I work in customer service but I'm not your punching bag
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

8 Helpful Tips For Someone  Who Doesn't Work In Customer Service

It really doesn't bother me that you're taking your business elsewhere

Maggie Mullooly
Jan 02, 2019
Temple University
352
8 Helpful Tips For Someone  Who Doesn't Work In Customer Service
https://pixabay.com/en/reception-woman-secretary-2507752/

I started working at Kmart when I was in tenth grade. It is now three years later, and I've moved from being a cashier to a Service Desk and Checkout Supervisor. That face you see when you walk into the store, the one you go to when you need a return handled, the girl who answers the phone and deals with the general bitchiness...that's me. I've worked at "The Desk" as we so lovingly call it, and it has shown me how much people really suck, and that's why I'm sharing with you some helpful tips that I've learned over the years.

1. Store Policy? Yeah.. I don't control that

Giphy

Kmart (or any major box store) is ran by a bunch of people above me who make rules that don't really make sense, but sadly I must follow them. I don't wake up every morning and think "Man, I'm really going to ruin this guys day today." Honestly, I really don't care that much, I'm just telling you what I have to.

2. But if I can bend a rule for you (without losing my job) I most likely will

Giphy

If you're nice to me, and don't cuss me out for every reason under the sun, I will try my best to help you. I really don't hate you, and I don't want you to be miserable. I know the return policy, and the points system like the back of my hand. If their is something I can do to help you, I do it.

3. Speaking of the point system.. 

Giphy

For those of you unfamiliar with Kmart, there is a reward system for members of the store. You earn points to use as money in the store, and as you can imagine it causes a lot of problems. Like most rules or sales, there are loopholes to everything. And because of that, customers can often lose points or feel scammed by the system. I'm here to tell you: We know the system sucks, and trust me, we understand why you get mad. And like I said, we try to help you. But we don't write the rules or determine how many points you have. Therefore, it is not our fault that you only have 36 cents instead of 11 dollars.

4. Like most things in life: Read the fine print

Giphy

That sale that seems great? It is. But only if you play by our rules and meet the requirements. Yeah, you will get that much back in points, but it won't be tomorrow. Think of the timing of the sale. If it's a month before Christmas, we are going to want you to come back and spend more money for Christmas, so those points are obviously going to come around Christmas. Both parties win, but you'd only catch that if you read the bottom line. Sorry

5. I answer the phone so much I have the greeting memorized in my sleep 

Giphy

All jobs require you to have a greeting when you answer the phone, so even when I'm answering my cell phone it takes so much out of me not to say " Hi thank you for calling you friendly Kmart, this is Maggie, how can I help you?"

6. I get yelled at..a lot

Giphy

So anything you're going to say to me, about literally anything, is probably not going to phase me. I've been called every name under the sun, and then some. I've been told "I need to go to school to learn how to speak" and "You're a *****". I understand you're mad and upset. But I'm only doing what I can. So, please don't waste the energy.

7. The lines and register problems? I can't control that

Giphy

I am sorry the lines are so long, and that we only have one register open. I really can't control it, and my cashiers are trying their best. And I know the registers keep crashing, but like most things, it's up to the higher ups to get new ones. And they haven't.

8. Just remember.. I'm human 

Giphy

I really do everything I can to help you. I'm not a monster, if I can help you or do something to make your trip a little better, I try my best to do. I don't get paid enough to make you miserable, please don't think I try to be horrible. So next time you want to yell at your customer service worker, think twice.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
17120
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
295072
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
91007
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
153362
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
64109
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments