Working at a grocery store can be one of the most frustrating things jobs to have. It’s not fun to stand in line all day but trust, we’re trying to get you out as fast as possible as well. I’ve had a woman come through my line before with a full cart, complain about the store’s customer service, and acted better than the people around her. I understand if you’ve had bad experiences at the store before, but let’s not start the day with “it’s terrible here, that’s why I do sh*t when I’m here.” This is just one of the many pleasant encounters I had with customers and I’ve come to realize there’s about nine different people you’re bound to encounter while shopping and/or checking at a grocery store.

1. Super Couponer

This is a person cuts coupons for two hours before they go to the store. They’ll have 20 different coupons, some expired, for products they're not buying some and they will cope an attitude when two $.50 coupons don’t ring up. What most people don’t realize is that, regardless of what the coupon says, every store has different policies that employees must abide by.

2. Store Encyclopedia

The person who reads every ad and will argue with you all day about the sales in the store. This is not limited to arguing about prices, but includes store policies. You’re the employee, but for some reason the customer will think he/she knows better. Sorry ma’am the customer is not always right, and we have rules to abide by so that we do not get into trouble of any kind. They probably know all of the managers because they always have an issue when they go into the store.

3. The Regular

You love it when this customer comes into the door. You know them by their first name and have heard about most of their family. This is the type of person you wish would come through your line the majority of the time. There is no small talk; just some jokes and an actual conversation instead of the robotic line “did you find everything okay?” They’ll brighten your day a little bit.

4. Scammer

They’ll use any means necessary in order to run off with money and/or product. These are the quiet customers that target newbies who know don’t know the store policies fully yet. They do their research and know all the loop holes on how to check out without needing an override or drawing any attention.

5. Thinks the cashier is a maid

This is the customer who will not lift a single finger. They’ll have over 50+ items in their cart on a busy day and will look at you awkwardly as you struggle to bag everything.

6. Doesn’t look at the Tag

It doesn’t take much to describe this customer. They’ll ask you the same question over and over again and they still won’t understand the answer. Most of the sales are associated with the rewards card, there is no use trying to get the item on sale if you do not intend on getting one. You’ll have to ask a courtesy clerk to price-check numerous items just to clarify with them and make sure there wasn’t a misprint. Most people will be shocked at the price of an item because they didn’t look at the tag.

7. The Family

Exhausted parents whose kids are running amok around the store. We don’t blame you, but could you at least tell your kid not to destroy the shelves. We understand it’s been a long day, but it still creates a tense atmosphere for both customers and employees.

8. In a Rush

They came in for a few items and need to leave as soon as they step into your line. You’ll feel slightly guilty when the customer in front of them takes twice the amount of the time to check out, as you witness the panic show in their eyes. You’ll try to check them out as fast as possible, but it still won’t be fast enough.

9. Rude

These people will ruin your day. Everyone has bad days, but they will be excessively rude and will take it out on you. They will probably be the most difficult customer you’ve had all day because they will complain about the store prices, ask you to take off numerous items, argue about the prices, and will feel the need to make unnecessary comments. Smile as they leave.

These are only a few different possible stereotypes that you can run into. Fortunately, these are not the only encounters that you’ll have. Most of the time it’s a quick transaction and small talk with customers.