A list of things all grocery associates wish their customers understood:
Don't tamper with products
You drinking mouthwash or licking ice cream and putting it back on the shelf is not only disgusting and unsafe, but causes a lot of trouble for the store I work for, which directly impacts my job.
Be patient
I get it. Your time is more important than mine. Just remember that grocery associates are people too when you're yelling at us for not having your cereal in stock or have to wait a few minutes at the Deli.
Ask for help with items on the top shelf
Don't climb and knock half of the food down trying to get that "perfect" box of Pop Tarts.
Take responsibility for your kids
If your kid is one of those who will ram their mini-shopping cart into the display, then don't let them drive one. And if they do hit the display, please tell someone rather than just walking away.
If you decide you don't want something, give it to an associate
Don't change your mind about your ice cream and leave it in the cookie aisle. We won't find it in time and will have to throw it out.
"I'm sorry there isn't food on the Hot Bar."
We're required by law and health code to throw out food that has been sitting for four hours and sometimes don't have food ready to replace it.
If I tell you we're out of something, I'm telling the truth
Yes, I can go "look" in the cooler, but I can just save us both the time and effort and tell you now that I know we don't have any.
Please treat me as you'd want to be treated
I am just as much of a person a you are.
"Where is ________ located?"
I work in the bakery/deli/produce/??? department. I do not know where the product you are looking for is. There are signs above the aisles.
"I'm going to tell your Manager!"
This is usually preceded by a ridiculous request that is nearly impossible for an associate to fulfill.