I've worked as a cashier at Walgreens for the past two summers, and let me tell you, it's a struggle. It was my first job, and I was really excited to start working! That excitement, however, faded away. Since the Walgreens I worked at was only 10 minutes away from the beach, I endured the sassy tourists and coupon obsessed locals. I quickly found out that there were many phrases that just got under my skin.
1. Making a mess in the store
I understand that it is impossible to go to the beach without getting sandy; I really do! The tourists, however, seem to bring half the beach with them. We also carry potting soil and dirt gets everywhere. One time, there was a clear trail of dirt from the aisle to the register. It's really bad in the t-shirt section when customers ball up the shirt after looking at it.
2. Coming in 10 minutes before closing
There is a Food Lion next door with later hours, and Harris Teeter is open 24 hours in the summer. What do you desperately need from Walgreens at 9:53? Just go take a stroll across the street--I'm ready to go home.
3. Arguing about the store card
Food Lion has an MVP card, Harris Teeter has a VIC card and Walgreens has a Balance Rewards card. All sales require a balance rewards card, and the sales tags even say "with card." The customers, on the other hand, just see the sale price. When I tell the customer their final price for a case of water is $6.99 instead of the $3.99 sale price, things get ugly. They either try 20 different phone numbers to see if they have a card or huff and puff about signing up for a card. It's a painful process for everyone.
4. Revealing a bit too much
The whole "Hi! How are you?!" is part of my job. I'm not your therapist, I don't know why your girlfriend won't text you back, and I want to speed up this transaction! It can get really awkward when people describe their personal lives...
5. Saying, "If it doesn't scan, it's free!"
I'm not sure who came up with this ridiculous phrase, but it is not true. We can manually type in the barcode if we need to or try scanning another item. Just understand that you won't get it free under any circumstances.
6. Dragging out stories
Especially when I answer the phone. Customers love giving a good story on why they need a certain product. You can just ask me if we sell a certain product, and I will tell you yes or no. There is no need to explain why you need this certain type of food for your son's cousin's neighbor's chihuahua, Susan.
7. Stealing stupid things
I'll find a few empty boxes of some pool toys, which only cost around five dollars. Please don't do it... just don't.
8. Asking silly questions
Remember in elementary school when the teacher would insist there are no stupid questions? Well, there are. My favorite one is "Where's the ATM" when it is two feet away from them, next to the front door.
9. Rude comments
I understand you're in a rush and all, but please be respectful. We are here to help you, but it would be great if you could drop the sass. Most of the time, we just make fun of what you said after you leave, so who's the real loser?
10. Coupons
If they are expired, we can't accept them. If they are meant for another item, we can't accept them--end of story. There's a ton of repeat offenders who try to work the system, and it gets very annoying.
11. Asking questions when it's quitting time
If I'm holding my keys and lunch box, and I'm booking it for the door, please don't ask me where something is. There's a bunch of other employees who will be happy to help you, but I'm off the clock and ready for a nap.
12. Not returning the carts
It only takes about 10 steps and 15 seconds of your time. How can you not have time to return a cart, but have enough time to make a mess in the clearance section?
13. Talk on the phone at the register
Please hit reject or let another customer go before you. I need to ask you a couple of questions before you leave, and it would make things easier if I was the only person you were talking to.
