buy your jeans. We all need a way of making money, and just because our income comes from providing others a great shopping experience, it doesn't mean it isn't hard earned money. Respect is a two-way street.
2. Please don't throw the items around sloppily.
Nothing is worse than when you've cleaned up an entire table nicely, and someone dumps everything on the floor. We understand if you're looking for your size -- just don't trash the store while you're at it? Imagine someone doing that to your work space.
3. Please please PLEASE don't let our store be your child's playhouse.
Some stores don't have a food/drink policy. However, that doesn't mean children can throw their skittles all over the fitting rooms and climb up on our tables. Its a huge safety concern for everyone, and unfortunately we are not babysitters. That's why malls have play areas.
4. Please don't come in 10 minutes before the store is closing
We want to go home! It is not cool when you come in, and decide to stay forty minutes past store hours shopping. Respect the hours and know that they're in place for a reason. Some of us need our rest.
5. Please don't bring your bad attitude to us.
Everyone has bad days. That doesn't give you the right to take it out on people trying to help you.
6. Please don't fight with us over coupons
We didn't make the rules. If it says you can't buy it on clearance, you can't buy it on clearance. Expired coupons? They DON'T work. Forgot your coupon at home? No I do not have ones personally lying around waiting for you. And no, we will not make an exception for you no matter how touching your sob story is.
7. Please don't work us like dogs for nothing
It is rewarding to help someone, but if someone comes in asking for a stock check on 12 items, make us remove something off a mannequin, or call customer service and then walk out empty handed, that's asking for a lot. As an insider, we remember people who do that, and they are on our bad list.
8. Please don't threaten us
Its actually embarrassing for a customer to come in and tell us "Oh I'm never shopping here again" because honestly, we don't care. Like goodbye? We have plenty more customers. We are always willing to help you out, but threats to never come back aren't going to make us treat you like royalty. We can only do so much.
9. Please don't use fitting rooms for anything other than trying on clothes.
Couples, yes I'm talking to you. It is nasty. You can go take our other activities to your bedroom, not our fits. Please have some decency. Shops are meant to be family friendly.
10. Please wait your turn.
Whether in the checkout line, or asking a question, if an employee is preoccupied with another customer, we are not keen on you interrupting to draw our attention to your needs. One at a time. I know your mother taught you to wait.
