Guess What? The Customer Is, In Fact, NOT Always Right
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Guess What? The Customer Is, In Fact, NOT Always Right

You actually don't know any better.

166
Guess What? The Customer Is, In Fact, NOT Always Right
Unsplash

"The customer is always right."

We grew up hearing this phrase, first as children, and then after getting our first jobs in retail or customer service. And while it sounds nice, the actual truth of the matter is, quite frankly, that whoever came up with that line must not have actually dealt with a customer in their life.

I hate to say it, but customers as a whole suck. I've worked in customer service for many years, and the entitlement they seem to feel really makes me grit my teeth in anger.

The truth is, things like the law and store policy upstage a customer's demand.

Many a time I have had customers scream at me because it was my fault we didn't have an item, a coupon had expired or some other demand that could have gotten me into trouble.

I personally believe that managers or supervisors should stop telling their employees to work by that policy. It likely will automatically pit the workers against the customers.

There have been times when I've seen certain regular customers and winced because I knew there would likely be drama starting.

Store rules and policy are stores rules and policy, just as the law is the law.

I'm sorry, but my job is more important to me than you getting an extra $3.00 off that one item.

Once, a woman was screaming at me for "stealing" from her when all I was trying to do was cash out her bottle deposits.

They have the option to either pay with them or cash them out, but she kept saying that I was "stealing" because I had taken the rest of them from her to turn them into cash.

During all this, she actually yelled, "The customer is always right!"

As if she knew my mind and my intentions.

Then, she went and reported me to my supervisors. I didn't get into trouble at all because they knew what I had been doing, but this is just an example of how customers think they know everything.

The retail workers are not the ones who make the store rules or write the laws dictating these rules. In fact, we likely know them better than you.

And believe me, we are not paid enough to fight with you or give you what you want and possibly get into trouble.

The waiter rule is the belief that you can tell one's true character by the way they treat waiters and service workers, and I think this applies to retail workers as well.

Don't be an asshole. Listen to us, because we have reasons for why we sometimes say no.

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

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53800
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
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
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

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

34633
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
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957055
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181736
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments