Don't Be That Customer
If you've worked in any customer-facing position before, you'll understand the struggle of retail work. From dealing with impatient, entitled customers to cleaning up after messes, this job isn't for the faint of heart. It requires a consistent smile and gentle tone, no matter who you're dealing with! So if you want to make sure you're not one of those shoppers giving retail workers a hard time, here are 20 things they hate that shoppers do, so you can be careful to avoid them.
1. Leaving Things On The Floor
Whether a shirt fell off the hanger and landed on the floor or you decided to leave an unwanted item in the middle of the store, retail workers hate messy customers. Not only does it potentially dirty the good, but it takes little to no effort to return something to a better spot.
2. Mess Up Displays
You think those beautiful front-store displays just made themselves? No, retail workers spend a lot of time putting together well-crafted displays that wonderfully showcase clothes or items sold in the store. It's highly disrespectful if you purposefully make a mess of their efforts.
3. Hanging Up Clothes Poorly
When customers poorly hang up clothes after taking them off the rack, all they're doing is making a visual mess or worse, ruining the clothes. From snagging the fabric to stretching out the neckline, you're just wasting a perfectly good product! No one's going to want to buy it now.
4. Putting Things Back In The Wrong Places
Retail workers shouldn't have to play "Where's Waldo?" with their store goods. It doesn't take much effort on your part to return something where you found it, so do it. It's not just a simple ask, but workers will always appreciate those who make their job just a bit easier.
5. Changing Your Mind At The Register
It's not an issue if you change your mind on something you want to buy, but continuously flip-flopping at the register or taking too long to make your decision can start to get irritating. If you're building a long line-up behind you, you're setting up the worker to some very angry customers.
6. Not Folding Clothes
Yes, we know it's the retail worker's job to fold up clothing to make displays look presentable, but that doesn't mean it's nice of you to create messy piles of shirts and pants for them to organize. Folding clothes takes two seconds on your end, so do your part to help keep the store tidy for other shoppers.
7. Arguing About Things Outside The Worker's Control
Have you heard of the saying, "I just work here" before? Well, it's something retail workers know all too well. Lots of shoppers will argue with them about things they simply have no control over, like store policies or discounts. Listen, if you really have a complaint that's unrelated to service, take it up with the manager.
8. Leaving Makeup Stains On Clothes
Ladies, this one's directed at you. Always be careful of leaving behind makeup marks when trying on clothes. When you dirty the item, they can't sell it anymore! Do your best to leave a gap between the clothes and your face when putting it on or removing it.
9. Being Rude To Stuff
It doesn't matter if you're talking to a waiter, a barista, or a retail worker; you should always approach those in the service industry with respect and kindness. There's absolutely no reason why you should be rude or see yourself as "better." Retail workers are always the most frustrated by entitled shoppers.
10. Questioning Your Knowledge
If you don't work there, why should you assume you know the policy better than the workers? When some customers are unhappy with their situation, they love playing the "you don't know what you're talking about" card. This can be rather infuriating for retail workers who are trying to handle things respectfully.
11. Forcing Discounts That Don't Work
Everyone loves a good deal, but that doesn't mean you get to push discounts that no longer work. From hassling retail workers about an expired code to arguing an item was on sale, these shoppers are simply impossible. And no one knows that better than those in customer service.
12. Returning Items With No Receipt
It's simple: no matter where you go, most stores require proof of purchase before you can return something. But even though it's a common universal policy, many customers often try to push for it without a receipt anyway.
13. Misreading Store Signs
It's okay to make a mistake, but if you still push for it despite knowing you're in the wrong, that's just trouble. Retail workers don't have a problem with gently correcting any misread information, but if you decide to be rude and argue, don't be surprised if you get flashed some nasty looks.
14. Paying With Coins
In today's world where physical cash is becoming less and less prevalent, there's nothing cashiers fear more than customers who pay with tons of coins. If you hate carrying coins around, you shouldn't be surprised that cashiers hate having to count them.
15. Going Crazy With Samples
While yes, samples are free for customers to use, it doesn't mean you should use up the whole bottle! Whether it's a cologne, moisturizer, or hand cream, give the product a try and move on so someone else can too. Some people just love to abuse free things.
16. Impatient Customers
No, that retail worker isn't intentionally ignoring you, they're just busy! Thinking that you deserve instant service is just an example of entitlement. Workers will get to you when they can, and if it takes a moment, it's likely because they're busy helping someone else.
17. Not Paying Attention In Line
Cashiers shouldn't have to scream your name just to get your attention, so make sure you stay attentive even if you're just waiting in line. If you don't like having to wait longer than necessary, neither do the people behind you.
18. Using Products Without Purchasing
Even if a product is nicely sealed, some shoppers just don't get the memo. Retail workers are always shocked by those who open and use products in store, effectively making them unsellable. People need to take the rule "buy before you try" a lot more seriously.
19. Spilling Food or Drinks
While some stores allow shoppers to bring in food and drinks while browsing, it doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful. Because if you spill anything or get it all over any store goods, it's the workers who are going to have to clean up your mistake.
20. Coming In Right Before Closing
It doesn't matter where you work, whether it's a retail store or a grocery store, if you come in right before closing, the workers won't be very happy with you. No one wants to deal with customers when you're already trying to hurriedly close up shop so you can head home.
