I just came home from yet another long day at work. After a few long shifts in a row, let me say that I'm exhausted, my feet ache from standing all day, and my head has this slight pounding in my left temple, most likely from dealing with stress for eight never-ending hours.
I am making my way to the couch, where I will be a potato for a little while, until I decide my bed will be a more suitable place to do nothing, because I am that tired.
I've worked retail for the past two years, and it has not been easy.
Don't get me wrong, I have reaped so many benefits from my job, and I am grateful for that. But, it is extremely difficult to work closely with all types of customers day in, and day out, especially when respect and understanding is not rightfully given to you when you are asked for help.
If I could tell you one thing that came from working retail for these past two years, it would be that it has taught me so much about people (maybe more than I would've liked to know).
People can be cruel, rude, mean, and downright dumb as doornails, and I have witnessed this all firsthand, far too many times to count. Now, I don't mean to group all people together, because I have gotten absolutely lovely customers in my store before, and they are like little rays of sunshine that I whole-heartedly appreciate. BUT, unfortunately, the bad experiences that I've had with people tend to stick with me more, sometimes.
And so, this list is for all customers that have never worked retail, or have forgotten what it's like. Here are ten things that all retail workers would like you to know, especially as the holidays roll around:
1. We do not own the company. We don't make the policies.
We don't make the prices, or the return policies. We don't make the products. We can't give you coupons that don't exist, and we are not in charge of reordering the product you want that we don't have in stock at the moment. We just work here, so don't give us a hard time for things we can't control.
2. We like our coworkers more than we like you, so don't complain to us about them.
As coworkers, we spend more time together than we do with our other friends and family. We get to know each other almost too well, and love each other in our own dysfunctional ways. So please, do not complain to me about one of them, because I will not reciprocate and I'll probably make fun of you when you leave.
3. If you are in a bad mood, don't come in. Or, leave your temper at the door.
I'm sorry that your kids are acting up, or that you got flat tire on your way here. But, that sounds like your problem and not mine. Do not take out your frustrations on me or my coworkers, because we didn't do anything to deserve it and are just trying to make it through our shifts in peace.
4. We will serve you in the best way we can, but if we are busy, be patient.
You being in a rush is not my problem, so don't rush me, especially if you ask for my help. Don't have an attitude with me just because you don't have enough time to shop. You shouldn't have come if that's the case.
5. There are such things as stupid questions. Don't ask them.
If I'm wearing a uniform, I work here. If I'm holding something heavy, with another customer, or fixing a shelf, then yes I'm busy. If you're going to ask if we have a product, you should know what you're looking for. And if we spend a lot of time explaining something to you, listen.
6. GET OFF YOUR PHONE.
This has got to be one of my biggest pet peeves. If you are asking for my help and attention, then you need to be listening, and you can't do that when you're having a conversation with someone else.
7. Put things back exactly where you got them from.
If you pick something up, and decide you don't want it, just put it right back. Do not carry it around and place it somewhere randomly in the store.
8. Have your payment ready at the register.
It's great if you have exact change. That's wonderful. We all understand the struggle of having too much change in our purses or wallets. But please, do not throw your bag down on the counter and be scrambling for every cent at the register. You are holding up the line.
9. Do not come in five minutes before we close.
We are trying to get the store clean so we can get home on time. You being in the store past our closing time keeps us from leaving when we are supposed to, and you're likely to make a mess of something we just fixed. Don't do it.
10. WE ARE PEOPLE, TOO!
You are not better than us in any way, shape, or form. Though we are employees, we are not lesser; we are equals, and should be treated with mutual respect. We have good days and bad days. We have lives outside of work, we have troubles, we have families, and other obligations. We are not perfect, and you are not our main concern.
