Shopping retail isn't that fun, but working retail can be even less fun. If you have a bad experience while shopping retail, it can be easy to unload on employees and berate them mostly for things out of their control. Unfortunately, if a bunch of people do that at once, it can make a shift nearly unbearable. While I strive to be as kind and as helpful as I possibly can while helping customers, there are some things I wish I could remind customers who walk into my store.
1. I really do not have control over much of anything.
Since I work at a women's clothing store, I often get questions and criticism about clothing. "Why is it so expensive? Why do they cut the shirt this way? What color does this even go with? Why don't you have __?" As a lowly part-time associate, I can assure you that I have no control over any of these things and would much rather it be cheaper, a more traditional fabric cut, and whatever color you most need it to be. I really can't answer any of these questions and I cannot do much to change them, even if I got my manager.
2. I can't ignore store policy.
I know you forgot about returning that bra that didn't fit, and I know you still have your receipt. But I cannot return this because it's from February. Of last year. I totally understand the feeling, I have forgotten to return things too and it's a super annoying feeling. But I can't just do 'favors' for you. It would get me into a lot of hot water, in some cases not just with my manager but with corporate, and I need this job. Also, it is ultimately your responsibility, and sometimes I wish that customers would consider that.
3. I'm not stealing your phone number/address/SS number.
My store requires me to have a phone number for purchases and returns, and especially returns. I don't like asking your phone number, and I certainly don't care what it is. I only care when people try to scam our store. Please, please do not berate associates for asking for these kinds of things. There are sadly bad people in the world and in order for us to keep providing clothes, we have to take some measure to keep track of who's buying and returning what. We have rewards credit cards in our store, and every credit card requires a social security number. Please do not assume I'm trying to take it without a really good reason.
4. I can't make things appear or make the computer do something it won't do.
Often sizes sell out pretty quickly, and we end up with a couple of things that can be only one size. Again, this happens to me all the time at the store I work at and other stores, so I know how frustrating it can be. However, I would never hide that we have your size or pretend like we don't have something in the back. I want you to be able to buy what you like, and I don't want you to leave empty-handed when you were hoping to get something. We really don't have much overstock in the back because we want to keep as much available for you to look at as possible. I, as an associate also have limited ways of looking up things that are in the warehouse and cannot search for things in many ways at all. I really wish I could though because I could make a bunch more people satisfied customers.
5. We are people too.
If you say something awful to me, it will actually hurt. If you belittle me or treat me badly, I will react in some way. I won't be professional, but it is extremely difficult to work with customers all day who are rude. While there are definitely store associates out there who are mean and unhelpful, don't let that be your mindset. It is so rewarding to work with customers who treat me fairly and it makes it easier for me to help you.
