I’ve worked in retail for three years and just recently left my retail job. I loved my co-workers, but honestly hated most of the customers. Now that I’m done and gone from retail, I finally get to unleash all those thoughts and feelings I’ve had for customers I had to bury under a smile for fear of losing my job.

Most retail customers are unbelievably rude. I’ve been referred to as “the help” before and after customers' leave the store a mess. They leave piles of clothes thrown all over the place and don’t care. They let their children knock over stands. How inconsiderate can you be? It’s literally not that hard to put your clothes back where you found them and politely talk to me. I promise you, you will not lose brain cells treating people nicely.

I do not have a magic wand and cannot see the future. I cannot make that item we ran out of appear and I cannot tell you when we are getting new ones. I also will not just gain these magic powers if you scream and yell at me. Get some common sense. “Why don’t you have anymore of this shirt?!” We sold out?! “Well I need them for tonight!” Sounds like a personal problem. If I can help you out, I will. But yelling at me and giving me attitude is going to get you no where.

I cannot stress this enough, I DO NOT MAKE THE PRICES! You can be mad at me all you for how expensive everything is, but I can do absolutely nothing about that. Sorry, things in the world cost money and sometimes it’s a lot of money, but I can’t do anything to change that. Don’t be shocked and yell at me for your total being $60 after two pairs of jeans and three sweaters. Look at the price tag in front of your face and estimate your total. It’s honestly very simple. No, we don’t have a coupon out right now and yes the sale percentage came off. Please stop harassing me for a lower price during your transaction because it just isn’t going to work. Your options are to pay the price or leave, simple as that.

Working in retail was so stressful and I couldn’t be happier that I left. I loved who I worked with, but not who I had to deal with at work. People treated me like I was beneath them and like I could magically just do whatever they wanted. It doesn’t work like that. Working retail taught me how to politely and professionally deal with those who were less than pleasant. It’s a great skill to have, but I went through a lot to develop it. I learned a lot of great things while working in retail, one of them being how to be a great retail customer. Retail employees are humans just like you and deserve to be treated with respect. So please, coming from an ex retail employee, be kind and understanding to the person behind the counter.