1. The “Can I speak to the manager” customer
At most retail facilities, they will always tell the employees about the sales and all the exclusions. This is done so that the employees can answer all the questions a customer has without having to get the manager involved. The managers have many other things to take care of around the store. Just because I get my manager does not mean that she or he will change the issue that you are having. Life isn’t all peaches and cream; things will not always go your way. Nine time out of ten my manager will tell you the same thing I just told you. Please save both of our times and take the information that I just gave you.
2. Updating/Flipping the store
I don’t even want to come into the store for regular hours. What makes you think I want to lock myself in the store with three other people from 9pm-3am breaking down the store and putting out new items? I could be doing so many other important things like um… SLEEPING!
3. When customers complain about the price.
Let’s get one thing straight- the sales associates do not make the prices. Let me state this again, THE SALES ASSOCIATES DO NOT MAKE THE PRICES. That is a “Customer Service” problem. If you want to tell me how our store is too expensive for you, I’m sorry, but there is nothing I can do about that. “The customer is always right” quote is not true, I don’t know who started that rumor, but 9 times out of 10 my managers WILL NOT lower the price because you decide to have a temper tantrum in the middle of the sales floor.
4. Explaining why something isn’t a part of the sale.
I feel like I do this more than actually helping customers who genuinely need it or appreciate it. No, the entire store is not 60% percent off. There is a hint at the bottom of that sign that states “Exclusions may apply”, and this is because exclusions do apply! Do not become upset with us when we tell you that an item is not a part of the store promotion.
5. Customers that say “they get paid to do that” after they wreck a nicely folded table display
Correction-I get paid to give great customer service and to provide you a great shopping experience that would help you associate happiness when you shop with us. At the end of your shopping experience, we would like for you to walk away with the idea that shopping with us is pleasant. Let me tell you something: if you want good service, show us good attitude.
Just ask any sales associate how we appreciate the polite customers more than the rude ones. You’d be surprised about how happy we get when people use their manners, and show their good sportsmanship when we say “No, that item is excluded from the sale.” Hopefully now you understand why working in retail can really be a bummer. We honestly get paid to tolerate yelling when things don’t go the customer’s way and to clean up their mess. It actually sounds like we are adult baby sitters. But you didn’t hear that from me *sips tea, pinky up*!