First and foremost, I hope you all had a calm and peaceful Thanksgiving. I realized today, while working, I forgot to post my gentle pointed reminder about how not to treat people during the retail season! Karen, I see you in the back and sit your tush down now! These are things I have learned in my twenty-plus years of customer service. I have recently witnessed people forgetting some things! So, like before, it will be a numbered list; however, these reminders are not in any particular order.
#1. Retail people are human and use your manners. Yes, it is our job to help you, but how about a bit of common courtesy?
#2. Know your retailer. Do not go into a store and ask for something you know the store does not carry or advertise.
#3. If a store posts a doorbuster, do not go to the store at dinner time and expect it to be there. Most advertisements say limited quantities or while supplies last.
#4. Your retailer is not your personal bank. Do not go into a store with a crisp hundred-dollar bill for a $3.00 purchase.
#5. Do not complain about the wait. Please, for the love of all that is holy. Do not complain about a line. You and all the customers in that line decided to go to the store and shop. There is nothing that the cashiers can do about the line. Do not be the person who calls the store while waiting in line, then asks for more cashiers. Yes, this has happened, and that is a story for another time. All you are doing is delaying the line to answer your call.
#6. No, there is nothing in the stock room. Do not ask. If it is a big-ticket item or a popular sale item, it is already on the floor. All we will do is go into the stock room, sit down for a moment, or grab a drink, and come back out and tell you we do not have it.
#7. If you know your store's truck schedule, do not ask us to check for an item. DO NOT DO IT. Seriously, people, half the time we don't know what is there until we process the merchandise, and it goes right to the floor. We are not climbing pallets to please you. Do not be that person. Most stores push everything to the floor as soon as possible, and seriously, do you need it that badly that you cannot wait?
#8. DO NOT SNAP YOUR FINGERS at a member of staff. We are not animals and deserve respect.
#9. Do not yell for the staff from across the store. Side note: If you see a member of staff with someone, do not interrupt them. It is rude, as it delays us from helping the person before you. We will tell you that I will be with you in a few moments. I am with someone.
#10. If an employee has food or a drink in their hand, they are more than likely on break or having lunch. Leave them alone, they need this break.
#11. Do not enter areas that are for employees only. Do not enter. The sign is there for a reason.
#12. Stay off your phone at checkout. We do not need to know about your plans. However, if we hear some good gossip, we may repeat it.
#13. Most stores have loyalty programs. It is our job to ask you to join and sign you up. Some stores offer credit cards; if they do, it is our job to provide the credit card application. Please don't yell at an employee for having to mention it to you.
#14. If you think you're tired of shopping, remember that we are exhausted too. Have Some Common Courtesy.
#15. Avoid going to a store a minute before they close and expect to shop. We are closed. As a side note, also do not knock on the doors to be let in early.
#16. Do not ask for coupons or discounts. Do not tell us you have a coupon and left it at home. We cannot do anything about it.
Remember, it is the holidays. Spread a little cheer and be blessed that you can shop. Many people do not have this luxury this year.
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