20 Things Retail Workers Need You To Know
Start writing a post
Retail Stores

Dear Customers, Here Are 20 Things Retail Workers Need You To Know

We are not out to get you. Promise.

631
Dear Customers, Here Are 20 Things Retail Workers Need You To Know

The last few weeks I started working my first retail job at a local retail store. In the past, I have worked as a nanny, supervisor, and intern for Habitat for Humanity, but never directly retail. After only four weeks at this job, I feel like I've learned so much about how the system works, things that as a customer I had no idea about.

So, in the spirit of "sharing the wealth" (which is knowledge in this case) here are 20 things customers should know when shopping retail.

We don't know where every item in the store is off the top of our heads.

Prudence Earl // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/8F0I12ypHPA

It's perfectly okay to ask an employee for help when looking for an item, but don't be surprised if they too have difficulty finding it. Displays move constantly so it is impossible and pointless to commit all of them to mind.

We would much rather you hand us the items you don't want instead of throwing them anywhere in the store.

As a new employee, one of my main jobs is to go around the store and organize displays, put items away, etc. I'd never noticed it as a shopper, but people will throw any item they don't want wherever they want. It's not uncommon to find a pair of shoes under a display full of pants. Please, just do us both a favor and hand over the items you don't want. It's our job to put them away.

We know you don't like being asked, "Finding everything okay?" But it's literally our job.

BBH Singapore // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/Il4aIyNpzaM

Most retail places require that employees greet customers as they walk in and make sure they don't need assistance. It might seem annoying, but we are just doing our job.

We don't control the prices.

As employees, we don't control the prices or sales of items. So please, instead of getting angry with us, take it up with the company itself. We can't do anything.

Refunds are not always possible.

Blake Wisz // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/tE6th1h6Bfk

Please, please, please bring a receipt if you are returning anything. Also, be aware that some cases don't allow us to give you cash or credit, instead they require that you have store credit. It's not something we can control so getting angry with us won't help.

We can't take expired coupons. 

They have an expiration date for a reason. It's not something we can just override.

We know you probably don't want to sign up for a store credit card, but we have to ask.

Nathan Dumlao // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/lvWw_G8tKsk

This is one of those things that changes from place to place, but most of the time stores with credit cards require cashiers to ask each customer if they are interested.

Assuring us that we can "take our time" is truly a gift.

Chances are, everyone is doing more than one thing at a time. Please be kind and patient.

I can't just give you a discount.

Claudio Schwarz // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/zKT64MtVKQ0

Discounts require codes and authorizations. I can't just make one up just for you.

We aren't "happy to help" five minutes before closing. 

I think there's a misconception that the minute the store closes all the employees' clock out and go home. Spoiler alert: we don't. We spend extra time after closing arranging and organizing things, counting money, etc. So if you come in five minutes to closing and ruin our nicely organized tables, we will not be happy.

We don't really care if you want to shop somewhere else.

Sharon McCutcheon // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/-8a5eJ1-mmQ

There's the common threat of "I am never shopping here again" or "I can just shop somewhere else." The truth is, most retail workers don't work on commission, so we don't really care if you want to shop somewhere else. Especially if you are just downright rude.

If you have children, please watch them. Our store is not a playground.

Part of our training includes understanding the risks and liability the company is under when it comes to customers and accidents in the store. That being said, please don't let your kid climb the employee ladder, pull on shelves, or hide in racks. All of those are dangerous and honestly, we don't have time to pay attention to your children.

"In the back" means almost nothing.

Ruchindra Gunasekara // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/GK8x_XCcDZg

If you ask us to check in the back for something you can't find on the floor, chances are we will walk back, open the door, close the door, and tell you we don't have it. Why? Because there's really no such thing as "the back." We don't keep a plethora of items that are already on the floor in the back. Chances are, if you don't see it on the floor, then we don't have it.

Please PLEASE bring a receipt when you want to return an item.

I know I already included something about returns, but seriously people. Please bring a receipt. That way your return will only take two minutes instead of twenty.

Please read the signs carefully.

Siora Photography // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/XEwpKC3OSSM

"I understand that there was a 50% sign on the same table as the t-shirts, but our promotion is only for the shorts on the table." I know it can be confusing, but most of the signs tell you exactly what is on sale and what is not.

Don't ask the cashier where items on the floor are.

Especially if there's only one cashier, make sure to ask any questions about the location of items before going to the counter. The cashier doesn't know where everything in the store is nor can they leave to check something out for you. There are plenty of people on the sales floor that would be more than willing to help!

Also, we can spot shoplifters from a mile away.

Clem Onojeghuo // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/RLJnH4Mt9A0

When you are forced to greet everyone as you walk in, it's pretty easy to see when people are shoplifting.

More on discounts: We don't control them. 

I'm sorry that we don't have a student discount. I'm sorry that our senior discount is only on Tuesdays, but no. I cannot make an exception for you.

We don't know what size shirt your wife wears.

Mark Zamora // Unsplash https://unsplash.com/photos/GYXz60PMgA0

Of husband for that matter. The number of customers that come to the register with something and ask what size their spouse or partner would wear is astonishing. We have no idea how to size someone who isn't there. Also, we don't know how to size people in general! It's not part of the job training.

Finally, retail workers are not in charge of changing things within the store that make you angry.

In fact, any store-wide changes are WAY above the average retail worker's pay grade.

Overall, be kind to your retail workers. Chances are they are working as hard as they can to provide you with the best service possible. Retail is a multi-tasking job and requires a lot of focus and attention to detail. Please be patient.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

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

There have been many lessons learned.

70917
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
​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.

132495
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments