30 Savage Burns By Employees Who Are Tired Of Clueless, Dumb And Frustrating Things Customers Say
The customer is always right. Whether they forgot to ask for their pizza with no tomatoes until it arrived at their table or they swear they had a coupon for soup in their basket but now it’s nowhere to be found. One of the unfortunate aspects of working in any customer service job is dealing with customers who seem to have left their common sense at home. From asking stupid questions to making illogical demands, every retail or service industry employee has a treasure trove of stories about customers who should have taken a moment to think before they spoke.
Last week, Westernunion2k tweeted, “Customers will say [stuff] like ‘Uhh it's asking me to remove my card?’” and sparked a conversation where many other employees shared moments from their jobs where customers made them want to facepalm. Below, you can read some of the conversation, and then let us know in the comments what the stupidest thing you’ve ever heard a customer or client say was. Then if you’re interested in reading another similar Bored Panda piece, we’ve got the perfect story mocking even more customers right here. Image credits: westernunion2k
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I once was fitting old style Lino in a revolving door of a hotel. Shut off one side, with chairs, to concrete screed the floor. Old boy climbed over the chairs, ignoring the open side, and walked straight through the wet concrete.
Yep, one Christmas Eve a woman physically assaulted a security guard trying to break into the supermarket an hour after closing...points to a staff member walking to their car "why can't they open a checkout for me?"
Because customer service workers have family too, ya mental deficient! Been through that before and I do not miss it!
Load More Replies...I used to get this all the time when I worked in a bakery. We would open the glass cabinet to clean it at the end of the day and put signs round so no one would walk into to. They of course ignored the signs and did then got angry when they walked into the glass
I work at a carwash that is in the middle of a refit right now. Our open sign is offered, there's a small backhoe and a forklift blocking the exit, I put the "temporarily closed for maintenance " sign so that it's almost blocking the entrance and I STILL had a guy pull into the bay (littered with tools and the an obviously open pit). When I finally caught up to him, he was in the perfect position to read the sign about the dates we would be shut down for. He got angry and told me that 'there wasn't any sign'. The owner is awesome and has no interest in abusive customers so I simply told him 'There's a sign out front saying we're closed and this sign (point to sign directly next to his front bumper) has been here for a week.' Drove off without a word, pissy look still I place.
Unreal, LMAO. That’s like turning to an expectant mother & saying “You should conceal that baby-bump; you look as though you’re pregnant”! 😂
Obviously, the customer is not always right, but for some reason, particularly in the United States, that is the understanding that all customers and employees have in the service industry. Workers are expected to bend over backwards for their patrons, while the customers expect to be treated like royalty. While it’s not completely clear where this old motto originated, various American retail pioneers like Marshall Field, Harry Gordon Selfridge and John Wanamaker have all been credited for popularizing the idea. Although, it was not a purely American mindset, as the Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz, founder of Ritz Carlton hotels, had a similar slogan in the 1890s of “Le client n'a jamais tort”, or “the customer is never wrong”.
'Working in retail taught me how many adults can't read', there, amended it for you......
Nah, they know how. They're just too god damn lazy
Load More Replies...Oh yes! Also the ones that ask for a product we don't stock, have never stocked and never will stock, but still insist that they bought it here last week. No, Madam, you didn't, you really didn't.!
"These mattress toppers are on sale, the sign says-" Let's go look at the sign. Ah, yes, the sign says "*These* mattress toppers are on sale" with logos of the brands in question. "But the sign says-" Yeah, it says the brand you didn't grab. "BUT THE SIGN SAYS-" repeat ad nauseam
So true. Not only refuse to read but also take out their anger that they didn't read it properly the first time. Then they realize it's their fault and instead of apologizing like an adult tries to find other ways it's your fault.
I used to work in retail & there was once a woman who brought back a pair of shorts she had purchased a few days prior. Her reasoning for the return? "They've shrunk, like, twice the size!" OK, the shorts were 100% cotton, with a BIG label that said in BIG letters: "COLD WASH ONLY!" Her response? "What, am I supposed to, like, read the instructions?! Are you kidding me??" Considering the fact that the label also had very clear pictures of what not/to do, she would've failed to understand cave paintings as well.
At my workplace, we have a Pay and Collect service where the customer buys online then picks up in store, they get an email confirmation to say that it has arrived and that they have 28 days maximum to collect. All they have to do is follow the instructions on what to do when in store as it's 'Contactless" now. We had a customer who literally printed out the "Collect In Store"" button on a piece of A4 sized paper and handed it over to a colleague, who then had to show them what to do on their phone to collect it. this happens on a regular basis, and we get insulted for working for that particular company !!
Wasn't paying attention in Paying Attention class more likely.
Load More Replies...A place where I worked had Spaghettios for 49¢ per can. We put them on sale for 2 for $1 and they sold like crazy.
I'll slide this one in here. Once I was in a dollar store. The name was literally "Everything's $1". Signage on every shelf, on the floor, hanging from the ceiling, etc. Old woman calls out to an employee who is clearly rushing down the aisle and asks "How much does this cost?". The employee did not even stop, let alone slow down. He just shouted "EVERYTHING'S A DOLLAR!!!" and kept right on going.
Here's one for you - I can remember going into a Canadian Tire with my father. We bought a handful of items, and he told the (High School student) clerk what the exact total (including) tax was. I don't know which shocked her more, the fact that he was able to calculate it, or that he was (to the penny) right. This was back before *calculators* were cheap enough for everyone to have one or more. -- Dad was a Navigator in the RCAF, so he had to do a *lot* of math.
Let us never forget the time the 1/3lb burger failed in America because people thought 1/3 was smaller than the quarter pounder…
Load More Replies...many many years ago charged a customer .13 for her radishes, .26 for her green onions. She angrily told me they were 3/39. When I explained that I had to split because they were not the same item but that it was still the same cost to her, she complained to my manager about my attitude. I'm afraid, at 16, I was not so polite, when she said I'd never succeed in business with my attitude. I said, Lady, with customers like you, I don't want to be in business... oops! My bad.
Other countries have their own versions of this saying as well, as Blake Morgan pointed out in her Forbes piece “A Global View Of 'The Customer Is Always Right'”. In Spanish, the phrase is “el cliente siempre tiene la razón”, while “il cliente ha sempre ragione” is the Italian equivalent. These both translate to “the customer always has a reason”, so employees are tasked with understanding the customer’s reasoning and accommodating them accordingly. The German phrase takes it one step further by saying “der Kunde ist König” or the customer is king. In Japan, customers are even referred to as gods. These ideas run deep in many societies, as Blake pointed out that even in 1905, a publication from Sears, Robuck and Co. in the United States said, “Every one of their thousands of employees are instructed to satisfy the customer regardless of whether the customer is right or wrong.”
My trick is 4o get people started by showing them, and then excyse myseof and walk of. Now they are trapped in their own chosen invalidity and can eighter carry on and grow or just stand there like idiots
I was reading a different post about how Walmart is becoming all self check out. The amount of people who said they have left their full carts because they couldn't have a cashier is astonishing. You can't get what you want so now you have to inconvenience others and possibly have to throw out perishables?
Load More Replies...Ok but self checkout stations are now an invasive species. I don't mind doing it myself if I'm in a hurry or have only a few purchases. But when the only lines open are self checkout it's very frustrating. I don't get paid to work at those establishments, I didn't get trained for it, and really if they don't want to hire/pay cashiers and punt that cost and responsibility onto their customers, their products should be far less expensive.
In my country you can scan your products in the store as long as you have a member card (which is free). You put the scanner back, scan your card and you pay. Then with the receipt you open the doors.
Load More Replies...In my opinion, we should get a discount for using self checkout. If they are lowering costs by not paying for an employee then those lowered costs should be transferred to the customer. We all know that it won't work that way though, because Capitalism says to screw us all over.
Yep - this happened to me at Walmart, but because it was during the pandemic & humans are trash, I have no f***s to give so my response would always be dripping with pure sarcasm. They'd threaten to call Corporate and I'd tell them not to do me any favors.
