Dec 05 2008
Should any of you wonder why cashiers and sales associates hate you…
I’m posting the following in hopes that those reading might somehow be swayed to exhibit a modicum of respect while completing their holiday shopping. Consider this a guideline on shopping etiquette. It would behoove you to adhere to what you are about to read should you expect decency from your cashier, helpful associate, or bagger. Trust me.
1. Cashiers are NOT mind readers. We do not deal tarot cards prior to your purchase and have NO IDEA what you expect of us short of ringing up your purchase.
2. Refer to number one and then explain to us in a kindly manner AT THE BEGINNING of the transaction that you have multiple orders, etc.
3. Our position behind the register does NOT indicate a lesser societal status. There is a good chance we’re smarter than you. Do NOT give us cause to subtley slam your misconceptions into the ground. You will NOT win.
4. Refer to number 3 before you assume that we will be doing this for the rest of our working lives. Most of us are in school. Those who are not in school deserve more respect than the rest of us. Do NOT make them feel like half-tards because they are working in retail. The financial situation in this country is dire and you could be next, fool.
5. It is NOT our fault you have had a bad day, your significant other cheated on you with your best friend, your dog ran away, and you lost the only winning billion dollar lottery ticket in the world. Truth be told, had you been nicer, we probably would have exhibited some sympathy toward your plight. Leave it in the car, ok.
6. Detailed instructions are appreciated but only if delivered prior to the end of transaction. Nobody likes it when you have us unbag everything just so you can tell us where to place your grapes. Seriously. You are NOT Monk and if you are, you would have bagged the crap yourself.
7. Your purchase does NOT begin until AFTER we have finished with the customer ahead of you. Your status in this country is not such that it demands the retail world stop spinning until after you’ve completed your purchase. Wait your ever loving turn, dude.
8. Refer to number 7 and do NOT cop an attitude because we ignore you. Again, I reiterate, it is NOT YOUR TURN.
9. When we wish you a Merry Christmas, wish us one in return. It’s just good manners.
10. When we ask you how you are doing, do NOT ignore us. Refer to numbers 3 and 4 and answer our question. Again, it’s just good manners.
11. When the end of the shift is approaching, we will be more distant than typical. We want to go home to our families just as much as you do…if not more. Please keep your aggravation to a bare minimum. It is this precise moment that our tolerance levels will be maintaining slightly below zero. It’s your funeral.
and finally (for now)…
12. Refer to numbers 1 - 11 and remember that we are people. When cut, we bleed. When hurt, we cry. When pissed off, we charge you extra and forget to void.
Currently spinning: Four Brothers - a movie. Huzzah!
God bless and Merry Christmas!
One Response to “Should any of you wonder why cashiers and sales associates hate you…”
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You would love me as a customer then.
I used to work retail, so I know how it feels to be on the receiving line. I usually just ignored most unpleasant behavior because I knew it wasn’t personal and most people are really not in their bodies while shopping. It’s a task, so their minds are elsewhere.
But there were times I did get annoyed with some of the excessively rude people.
Now, there ARE cashiers that are just plain rude or incompetent regardless of how pleasant the customer is. So in some cases, they are just getting back what they give to the customer.
In some cases, customers have had so many experiences with these types, they are defensive before getting in line.
I, however, am always polite. I think it is all that retail training that I am always nice to people as if I were working there. I’ve been with my mom shopping where the cashier will ask how she is or say thanks, have a nice day, merry christmas or whatever and she doesn’t respond. It’s usually because she is in lala land thinking about something else. I respond for her and then tell her later how rude she is.
This time of year, I feel for the retail people. They get stepped on. When I find one in a really good mood or exceptionally pleasant, I am extra nice to them.
I guess being a mystery shopper also helps in this too.
~Kelly
http://www.30somethingandsearching.today.com/