During our teenage years, many of us got jobs so we could start saving money. Some of us had jobs at retail stores as cashiers. While most of us don't mind working with people, there are those few customers that just like to make our day worse. Here are some reasons why I hate working in retail.
1. When customers won't get off their phone
I hate it when customers walk through the front door on their phone and continue to be on it well after I have completed their transaction. I understand I'm just a cashier, but it's a little rude to do that while I try to talk to you.
2. When customers demand that your take their 'coupon'
I have had my fair share of customers that want me to take their expired coupon or even a piece of paper that they claim to be a coupon. No, I cannot use it. It will make us, as a store, lose money. And yes, my manager will tell you the same exact thing that I just told you.
3. When customers can't remember what food they buy for their animal
This is rather specific to my store, but I cannot stand when customers don't remember what food they buy for their animal(s). If you can't remember what food you buy for Mr. Fluffybottom, then that just shows me that you could care less about your pet's health and nutrition.
4. When customers break something and leave it on the shelf
Nothing irritates me more than finding a broken product on a shelf when I'm stocking. Really? It's not that hard to bring it up to me and say that you broke it. You can even say that you found it broken. It makes my job easier when it is immediately brought to my attention than to find out about it 3 months later.
5. When customers bring a piece of a product to the cash register
Many times customers rip off a part of a label or even a piece of a product and bring it to the counter to buy. That's nice and all, but I have no idea what the product is. There is no barcode and there are probably other products in the store that look just like it. It makes life easier for you and me when I ring you up for the right product.
6. When customers shop past close
Please, continue to shop around the facility for half an hour past close just to buy a $2 product and then complain that the some of the lights have been turned off. We. Are. Closing. I would like to be on my way home just as much as you do. Maybe next time you should be a little more grateful that we didn't kick you out a minute before close.
7. When customers throw their method of payment at me
I have my hand outstretched towards you waiting for your payment and what do you do? Throw your coins, cash, or card on the counter. That's fine. Let me take my good old time making sure you have the right amount of cash because you definitely don't seem like you're in a hurry to finish this transaction.
8. When customers call me something other than my name
Do not, I repeat, do NOT call me honey, sweetheart, doll, cutie, princess, darling, or babe. (Yes, I have been called all of these). It's especially the older men that like to give me these nicknames. It's just plain weird. It makes me cringe even more if I notice a wedding band on their left ring finger. Please, just save the cute names for your wife, sir.
9. When customers tell me their life story when ordering a product
Yes, I will put in an order for a special dog food you want. No, I do not need to know that Sparky needs it because as a puppy, you went through several dog foods and visited the vet multiple times to find out that he has skin allergies and has stomach problems when he is fed almost any kind of protein. As much as I care about your dog, I also care about the line of people behind you that need to pay for their items and be on their way.
10. When customers complain about prices
Again, I'm just a cashier. I don't set the prices. I just sell the products. Complain about how the store down the road is $3 cheaper all you want. I will nod my head until you finally decide to purchase the 'expensive' product.
11. When customers don't talk to you
If I had a dollar for every time I greeted a customer and they didn't respond, I'd have enough money to quit my job. Believe it or not, it's a part of my job to have friendly conversations with you, the customer. Don't make this any more awkward for me than it has to and just go along with my small talk, please.
12. When customers assume that I'm stupid
This is probably the one that gets me the most. Numerous times have I been told I don't know what I'm talking about. Numerous time have I been told to fetch a man to answer your question because it's too difficult for a little gal like me. I have worked here for a little over 4 years. Not only have I graduated high school, but I am starting my third year in college. Just because I still look like a kid doesn't mean I can't answer your questions. Yes, there may be times when I may ask one of my coworkers for help, but you don't have to be rude about it. Oh, and once he's done helping you, you want him to ring you up because women obviously don't know how to use computers, right? Right...
Sometimes, those nasty customers really get to you. There are many days where I'll ask myself, is it still worth the paycheck? Luckily, there are those customers that actually treat me like a human. And, if there aren't that many customers in the store, they love having conversations with me. I'm also lucky to have the coworkers that I do. They are the friendliest and funniest people I know, and I wouldn't trade them for the world. I guess you can say I have a love-hate relationship with retail.