** This was when unemployment went to $600 / weekly minimum - I very much wanted to be fired so I'd have an increase in income by getting an additional $200 / weekly
Load More Replies...Reminds me of the time, I was working for a live theatre house. The theatre was built in 1993, and its sister theatre down the street was built in 1907. I had someone come in, ask me about the theatre's history, and then proceed to yell at me because I was wrong...I asked if she was thinking of the theatre down the street...she told me I was lying and stormed out. I have never been so confused...
My local supermarket installed two self checkouts, which are rarely used. I shop very early on Sunday mornings, and there was only one regular checkout line open. The cashier at the self checkout had to start pulling customers over and checking out their stuff himself.
I get the opposite of this. I go past all the regular checkouts to select the self service because I like it. Because I'm visibly disabled, someone instantly appears and wants to help me with my stuff
What grinds my gears is people at the front of the cue when asked to pay, look stunned, as if they've been asked a completely unforeseeable question.........what, oh I'd better search for a payment method.
Who only then start scratching around to find their wallet.
Load More Replies...The worst are the people that stand in line for 10 minutes, then don't bother looking at the menu until they get to the cash.
What grinds my gears is someone who doesn't start to dig for a card until everything is rung up, and then has to try ten cards, one after another, to find one with room on it.
I got screamed at by the area Manager, because on a survey for my old Boss/Best Friend, the comment section had nothing written other than my name... The survey had been filled out by my stalker, and my boss had refused to tell him where I was. He had travelled to as many other stores within the company as he could of, by public transport over the course of at least several weeks (including at least one 2 hour round trip on a bus), and couldn't find me...
Did you report this to the police? Have the stalker arrested? I really hope you are safe.
Load More Replies...Sometimes there is no win! And sometimes the 'nice gene' has been beaten out of you by lunchtime.
people always act like they've never used a card reader before. Or money. Or have never been in a line.
I love it when people don't understand the amount payable and ask the cashier, maybe ask again instead of just looking at the friggin register.
There was a NAR story recently where a movie theatre only had one line open. One of the managers saw it was getting busy, so to help out, they opened a register--but they didn't have a till, so they put signs up saying, "Cards only, no cash." At least the first ten customers demanded to pay by cash, and couldn't understand why OP refused. "Um, because all the signs here at my register say Card Only. That's why."
I'm actually a figment of your imagination and you are looking at a being from a different realm!
Load More Replies...I have learned to go out the back door now...because the CRAZIES are CRAZY and ask if they can just go in for 10 minutes to get what they need, no one will know....LMAO
Load More Replies...When customers don't see anyone in the 5 seconds they have been in the store and yell out "Is anyone home?" I would answer "No, we are all at work."
Or they knock on the counter! That really f***ing irritates me!
Load More Replies...I worked at a shopping center bookstore for a while. The door was actually a grate that slid down and could only be operated from the outside. At closing we used to lower it 2/3 of the way, then go back inside to finish up. The number of clients who would still come in, and despite the fact they had practically had to crawl to do so, still asked if we were open was troubling.
Those have to be the same kind of people who vigorously shake the locked door and ask if yall are closed.
Load More Replies...lol this used to happen to me a lot when I worked at a gas station. I'm not sure what you think knocking on a closed door (with the freaking hours right on it) and staring at me is going to do. The lights are off. The registers are closed. Do you think the power of your knocking and staring will get me to reopen a closed system so you can come and get lottery tickets?
The opening times are like this as well. You are getting things ready and a customer is there 15 mins beforehand just staring at you or knocking on the window. I’m pretty sure you can wait until 11am to get your DQ blizzard sir.
Try working a gas station with people waiting for you to open before you even arrive to start doing the stuff before you open at 6am so they can get a beer that they can't get till 7am.
Load More Replies...Nope, we're open, come in. Warning: The door opens only for the worthy.
been there ……even when you have your coat on ready to go home “are you still open” or”i only want cigarettes”
Customers are not immune to saying stupid things, in fact they might be prone to doing it, but employees are often told to treat them like they are. One reason for this is to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. I once worked a customer service job where the highest priority was to just make sure a customer never left upset. Offer them a gift card or free service, apologize profusely, but just don’t let them leave thinking they will never come back. This is not always the best tactic, however, because as Kathy Dalpes at Zendesk points out, “Your employees are your customers as well.”
I can't see your brain from the outside that means you're brainless right?
