I've been working with the general public for two years. During those past two years, I have noticed how bitter I have become when it comes to dealing with customers. Granted, I love my job and my coworkers at our local mini-market, but there are days when the customers leave me so mentally and physically exhausted that I debate not stepping foot back in that place ever again. Throughout my work experience, I have compiled a series of the most common, ridiculous phrases that reoccur from customers almost every time I am at work.
1. I say: Hello! How are you?
They say: I'll take a pack of Marlboro.
Firstly, I'd like to point out how many times the cashier needs to say hello in one shift. If I take the time to politely say hello to you, you should at least acknowledge that in some way, and then proceed with your request. If you are a customer who repeatedly ignores my hello, I'm going to start shooting dirty looks your way every time you walk into the store.
2. I say: Would you like to use debit or credit?
They say: Visa.
Honestly, if you do not know the difference between debit or credit, I question the bank that let you open an account with them. I cannot tell you how many times a week I encounter someone who does not know the difference between debit or credit, and that every major card company offers both services to their cardholders.
3. Our sign says: No public restrooms.
They say: Do you have a bathroom? I really, really have to go. It's an emergency.
Now, I am not an employee that is a complete stickler on this rule. If you're under 12 or a very pregnant woman, I will not hesitate to let you use our bathroom. However, the majority of people who come into the store and ask for the bathroom are people who are extremely sketchy and weird. One of the reasons our bathroom stays clean is because we don't let customers use it. Conveniently, for those who are blind and can't see our sign plastered on the front door, there's a Burger King right down the street.
4. I say: Your total is $15.72.
They say: Here, there's $16 there.
Whether this is said to help me out or not, it's a very slight annoyance. I can count. Thanks for the heads up, though.
5. I say: What can I get you today?
They say: I need a $2 Match 6.
Again, something so little adds up to one of the most annoying phrases I hear at my job. There's only one type of Match 6 ticket, which is in fact $2. You don't need to specify the money amount for this game, it's not the Powerball or Mega Millions where there are multiple ticket options.
6. I say: What can I get you today?
They say: A pack of Marlboro Reds and three packs of matches.
If you buy a pack of cigarettes or cigars, I have no problem giving you a pack of matches. But when you buy one thing and ask for literally a handful of matches, that's when I get irritated. Because matches are free to customers but not to my boss, we were asked to only provide as many packs of matches as items bought. Stop being cheap and buy yourself a lighter to avoid an argument with me. Thanks.
7. They say: All I want is this pint of iced tea for $0.50. Can you break a $100?
Probably 75% of the time, we are able to break a $100 bill. However, there are times when we do and then we are stressing for small bills the rest of the shift. So many people come in on a Friday, which is payday for a lot of people, and ask us for change. Just because we have a drawer full of money in front of us does not mean we have an endless amount of small bills. Running out of them is really troublesome.
8. They say: Can you throw this away for me?
Despite there being several trashcans throughout the store, there are two huge ones right outside the front door. These people would be lying if they said they didn't notice the ones outside. You can't walk the two extra feet to throw your trash away? Complete laziness.
9. They say: I'm sorry. I made a mess back there by the cappuccino/slushie machine.
Not sorry enough to clean it up, obviously. You must have missed the tray of napkins right next to the machines.
10. Our sign says: $10 minimum for credit card purchases.
They say: I know I'm only spending $3, but you're going to have to run it as credit because that's all I have.
Again, this is not something that I'm very strict about, but when you come up to the counter and do not even give me a choice in the matter, that's when I get mad. The least you could do is try to spend a close enough amount to $10, and then ask me nicely if I'll run it through as credit.
11. They say: I have a $1000 scratch off winner. Do you have enough in the drawer to pay me out right now?
First of all, slow down. That's not how the lottery works. If you win an amount like that, you're required to fill out a claim form. I can't just run it through the machine and hand you the money, which I probably don't even have on me right now.
12. They say: Did you already count up all the lottery tickets for the night?
I say: Yes.
They say: So I can't buy any?
I say: Nope, sorry.
They say: Like, not even a dollar one?
No!!! A dollar scratch off is still a scratch off, and I've counted it already. I think a great deal of people fail to realize that many employees are in college and have things they need to do outside of work. Just like you, when my shift is over, I'm ready to go home. Please don't hold me up any longer than necessary. Go somewhere else!
Although these phrases sound like nails on a chalkboard to me, there are plenty of customers who make my day every single time they walk into the store. I'm very grateful for my job and all of the people I get to work with on a daily basis. But let's be real...I cannot wait until the day when I never have to hear someone say any of these things ever again!
