Since the young age of 16 I've been working with the public. Last year when I moved to Morehead I moved from fast food to retail-- when I tell you it's a whole different experience it definitely is. I literally hear the same questions over and over again. It's like when a child keeps asking you a question for like a week in a row, except this child is about 75% of the customers that come through. Here is a little list of things that retail workers hate hearing.
1. Is it in the back?
This one is the one that I hear the most.. Like what do you think the back is? Is it an infinite supply of each thing we have in the store? Do you think we just keep stock in the back in order to keep it from the general public? Although, I know some stores (Finish Line, Hibbetts, etc.) DO keep things in the back, most retail stores DO NOT.
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2. Coupons. Coupons. Coupons.
I really feel like there should be some sort of test when it comes to dispersing coupons: customers ALWAYS argue when it comes to coupons. I don't make the rules when it comes to coupons. I did not call corporate and tell them to set these rules and regulations when it comes to coupons. I can't help that the coupon won't work on the item you're trying to check out. I also get the occasional customers that have an expired coupon and still try to use it, even when I inform that it's no longer active. Do you think the rules just won't apply to you?
3. Customers banging on the door before we open or after we close.
This is an obvious one, but customers always bang on the doors while the doors are locked. Clearly, we aren't accepting customers at this time. Please come again, soon. We probably aren't going to open the doors just so you can feel like a VIP.
4. When we make the announcement 3 or more times and you still won't leave.
This is probably the rudest. When I make announcements I don't just do it to hear myself on the PA, I actually do it because we're closing. I have a life outside of my job, please don't be rude just because you got to the store too late.
5. Getting yelled at, because we ask about special offers.
My department store asks a lot of you, I'm not going to lie. We ask for your phone number, if you would like to sign up for a credit card, and also if you'd like free magazines. I understand that you probably could care less about of any of these items, but we HAVE to ask. We know you don't want those magazines, but it's still our job to ask.
Holiday shopping is coming up soon and I understand how crazy all the madness can get when it comes to retail shopping, but always remember that the retail workers are people just like you. Happy shopping!