When you use the wrong equation but get the right answer
Load More Replies...This is the equivalent to "no price tags so it's free right?".....no Sir and it wasn't funny the first time either.
I've worked retail for close to 25 years and I'd rather hear this joke again and again then hear an angry customer any day!!
Same! I am currently working a part-time retail job and hear this a lot. The way I see it, it's my job to be pleasant and react to such things in a carefree, pleasant manner. I usually give a chuckle and/or make a joke about it myself. Although this isn't the same thing at all, think about celebrities on a press tour -- you can bet they're hearing the exact same questions over and over (sometimes ones that are particularly annoying), but they need to respond as if they've not heard the question before, rather than getting internally upset that they're hearing the same thing again. In both cases, the person asking doesn't realize how many times you may have heard it, and in the former case, they're trying to be funny and relate to you. Coming back to that with an attitude means that you probably shouldn't be in a job that deals with the public, lol.
Load More Replies..."No, that means you're scanning the ingredients list, sir. It means you have to pay triple."
I used to reply with, "I have to punch it in manually. That's twice the work so it's twice the price."
Load More Replies...Yeah because it’s supposed to automatically know it. What kind of Walmart are you? /s
Mmm, but if their email popped up they'd start wailing "How does it KNOOOOOOOW my email??"
Load More Replies...Well, SOMEONE has to take up space on the lefthand side of the Bell shaped IQ curve!
In fairness, it sure would be smart if the store could autofill it based on the loyalty card being used. Lowe's does this and it works perfectly.
In Lowe's you can only enter it once and then the next time you won't have to if you use the same credit card
Load More Replies...My Father-in-law, bless him, went to the local burger bar, he was in his late eighties. They called out his order but he was a bit hard of hearing. After a few calls, one of the staff shouted "it's for the old boy at the back". To which FIL turned and said why don't these old duffers ever listen. Much laughter ensued, and he was, for some reason, very happy to tell everyone about it for days.
Aw, I feel bad for the old man. He was confused. While maybe some (maybe) of these are customers being aggravating, this isn’t the sane thing. Have patience with the elderly. One day you will (hopefully) be elderly too.
Spent alot of my youth hanging out at the nursing home with my grandmother and met a whole bunch of interesting characters with great stories and knowledge. Thank you for posting this.
Load More Replies...Lmao my ex MIL used to do this thing where she’d order water at the restaurant and then snap “I SAID NO ICE!!” at the server. She never asked for no ice the first time. Drove me nuts so I started reminding her “no ice right?” whenever she ordered.
How mean of you to take away one excuse to be nasty to another human being. :)
Load More Replies...I had a lovely old chap come in and ask me for some mango tutti. I assumed he meant ice cream so took him there, but he didn't. He didn't mean a mango either, or a mangosteen. So, baffled I asked him to describe the product in case we sold it under a different name, and he did. Apparently they are lie peas but instead of eating just the pea part, you eat all of it. Took me a few seconds to realise he meant mange tout. My family now use mango tutti all the time.
I had to look it up because we call them snow peas here, but mange tout is the best name and I will be sharing the new fact with my family :)
Load More Replies...This is something I would do 🤦♀️, but would not let my spouse call and berate staff
I have done this and just had to come back later like “yeah my husband said I f****d up, I’m sorry but I’ll buy a new one!”
Load More Replies...Oh, for the love of cookies. People are so frustratingly stupid. I wouldn't have given him any of the pizzas until he knew wtf he was there for.
Your love of cookies apparently outweighs your empathy for the elderly. Something different to be proud of I guess. Hope you expect no patience when you're older and you start to forget things yourself.
Load More Replies...I don't understand grown adults who don't have an idea of what they're calling about or know what they're picking up, have their acct numbers ready, etc. Our bank's customer service opens at 8am and without fail, every day, someone calls at 800am angry about something and in a rush, and demands it to be magically taken care of (when it wasn't even our faults), and when i ask them for their account number they act like 'I was not prepared for this.' Do you think I can devine your acct number or who you are through the phone? YOU called ME. How are you not prepared? Maybe take 5 minutes to gather your thoughts and get your information ready before immediately jumping on your phone to call and you won't be so 'inconvenienced'.
