What Retail Workers Want You To Know | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

What Retail Workers Want You To Know

How to not be "that" customer.

15
What Retail Workers Want You To Know
Pinterest

We are the ones who work eight-hour shifts every day on our feet. We work every weekend, every holiday, pretty much every day and we get that it is our job to be there. We signed up for the eight-hour shifts and the holidays spent working. What we didn't sign up for is how most of us get treated every day by customers. Here's a few things us retail workers want you to know about how you can make our lives a little bit easier.

1. When we greet you, say something back. Anything.

There is nothing quite like asking a customer about their day and getting a dirty look in return. No really, we love it. (Can you feel my sarcasm?) We don't expect you to give us a minute by minute update on your life, sometimes even a simple "hello" or a smile will do. No one is too important or busy to smile.

2. Leave your bad day at the door.

We all have crappy days. There is absolutely no reason to take out your anger on a retail worker who is just doing their job. It's not our fault that the prices are too high, or that we don't have your size or that your coupon is expired.

3. Do not return clothes that you've already worn.

Some stores do not have the right to refuse an item if it has been worn but this doesn't change the fact that it's wrong. Not only is it pretty much stealing, as you get the benefit of the product and still get your money back, it's so gross and rude.

4. Hang your clothes back up in the fitting room.

It doesn't take that long and it's much nicer than leaving them in a pile on the floor for us to pick up.

5. If an associate has taken the time to help you, thank them.

There is nothing worse than spending hours with a customer to help them find the right outfit, only to find that they have left the store without a word.

6. Remember that we are human.

Sometimes we bring you the wrong size. Sometimes we forget the discount. Sometimes we accidentally give you the wrong change. We are human and we make mistakes. Try to have some grace.

7. Try not to leave a trail of destruction as you walk through the store.

Unfolding every shirt. Knocking pants off of hangers. Leaving half-eaten cookies on top of shelves. Can you like, not?

8. Try and be respectful of our time.

We can't open the store early for you because we still have a lot to do before the store is ready to be open. We don't want to stay an hour after closing, we have families and friends that we'd like to see too.

9. Give us the benefit of the doubt.

We don't always tell you something looks cute because we are trying to sell it to you. We aren't messing with the prices to get more money out of you. We aren't lying when we say there aren't any available coupons at the moment. We aren't greedy, money-hungry salesmen, so stop treating us like we are out to get you. We are retail workers who are trying to do our best at our job.


Here's the thing—we are there to make your shopping experience as painless and pleasant as we can. We love to help you find the perfect outfit for your engagement pictures or earrings that make your eyes sparkle. It makes it a whole lot easier for everyone involved when both parties are kind to each other.

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

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2191
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16817
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3586
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments