What is it that really annoys those friendly faces behind the retail counters? Beyond the early mornings & late-night shifts, it’s the little things that shoppers do that absolutely ruin a retail worker’s day. Let’s look at the worst 11 habits that can really get under the skin of retail workers. Hopefully, we can learn how to make their days a little less miserable.
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Ignoring Greetings
Saying “Hi!” or “Welcome!” and getting nothing in return is bound to hurt. Retail workers start the day with a smile in the hopes they’ll make your shopping experience a bit brighter. But when customers walk past like they’re talking to the walls, it stings. Just a little acknowledgment goes a long way in making someone’s day.
Talking on the Phone at Checkout
Talking to someone who’s more into their phone than the conversation is extremely rude yet many people do it to retail workers at the cash register. Rudeness aside, it also makes the whole process a guessing game. Put the phone away unless it’s an emergency—otherwise you’re also holding everyone else up.
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Making a Mess of Merchandise
Before the store opens, retail workers spend their time neatly organizing shelves so that everything’s in its place…and then comes the tornado of customers. Some shoppers just leave clothes & products all over without a second thought. For retail workers, it’s a sign of disrespect—they can’t stand it.
Leaving Unwanted Items at Checkout
Similarly, changing your mind is human but ditching that unwanted candy bar or magazine at the checkout? That’s just inconsiderate. Retail workers have to figure out where it all goes back on top of their zillion other tasks and it’s an extra bit of work that they could really do without. If you do change your mind, you could at least tell them where you got the item in the store.
Ignoring Store Closing Times
There’s no good reason for shoppers to stick around past closing time. It’s not that retail workers don’t enjoy your company but everyone has places to be and especially after a long day of work. Staying late means workers get home late. That’s no fun for anyone so make sure you leave on time.
Asking for More Discounts
While bargain hunting is great, there’s definitely a limit. Retail workers often have to deal with shoppers who act as though they’re at a flea market by haggling over prices. It puts workers in a tight spot because, most of the time, they don’t have the magic button to slash prices on a whim.
Paying in Small Change for Large Purchases
Paying with a mountain of coins is plain silly because you know full well that the retail worker has to count all of them. Worse still, it holds up the line of customers behind you! Soon enough, what should be speedy transactions have become slow-motion checkouts—that’s enough to test everyone’s patience.
Splitting Purchases into Multiple Transactions
If you have coupons, then that’s great! But splitting your haul into ten transactions to save a few bucks can be a bit much and it’s especially bad when there’s already a line out the door. Of course, retail workers understand what you’re trying to do. It just makes for a long day when every shopper turns checkout into a math exam.
Questioning the Competence of Workers
It’s draining when you hear someone ask you, “Do you even work here?” & give you a bad attitude. You’ve been there all day, trying your best! Retail workers are there to help but being treated as though they don’t know up from down is the perfect way to kill their morale. Trust us—they know their stuff.
Using the Fitting Room as a Lounge
Fitting rooms aren’t cafes and yet you’d be surprised how many treat them like a place to hang out & relax. They’ll leave clothes everywhere and take forever. As such, it’s a hassle for workers who have to tidy up—and it’s also rude to other customers waiting their turn. Go somewhere else to talk.
Demanding Immediate Assistance in Busy Times
As a retail worker, you constantly feel like you’re being pulled in a dozen directions—then someone snaps their fingers expecting VIP service. Retail workers can’t do everything. When the store’s particularly busy, a little patience is rather useful in making everyone’s experience a bit better.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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