Retail is not only a competitive business, but also a demanding one in which sales associates often must grind their teeth all to please a customer. Maintaining a pleasant demeanor, having a smile on your face while greeting anyone walking into the store, and putting up with ridiculous requests or questions often wears thin the patience that is mandatory for anyone who hopes to work in retail. Additionally, there is a push to sell, sell, sell, and if an associate cannot meet the demands or goals set by the store establishment, cut hours are often a penalty which can hurt someone just trying to make ends met. While retail workers go through a lot to make your experience better and easier, there are several things you can keep in mind to reciprocate the favor.

1. If you work at a clothing store, the majority of your paycheck goes toward buying the store’s merchandise.

An associate needs not only to attempt to sell a look, but also represent it. Many retail establishments require that employees wear the clothing sold there, and often our discounts only cut down the price so much. If a store does sales commission, it is very helpful when you let the employee working the register know who assisted you. Buying a few outfits just to be able to work can very well cost an entire paycheck, if not more depending on the brand and costs.

2. We loathe the fact that most customers assume “the back” is a huge archive of unlimited items in every size, color, and variation.

Contrary to popular belief, the back is not a warehouse-sized space housing every item and size imaginable. Nine times out of ten, every size of an item is already out, and the back is filled with shipments that still needs to be brought out onto the sales floor, but space is limited, or there are a finite number of sensors and hangers for all the items. We can endure the customer who asks if we have a size in back, but the one who insists we check or they will become a four-year-old throwing a temper tantrum when the size is out slowly kills us inside. The simple solution is to check online, where plus sizes are also available.

3. No, that is not from the clearance rack. We know.

Sorry, you wanted to get that on sale or clearance instead of the full listed price? We weren’t born yesterday, and we’re made to look out for anyone trying to pull a fast one on us. There’s plenty in clearance you may prefer instead.

4. We don’t like "presents" left in the store.

Old food, band aids, tissues, wrappers, diapers, and other items left in our store are not desired. We try to keep an orderly and clean place; we’d expect that you try and not treat it like a garbage lot.

5. The customer is not always right.

No, you are not omnipotent. We have bills to pay and people to please, so we will smile as you insult or threaten us. We cannot always lower a price or pull the right size and color out of thin air, so please excuse our human capabilities.

6. Our souls are secretly and thoroughly crushed when a customer undoes four hours worth of folding and setting in under 30 seconds.

You may be used to having a messy room with clothes all over, but most of our time is spent cleaning up after you when we’d rather help customers with questions or reach an item high on a wall. A small amount of consideration is all we request.

7. We see you putting the glasses and accessories in a bag.

We may not all have eyes in the back of our head, but we’re not blind. Asking you if you’d like us to hold something up front is the polite warning, while calling mall security is us giving you the just desserts. If you can’t afford it, look for a cheaper option.

8. You can tell us your life story after we’ve helped the dozen customers behind you.

We’re more than happy to converse with a pleasant customer about the weather, a holiday, a city event, or some other topic when we’re slow or if you’re a regular, but we’d prefer to get people through the register when we’re busy. Those behind you will also be thankful.

9. We ask if you need help and promote items or sales because it’s our job.

You may just need one item or are trying to get the biggest bang for your buck, but we are employed to sell items and tell you about that great deal going on. Are we trying to get you to buy more? Often, yes, but those deals can be pretty good. We will ask if you’re looking for anything today because we’re honestly trying to help. If you’re just browsing, let us know and we’ll help you when you next ask.

10. There is an opening and closing time.

Do not linger. You are not welcome once we’re supposed to close the doors. Cleaning the floors or windows, folding clothes, vacuuming, closing registers, and other tasks at the end of the night take time, and we cannot do that while people conveniently forget that they’ve stayed in the store after hours. We cannot force you to leave, but we’ll politely remind you if need be.

11. Everyone should work retail at least once in their life.

Few jobs will better teach you to respect, interact with, and fairly treat other people.