Working retail can be one of the hardest jobs to have. We are constantly being yelled at over stupid stuff, and often do so much more than our customers realize. Sometimes, it shocks me to think that they forget we have a life outside of work just like them. And don't even get me started about being laughed at because, "I'm just a cashier!" But to all the customers out there, here is your necessary reminder.
1. We Don't Make The Store's Policies!
We don't make policies, but we will follow them. We don't set the limit of coupons we will accept. We don't set the age we must follow on tobacco and alcohol. They are store policies. We don't deny the sale of alcohol or tobacco without valid ID just because we want to. We won't lose our jobs for you, we will follow the policies. And I'm not afraid to call my manager over to explain that to you.
2. We Don't Control The Number Of Registers, Cashiers, Or When The Register Closes!
We can predict how busy the store is, but we can never be certain how busy it will actually be. We are sorry we are so busy and you don't think enough registers are open, but sometimes cashiers need trained. Some cashiers call in or are sick. Cashiers also need breaks. We can't always have every register open. Some registers break. And we shut them down for a reason when we do.
3. Yes...I'm Open!
Often, we are open when you ask this question. I don't know how many times a day we get asked this. If our light is on and our closed sign is not out, we are open indeed. But either way, we do get paid to stand there.
4. Bras Are Not Pockets!
Bras aren't pockets! I'm sorry, but we don't want to touch sweaty, gross money. It's bad enough sometimes already, but for it to come out of the bra is a totally different story. We will take the money because we have to, but we probably will put a whole lot of hand sanitizer on afterwards and in front of you. Often with a disgusted, grossed out face. Please carry your purse or wallet. Even some phone cases have wallets nowadays.
5. Talk To Us!
Please talk to us. We have to ring up your stuff anyways...you will be there for a moment. I don't know how many times we get ignored a day. It gets old. We are human as well, we deserve respect. Oh, and please stay off the phone. Talk to your cashier!
6. No...It's Not Free!
I don't think you understand how much we get this joke used on us. It's not funny the first time and we will probably hear it another 50 times before the end of the day. I wish we could give it to you free, but we both know we can't. So why even say anything?
7. The Customer Isn't Always Right!
We are sorry, but whoever came up with this policy has never worked retail. The customer is sometimes right, I will agree with that, but always? No one is always right. We are all human. We don't know everything. But go ahead and yell at the cashier because they tell you...you're not right. We hear some outrageous things the customer wants, and just because you think you are right doesn't make you right.
8. I'm Sorry...We Aren't Always Happy!
We get yelled at almost constantly. We have lives outside of work. We have emotions because we are human. We are sorry sometimes we aren't happy and sometimes it shows. We get stressed out and emotional just like everyone else. And it is way too hard to smile all the time.
9. Don't Disrespect My Co-Workers!
My co-workers have seen me stressed out, happy, sad, mad and every emotion in between. My co-workers really know how I get. They know when something is wrong, and they check on me to make sure I'm okay. My co-workers are there for me when I need them. We aren't just co-workers either...we are friends. A family away from home. So whatever you do, don't disrespect my co-workers!
