If you’ve ever worked in a store, you know that some of the world’s most frustrating people walk through your doors. You’ve probably said, “I don’t get paid enough for this!” more than you’ve said the store’s cheesy greeting. Yet, you stay there because those discounts on your favorite outfits outweigh the daily frustrations.
1. When a customer messes up a pile of clothes that you just folded.
Specifically right after you asked, “Can I help you find a size?” “No, I got it, sweetie," they reply as they continue to destroy your pile of t-shirts like Godzilla did Japan. It really is my pleasure to grab a size for you to avoid this from happening.
2. “What do you mean you’re out of my size?”
Believe it or not, we don’t have an endless supply of size 5 jeans in the back. Check back in a week or so.
3. The customers who are appalled that they have to wait in line.
There are three times lines will be long in stores: Tax Free Weekend, Black Friday, and Military payday. If long lines are not for you, do what I do and just shop online. No lines and shopping in your pajamas? That is the real American Dream.
4. The customers who try to tell you how to do your job.
Thank you for your unsolicited advice, but I have full faith in my manager’s judgement to hire me. However, feel free to help me space these hangers since you know the store so well.
5. The customers who come in to return an item with no receipts or tags.
True story: While working at a store in the mall, I had a lady try to return jeans that were at least five years old (based on the fact the store had rebranded) because the stitching was “defective.” The jeans reeked of smoke and showed years of being worn. She still swore that it was our fault the jeans had ripped. You all know what she said after I told her that I could not accept them …
6. “I want to speak to your manager!”
OK, but she’ll tell you exactly what I just did.
7. The customers who come in 15 minutes before closing.
It’s not like we haven’t been open since 9 a.m. or anything. Yes, take your time in the clearance section. I don’t have a dog I need to go home to.
8. The eager card swiper.
Slow your roll, buddy. Don’t you want your total first?
9. “Wait! I thought that was on sale!”
If you give me a chance, I will let you know that all discounts will be applied at the end.
10. “Where’s your clearance?”
We all have those customers who come to the store strictly for the sales and discounts. As a college student with overpriced tuition to pay, those are my type of customers.
11. The customers who are unnecessarily rude.
I asked for your email, not your social security number.
12. The sweet customers that make working in retail a joy.
Getting a genuine thank you from helping a dad who is freaking out about picking the right necklace for his preteen daughter or the young woman worrying about not looking nice for her high school reunion make working retail not so bad.
Working retail definitely makes you want to pull your hair out and scream, but those discounts make you jump for joy. Besides, those late night trips to Taco Bell aren’t gonna pay for themselves. Always remember: be nice to those sales associates. Kindness goes a long way, sometimes in the form of coupons.
