Walking into a retail store may be a magical experience for some. You may find exactly what you are looking for and maybe a little more. However, some issues may arise and some questions may be asked. As a customer service lead, cashier, and on the floor of the ladies department of a department store, I’ve made a list of helpful hints and reminders one should know before entering the store and throughout his/her shopping experience to avoid certain sticky situations.
1. Know What You Want
Yes, we all sometimes go into a store to kill time and look around, but for those of you who want to buy something, know what you want. A sales person may ask you if you need help with anything, please don’t say “I want a black shirt." We have thousands of black shirts in all different styles, sizes, and prices. Being specific about what you need, will allow workers to give you the best help.
2. Pay Attention to Store Hours
Do not walk into a store five minutes to close and expect to find a full outfit and accessories, and a baby shower gift. Also stores open at a specific time and will not open any earlier. As soon as the store opens its doors, employees will be willing to greet you. Being courteous of our store hours allows you to have ample amount of time to browse our racks, get assistance and check out. As much as you like leaving work on time, retail workers want to leave on time as well.
3. Read All Signs Carefully
The corporate side of the business knows how to capture your attention by putting what you want to see in the biggest font, however make sure to read the small print which may include exclusions and other information which may have to do with your purchase. Unfortunately, employees do not have any control over these signs so please don’t yell at them for exclusions.
4. Employees Don’t Create the Sales
Employees can only set up the sales that they are told to do. They can’t give any item a sale price unless it is called for. There is no need to yell at them when a brand new item isn’t on sale. That is something that can be shared to corporate, if you have a complaint.
5. Coupons are Always Available
Having a smart phone has its advantages because shoppers always have access to a website that offers coupons for applicable items. Do some research before going shopping so you know how what coupons will give you the best deal or ask the cashier what coupons available and I’m sure they will direct you. Employees want to save you money and are happy to do so. No, this doesn’t mean they can just create a 50% off coupon just for you but nice try.
6. Employees Have Mandatory Duties
Whether it’s following you around trying to make a sale or asking you if you want to open up a charge card, employees have to do this. They do not want to do it to purposely annoy you or make you uncomfortable, we have to or else we get in trouble, so thank you in advance for your patience.
7. Good Service Deserves to be Praised
If you have an excellent cashier who gives you coupons or a sales person who goes above and beyond looking for that specific dress for you, see if there is some way you can acknowledge that. Most retail stores have survey that can be filled out so that it can praise the employee and if not ask for a manager to share your thoughts to. Most stores only get complaints about something being wrong or misleading, so a nice praise is very refreshing.
8. Have Fun
Shopping is fun! If you walk into a store with a smile and a friendly attitude you will hopefully receive it back from the employees. Shopping is where you are able to take in the newest trends and colors for the season and search for the best shoes. Employees are not trying to make this a painful experience and hopefully nothing causes them to have a bad day at work either!
