Ahh, the wonderful world of retail. Everyone shops but not everyone is on the other side of things. I get it that some people are trying to be helpful or really just not thinking at all instead of trying to be annoying, but people are annoying nonetheless. Here are just 14 annoying things that I hope none of you ever do again to save workers' sanity.
1. Messing up a display right after we fixed it
IF YOU WATCHED ME JUST FOLD 100 T-SHIRTS DO NOT MESS UP A SINGLE SHIRT. If you need help finding a size PLEASE just ask. I put my hands on every shirt so I promise I know exactly where it is.
2. Bringing two of the same item to the register because you didn't see a tag
I really appreciate that you're trying to be nice but all you did was create more work. All shirts have a tag on the inside (you know, the itchy one) that we can use when ringing out. If you bring a second shirt then we have to put that back. While one item seems insignificant, when 30 customers do it that's 30 more items we have to put away.
3. Complaining about other employees
Unless you have a legitimate complaint about an employee that warrants disciplinary action, stop complaining about my coworkers. If you think you're being followed, there is definitely a reason, if they took too long to find something for you, chances are another customer just like you stopped them along the way. All you're doing is putting me in an uncomfortable situation.
4. Asking for a manager when you don't get an answer you want
Unless we call for a manager, I promise they're not needed. My manager is not going to tell you anything different than I just said so you are just wasting everyone's time.
5. Talking on the phone while at the register (or not talking at all)
Seriously, it's rude. I don't mind the chit-chat, if I did then I wouldn't work in retail. Especially if you have a huge check-out stay off the phone and don't stand there silently. It's pretty awkward.
6. Letting your children run wild
I'm not a babysitter and you're disrupting other people's days. Kids pull things off of shelves and just create a bigger mess. One time, I watched a little boy bounce a superball and it literally knocked a light out. Not cool.
7. Getting mad at me when your credit card gets declined
It's really not my fault. Maybe watch your spending? It's also not my fault when your store card gets closed because of inactivity. Either become more responsible with your credit or don't have a card at all.
8. Returning things past the allowed date or without a receipt
Please mind the return policy when making purchases. Most policies are right on the receipts. It's not my problem that you let it sit in your car for two months and now you can't get all your money back. Again, responsibility.
9. Not understanding how coupons work
READ THE PIECE OF PAPER. All of the rules are outlined right there and if you can't figure out how it works then don't even try to use it.
10. Claiming something is on sale when it's not
Actually, Susan, I spent two hours before the store opened scanning every piece of girls clothing and putting sale signs up so, no, those shorts are not 50% off.
11. Throwing your money on the counter
My hand is right in front of you and yet you still chose to throw your money on the counter and make a mess. Thanks, 'preciate it.
12. Calling the store and asking us to find certain items
Try purchasing online- you are much more likely to find exactly what you want rather than trying to describe what you want over the phone. Or just drive to the store and look for yourself.
13. Asking if we can check in the back
If you ask for a size and we say we don't have it- that means we don't have it. If there's any chance it could be in the back then we will volunteer to look. When you ask us to stop what we're doing and go to the back you're taking us away from what we are actually supposed to be doing.
14. And finally, coming into the store at all
Okay, kind of a joke. But I wouldn't mind if we had a day with no customers at all. Y'all are stressful and sometimes we could use a day to breathe and catch up after dealing with the previous 13 things for God knows how long.