“Some critics of the idea that ‘the customer is always right’ contend that it amounts to putting customers above employees or the business itself, but there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff here,” Kathy explains. “If you treat your employees as well as your customers, and empower them with the technology, processes and creative enablement to deliver truly frictionless experiences, your customers will become advocates for your business.”
It is a delicate balance for business owners to satisfy their patrons without alienating their employees. But Kathy explains that in this modern day, accommodating customers is more about providing a frictionless experience than about believing every silly little thing a customer says.
I think we've all been fooled by the soda representative stocking the shelves and are a little weary as a result
Or "yeah but not my department", "yeah but I'm on break", "yeah but my shift ended and I'm picking up a few things before leaving" etc.
Load More Replies...Been there, but it's honestly weirder the other way. I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt with the Doom 2016 Revenant's ugly face on it, I guarantee you I do not work here.
Yep. I've had it happen when I had on an overcoat and was carrying a handbag.
Load More Replies...Wear Blue at Wal-mart or Red at Target and get asked the same question.
My friend had a red shirt and khaki pants on at Target and was asked when she accidentally knocked some movies out of a display and was putting them back. I found the question to be valid 🙂
Load More Replies...Or the opposite, in Target, NOT wearing a red shirt and khaki pants, with a shopping cart, "Do you work here?" Yes, i'm undercover.
I've had embarrassing misidentifications in the past so now I always double-check.
That doesn't mean jack when you consider the number of arrogant customers who demand service from me - another customer who just happens to be in the same vicinity - instead of finding someone in a uniform/name tag, etc. I'm far from the only one - NAR has an entire sub-title "I don't work here doesn't work here". It seems like idiot customers run the entire spectrum of "I'm not sure what your uniform/store logo/signage means and I'm too dumb to work it out for myself" all the way to "I'm an entitled b*tch and you peons must work for me because I'm so important everyone else in the entire world is an NPC in my life" There's a very narrow middle ground.
I think the ones who ask are the better sort. No common sense, but at least they're not entitled and rude
Load More Replies...I used to work for a fire department. My uniform was a polo shirt with a logo on it, with a few radios and some other tools on my belt. If be in home Depot on my way home and people would walk up to be all the time and ask if I work there. Like every single time. My shirt wear not orange, there was no apron, and who at home Depot wears a tool belt with 3 radios that are usually talking about a fire somewhere?
After working in retail for 15 yrs, this is a question that i drastically changed my mind about. I used to be so snide and obnoxious about it, and then i realized most people just use it as an ice breaker to get your attention and ask for help. What else can they say really? "Come here often??" We deal with alot, but sometimes we just need to Whoosah.
Meanwhile I’ve been at target wearing jeans and a gray shirt (not their standard khakis and red shirt) and asked if I work there. 🤷♀️
Not if you're working on commission. Then it's wasted time.
Load More Replies...Tbf I've done this in desperation once ... they actally did have one in the back.
You don't know how many times I wish I could have said that!
Load More Replies...I work at a discount store. There is no extra stock, there is no inventory list to check. We get items in batches of 2 or 3 or 6 or whatever, sometimes only one, and that's what we have. No idea if we'll get any more. People seem unable to grasp this. "Do you have another one of these mirrors?" If you don't see it we don't have it, we don't keep stock in the back. "But I just need to know if you have another one..." Yes, you'll have to look around, if we had another one it would be in this section. There is no inventory I can check. (Internally: Do I look like your personal shopper? I have an actual job that does not involve rooting through entire departments looking for what you want.)
This is so Me: My 2nd Job is working at a SMALL discount store. Our storage room ( the size of a large walk in closet) is room for SEASONAL ITEMS, out of season Balloons, drinks, and extra little things...not stock on the floor. They always want me to checks the back storage room for out of stock/sold out items. Me: Sir/Ma'am the items are sold out are no longer in stock. Our storage room is not big enough to hold extra items.
Load More Replies...Yup-I once had a client go mental at a staff member for "not going to check the stockroom" . Not only did we not have a stockroom, but it was for a really random item that we never ever stocked. Ever. I basically walked the customer out to the staff room and showed them around. Then explained how our staff are very familiar with our products (very small store) & perhaps they should do something about that anger issue...
Now wait. Sometimes that happens. They are in back waiting to go into inventory or such.
I cannot stress how much I hate the phrase "in the back". Yes. There's some magical place where we keep stuff we don't want you to have.
This one REALLY depends on the store. I've worked at a large scale grocery store that often didn't have everything out on the shelves. I have also worked at a major retail store that didn't believe in back room inventory so literally everything they had was on the sales floor. You can't always assume either way.
Where I live, you can't do that yourself, the cashier has to press it on their end and I have often felt awkward because I forget it's a thing and have looked away from the screen to finish loading bags while I wait for the receipt.
I have to remind mom to look at the screen and pay attention. She gets distracted more now that she's retired.
The card machines stress me out. I’m standing there watching the scene while it says DO NOT REMOVE CARD, then I glance up at the cashier for a second and it’s beeping REMOVE CARD NOW!
I rarely have cash on hand. So when I go to Dollar General or other stores that offer cash back, I will usually get $20-40 cash back, just so I have a little cash incase I need it or if the kids need a few bucks. I think it is with debit cards only. So I pay for my items and walk out with cash and it all comes from my checking account. There is usually a small fee like $1.25 for doing cash back, at an atm it is often $2.50. So the fee isn’t too bad.
Load More Replies...To provide the smoothest experience possible for customers, Kathy notes that businesses must make themselves available. Whether that means running active social media accounts, having specialists available to chat with customers on the website, or having phone lines open 24/7, being responsive means a lot to customers. Zendesk reports that they’ve seen a massive rise in “customer support tickets on social messaging channels” since the beginning of the pandemic, with over a 100% increase just on WhatsApp. Knowing that they can have their problems solved quickly and without any difficulties makes customers feel taken care of, and it encourages them to trust the company. They will be more likely to return in the future, and they’ll even spread the message to friends and family.
Worked, as a barman once, customer ranted at me that the price of the mixers was way too high and I should do something about it. Well yes your right, I'll go and chastise the owner, hand my notice in and punch him in the face, for good measure, shall I?
That sounds very reasonable. You should have done that.
Load More Replies..."Anything you can do?" "I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I can pass on your complaint to management." You're not dismissing their complaint. You're taking the position of an ally and not arguing with them. You're reinforcing that you don't have the ability or authority to open a merchant account with a new payment processor on the spot.
Where I live, you can scan a QR code with your banking app and pay that way, you don't even need Apple/Google Pay. It's an option on all the POS machines, love it.
Same, just bought groceries like that. So easy. I only use Google pay for my once a month app purchase.
Load More Replies...no dude, cash is like dinosaur technology. You must have something else available.
Gotta have both. I try to always keep $40 on me just incase this situation comes up.
Load More Replies...I work at Walmart. This happens ALL THE TIME. I don't know why these people expect every business to take Apple pay and bring no form of backup payment.
Because it's 2022 and we have cards for 70+ years? I try to have cash on me, but maybe sometimes I do not really have enough on me or I am tired of counting change? It's not that hard to set it up.
Load More Replies...Bit off topic, a few weeks ago I had a customer complain that her card wasn't working in the ATM, probably because it's new she said. She then asked if there was any way I could 'hack it'. That's not how atm's work, if they did I don't know how, if I knew how I'd be halfway to Hawaii by now
Wait, fault??? It’s the 21st century. Many localities are converting documents to digital wallet and our credit/de it cards already are. We can even protect them & our anonymity at most all stores by using options like Google/Apple Pay. So, it’s IS kinda the fault of the business that they’re behind. BTW, I carry my wallet in the bottom of my bag or backpack. I’ve used it only for places that don’t have Apple Pay. It’s been over a month since I’ve had to do so & only because their POS wasn’t working correct.
If this was written by an employee, they still can't change it ;-)
Load More Replies...Dude, you need to have more than one form of payment! Not everyone accepts everything. Not everyone accepts the same apps yet.
Some of those machines set off an alarm like it's defcon 5, too.
Load More Replies...To be fair, it wasn’t that long ago if you pulled your card out at the wrong time it would void out and everything would have to be done over. So people were “trained” not to do it. Give people time to be “trained” to take it out when it beeps
One of my stores beeps at you, and when you look at the display, it says, "Do not remove card!!!" All card readers are not the same.
