1. "I can't get [insert item name here] for free?"
No I can't give that item to you for free. My entire job here is to sell you an item that fits your needs, but there's a catch; I have to sell it for the price listed on the tag. Sure, the product could be less expensive, but I, your salesperson, cannot change the price. Believe me, if I could sell you something cheaper or for free, I would. Also, in most retail establishments, the thing that you're planning on buying is a luxury item. I would be more apt to give you a necessity at a discounted price than a blouse, phone, bracelet, car, etc.
2. "I know that I talked to you the other day about buying this product, but I'll just let your coworker check me out."
A large majority of the time, retail employees build their paycheck through commission. We get a certain percentage from what our boss makes. Going to a different salesperson would be similar to paying your tip to a wait staff that didn't assist you table. If you have spent any amount of time discussing costs, products, and/ or services with one employee, then please return to that salesperson. This not only allows that employee to be paid for the brain power and effort exerted, but it also allows for the decrease in misunderstandings. Each sale is done case by case. Yes, the coworker is competent enough to ring you up and check you out, but the chance that something that you wanted being left out increases. By sticking with the salesperson that you originally talked to, you will have a better buying experience.
3. "I broke my [insert product name here]. Can I just get another one?"
The answer is yes and no. Yes you can receive a new product, but it's probably not going to happen the way you think. If you have insurance on said item then we have an easy solution. A lot of times, though, insurance isn't an option or the customer has opted out. Therefore, our only other solution is to sell you a new one.
4. "Give me your manager's number!"
You know the one; it's the middle-aged white woman with the "sonic-the-hedgehog" hair cut. No. If you have a question about how the store runs, then you can ask me. If that isn't good enough, then I will gladly give my manager your number, and they can call you. Please rest assured that the majority of us are properly trained, and the manager will just repeat back to you exactly what I said to begin with.
5. "Oh, you close in five minutes? Well, I came just in time!"
It seems like the customers who do this have never worked a job in their life. if the had then they would understand how it feels to have to stay late for that one customer. Full time for a retail employee means more than 40 hours a week, 8 to 5, Monday through Friday. We work long hours, stay open passed closing time, and work every single weekend to accommodate our customers' busy schedules. So, no, you did not come just in time; I know that the light still says open, but let us all just have some common courtesy. Chances are that we've already cleaned the store, restocked, and finished most of the closing tasks. Now, we will have to redo all of those tasks.
I don't make the rules for this company. An employee is hired to follow the rules and procedures that the company lays out before them, so I follow suit. I can't change the prices, I can't replace your broken product for free, and I definitely can't give you my manager's number. Even if you come in our store five minutes before closing, we will give you the same great service, but please be kind and just don't. I get it, when you go on that shopping spree, you feel like a million bucks; just remember that your salesperson is human too.
