It's the time of year where gift giving happens around every corner in town. The glitter filled wrapping paper, the amazing baked goods and the glows of Christmas lights that can be seen from every neighborhood puts people in the Christmas mood. Almost everything is pleasing except going to the mall and having to deal with lines that have time check points. Being an employee for any kind of retail or food industy is its own form of hell on Earth during what is supposed to be a joyous time of year.
1. "I'm sorta in a rush so can you hurry please?"
By you telling me that you are in a rush doesn't make me go faster with my check out process. I may understand that you are in a hurry to pick Johnny up from the school bus or that you have a doctors appointment in the town 20 minutes from the store, but you should have planned this out better or decide not to wait in line for 10 minutes to get your small bag of candy.
2. Talking on the phone while we ring up purchases
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. Bluetooth headsets are the worst because you can be having a conversation with the customer and then you suddenly come to realize that they aren't actually talking to you. It's embarrassing and it's hard to keep good customer service when you don't even acknowledge the presence of a cashier.
3. Going into detail of your life story.
It's great entertainment when we hear stories that range from unfaithful partners, the latest PTA drama at the local schools and sometimes even the stupid mistakes other people make. This is a great break from the forced smiles and "Happy Holidays" we need to say but when we have a line of 15 other people wanting to get checked out and leave, give me the simple version or don't say anything at all.
4. "Can I get a discount on this item?"
Most stores will give discounts on items that are damaged or have stains in them but are you really going to ask when you have a stack of coupons in your hands, getting ready to use them? I'm sorry but I'm not going to call my manager up for a dollar off an item you are already getting 10 dollars off with your cupons. It's not worth the frustration or the time.
5. Tearing through all the clothes that you just cleaned.
It's 15 minutes before closing and you decided to come in, go full blown Christmas shopping and you make the section look like a clothes tornado just went through. While I know it is my job to hang stuff back on hangers and fold sweaters, I shouldn't have to do an entire section in 15 minutes. As much as I love the job, I want to get home as soon as I can because the cycle continues basically every day until December 26th.
6. The employees have families too.
While you are sitting around enjoying family time after your Thanksgiving feast, there are people who are scheduled that day to work and prepare for black Friday and the remaining six weeks before Christmas. Please take into account that the employees are working in order to give you an enjoyable gift giving season while they are making a living in order to have their own special holiday time. Please be considerate and wish your cashiers a Happy Holiday season!