I'm sorry. Sometimes it takes my brain a minute to register that there is beeping
I don't take my eyes off the card reader when paying. I don't ruin anyone else's schedule by being a buffoon.
Tbh, I have days like that. Due to certain health issues, there are days I feel a bit slow, but I can't predict them and I still need to eat. I get yelled at a lot those days.
What about the times the cashier is off in "La, La Land" and has to be reminded they need to hit a key on the register to complete said transaction!
We have one store in town that has the only card reader that has a buzzer instead of a beeper to tell you to remove your card. Many people, myself included, were thrown off at first because we thought our card was declined. lol Even the cashiers think it's crazy. I'd hate to hear what it sounds like if someone's card was declined.
In fairness, i hate calling places and tend to rehearse how i'll start talking when ppl answer. Sometimes the practised statement comes out unintentionally before i realise it no longer makes sense ...
Sometimes the people answering the phone just says it so fast and monotone (I know I did when I had to answer phones) that is difficult for the person calling to understand
Load More Replies...To be fair, I do this because I often can't hear the person clearly when they answer the phone
Aww i probably do this since it takes a few seconds for my brain to start working when I've made contact with a human over the phone. (Next will probably be "Oh, hello. Yes. Ummm....") I hate phone calls!!
A lot of the time I simply can't understand the person on the other end of the phone. Usually they are speaking way too fast.
As a customer I do often dislike the phone answering process. "Thank you for calling Franks Efficient Hardware Emporium on Main Street. . My name is Orville McFunny Voice. How may I help you today?" Sometimes it goes on for so long I really do forget what place I called. Can't they just say, :"Hello Frank's Hardware"
Well, maybe if the person answering didn't mumble or speed read the business name, we wouldn't ask.
Understanding who your customer base is can also be important. Customer loyalty is a huge focus for many companies today, and with the technology we have at our fingertips, there is no reason for a business to not understand customer trends. According to the Zendesk Customer Experience Trends Report, “71% of customers expect companies to collaborate and share data internally, so they don’t have to repeat themselves.” A customer may not always remember the name of the stylist who cut their hair 3 months ago, but they trust that the receptionist will be able to look it up for them. And you might not remember the last time you bought a pair of jeans, but your favorite retail store can probably tell you once you provide them with your phone number. The more information you have for a customer, the less likely they are to ask stupid questions, and the more likely they are to feel comfortable in your business.
Going to be honest, before I could double check on my phone, I use to get really paranoid too.
Except that end, it happened to me that it 2x wrote error and I had to pay with cash, but then I got message from bank account that it charged me 2x. Thankfully it was something with bank and I got that money automatically back later, but I was really afraid (it wasn't cheap).
I don't blame her, especially when money is tight. I would rather figure it out at the store than drive half an hour home, check the computer and have to work it out on the phone with no paperwork.
yep I do this all the time and I have a genius IQ. You need to just use cardreaders that accept the screen tap because we are all habituated to that now. if you have to tap the head of the device it's confusing. I'm one of those people who pushes doors with a clear sign that says "pull".
I'm this kind of person. But I would rather "pullsh" the door (aka I try to push it then pull but I'm still into my "forward movement" so I just slam it into my face).
Load More Replies...Speaking as a customer. I happen to not see these arrows, signs and flashing lights more often than I like to admit. A lot of devices are designed following technical routines, not easy usability far too often.
Maybe it has something to do with the way we filter out advertising?
Load More Replies...Every terminal in each store is different, and the spots are all over the place: lower right, lower left, top center and on the screen. We are habituated to the screen, so it's really down to who decided to put that terminal in your store, not the customer.
I don't know, every retail job I've worked in the past 7+ years has the tap area for contactless cards on the right side of the screen, you know, that area where you'd swipe if that was still a 1st option. Just listen to your cashiers, we know how the machines work and some tricks if your cats doesn't want to work. Example: your card gets denied as debit....use the credit option. Most US card readers are standardized, at least all over the east coast.
