1. I've been awake since 4 am.
It's truck day, I'm exhausted, and I woke up at 4 am to come to this store and serve you. Please don't yell at me for things that aren't my fault.
2. It's cool for YOU that we now have extended hours, but it isn't so cool for us.
See: "I've been awake since 4 am." Half the people who work here live over a half an hour away. Having to be here at 7 and not being able to leave until 11 is horrific, especially as some of my coworkers are trying to have families. Please appreciate the fact that we are giving up time with the people we love to serve you. Yes, it's our job, and we get paid to do it, but we are not getting paid to be disrespected.
3. I don't know everything about the store, especially when I'm cashier.
I work once a week. I don't know the minutiae of every sale ad. I don't know why your digital coupons aren't working. I'm just a cashier; if you decide you don't want something after I've already scanned it we have to wait for a manager to come fix it. I don't know where everything in the store is. No, it's not my first day; this store changes constantly and a rarely get updated on the changes.
4. I legitimately care that you get quality service.
I may be tired and hungry and hurting from standing all day, but I do legitimately care that you receive quality service. Please don't make me regret working in retail just because you're having a bad day, or like making people feel like shit so you can feel better about yourself.
5. This job isn't my life.
I don't go into a hibernation chamber until I have to come into work again. My life is just as complicated and messy and stressful as yours, and yes, sometimes that carries over into my work. However, I promise to treat you with respect if you promise to return the favor, despite how stressed I am about something that has nothing to do with the store.
6. Our stocking containers HAVE to be on the sales floor.
There's literally no other place to put them. We're not trying to keep you from purchasing things. If you ask us, we are more than happy to move the containers for you. We are painfully aware of how difficult we are making your shopping experience. However, if you want items to be on the shelves so you can purchase them, you have to deal with it.
7. This job is stressful.
Please remember that I am a human being just like you. Don't treat me like shit just because I have to stand there and take it. I'm human; I make mistakes. I try not to, but it happens. My goal is to give you a good shopping experience while getting you out the door and back to your normal life as soon as possible. I'm not trying to ruin your day when I make a mistake.
