An Open Letter to Retail Customers
- Johnna
- Aug 14, 2015
- 3 min read
Dear customers:
I think I speak on behalf of the majority of the retail worker population when I discuss several issues we tend to have with you. Now granted, not all of you customers cause us extreme frustration, however, in the case of our part-time or even full-time retail positions, the bad outweigh the good. So I’ve compiled a letter.
1. Why do you carry around this sense of entitlement?
Again, this is not the case of every customer; however, I have come to find on more than one occasion in one shift alone, that the majority of people feel that they are entitled to treat us like slaves. And yes this happens! And when we as the retail personnel are unable to grant their every wish and command, we get extreme attitude that is beyond immature. So be respectful, please and thank you.
2. Sometimes when you try to rudely flag me down….
….I pretend like I did not see anything and keep walking. I am not a dog, so please do not whistle at me. Nor am I someone to snap your fingers at. A simple “hello” will do.
3. If I make eye contact with you, I may run away.
It’s nothing personal. I assume if you haven’t said something to me in that split second of eye contact, you don’t need me. So away I go.
4. No, we do not have glitter-crusted bonbons, nor do I know where you can find them.
I work at a craft store, so I don’t even know if glitter crusted bonbons exist, but I do know that I, and my other co-workers, get slightly frusterated when customers ask us the follow up question when they find out we do not have something: “Well, do you know where I can get it?” I have no idea! I’ve never even heard of half of the items we get asked about. So why would I know what other store would have it? Google it.
5. And no, we also do not have coupons in the store.
Maybe you should have prepared beforehand by checking the newspaper. Or, maybe bring the coupon up on your phone before you reach the checkout register, that way you don’t hold up my line and increase my growing frustrations.
6. I see you opening that package…
Don’t pretend that you can’t see me. And yes, I will watch you until you close it properly and put it back on the shelf. Or throw it on the floor and walk away like you are oh, so innocent. I’m always watching.
7. I’m 22, I should not be parenting your children.
Especially if your child is almost 19 years old and keeps hitting buttons on the credit card pin pad. Like seriously? I’ve also had experiencing in parenting some younger children as well; my favorite is when they are all hitting each with foam swords in the aisle and running so I have to tell them to stop running before they hurt an older individual (*cough* me *cough*). It’s the best kind of birth control, let me tell you.
8. Don’t wave things in my face….
…..I greatly enjoy when customers are told that we don’t think we have the item they are searching for because A) they usually don’t know the name and B) I cannot read minds. But then they eventually find what they are looking for and it is no where near close to what they were trying to describe to me, and then they have to wave the item in my face each time I pass them in the store as to prove that yes, I was wrong and they were right. Sorry, but sometimes the customer isn’t always right. Just saying.
9. If you are mean, I will enjoy telling you no.
It’s as simple as being a nice human. If you give attitude and are being rude, I’m not going to feel motivated to go out of my way to help you. However, if you are a sweetheart, I will go above and beyond to make things work for you. So be kind. Thanks.
10. JUST LET ME PEE IN PEACE!
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I go to use the restroom, and customers see me in there and begin asking questions. Give me like 2 hot seconds to myself, thank you! It’s incredibly rude for you to stare me down as I’m washing my hands and ask “Do you have this item?” or “Can you tell me how to get your coupon?”. This irks me so much, have some class people and let me pee in peace!
Sincerely,
Johnna
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