Load More Replies...For many years it was always the screen. Now we seem to have a few that are just above the screen and the odd one where it is the end of the device. If there had been some variety in the first place, people would know to look, but because they are used to something, they don't think to look any more. Put simply, human beings don't like change.
Yeah, sorry, that's not user error. Your businesses' owners chose a poorly designed machine.
Yes, a feature of good user experience design is that it doesn't require people to perform a common task in a whole new way. Another example: if people are used to seeing a menu drop-down in the top corner of a website, putting your menu button in the bottom middle without very good reason is just going to make the site more clunky for people to use.
Load More Replies...It's moron, not maroon, moron. God forbid you have to reach out & tap a screen to HELP customers...they act like it's your job! In the future, when you are insulting someone, make sure you spell the insult correctly. Your grammar is almost as bad as your spelling.
Oh yes, those maroons! !! So tiring for you to "reach over & physically touch the tap spot" My sympathies.
Marilyn, no offense, but do you fully realize how DUMB 50%+ of retail customers can be? I have people trying to hand me credit cards at the drug store I work at, and they're literally no option for me to run their card. Then they get mad. A lot of you would just be better off asking us nicely in the first place, we WANT your experience to go smoothly and generally know what works and what doesn't. If you're polite to me, I'll bend over backwards to help. But your comment leads me to believe you're not always polite. A lot of register setups have the customer card reader out of most employers reach for privacy issues. I'm 6'2" and absolutely have a tough time reaching throb a plexiglass window across a 2½ foot wide counter. Have a little sympathy for real.
Load More Replies...A grocery I shop at will say this until the cashier pushes the button to finalize. On more than one occasion the cashier spaced out, and thanked me for letting them know they had to finish up.
Especially if they're looking like they're waiting for some action on my side, POLITELY telling them what I'm seeing on my screen does help at times.
Load More Replies...The customer does not always have to be treated like they are right, but it does not hurt to make them feel welcomed. Being conversational can also go a long way in making customers feel comfortable, and if an employee provides clear explanations and descriptions of products, the customer might not need to ask as many questions. Making a large purchase like a car or a new appliance can be nerve-racking, which might be part of the reason nervous customers say dumb things, but when an employee makes an effort to engage them in conversation, their fears may dissipate. “With the right tools, your employees— remember they’re customers too! — should be able to deliver true conversational experiences across all your customer touchpoints,” says Kathy Dalpes. “When both sides know each other the experience becomes more engaging, more natural, and ultimately, more successful.”
I have been double charged in that exact scenario, though. Technology is FAR from perfect, and 20 years of working in customer service taught me that point of sale systems are the furthest from perfect that you can get without just using a stick and a rock to ring up your order
When i was an assistant manager at a record store it was my responsibility to fix POS if it wasn't working properly.. It was a miserable time.
Load More Replies...no sometimes it does double-charge you, it is really annoying, and you spend hours arguing with the bank on the phone to reverse one of the charges.
Yup - the difference between a CC and DC charge... The CC charge is presumed false if disputed. The DC charge is presumed valid until *proven* false.
Load More Replies...OMFG I hate when this happens or worse when the just instantly leave before it's gone through and I have to call them back
No, customer is right. Double charge is always happening even the machine says ERROR. Note the date & time. ALWAYS check your card statement afterwards. Seller will not take responsible, as the card reader is belong to the bank. Take report to the bank, not the restaurant.
It happens and we do get double-charged! The money is always returned within a few days. But, sometimes that double charge can keep me from making another purchase - like gas! It is better to know now than after you wait in line at the gas station for 20 minutes.
As an IT administrator, I get this every time something pops up on someone's screen. TBF, I actually appreciate the cautious approach, and it's better than dealing with the consequences of someone clicking anything and everything they see.
I was about to say something similar, and I'm a programmer, not even an IT person...
Load More Replies...When I was in college I didn't have my own computer my freshman year so I had to do everything in the Computer Lab or on the Library computers. I was...not a natural. Once I called a Tech over because my computer has jumped naked, guy looks at the screen, d***s around with the mouse then looks at me and says, "What did you do? It can't do that!" {To this day I have no idea what I had done! I'm not sure they know yet} I was informed by the Techs in the Computer Lab that I had to sit/work at the row of computers closest to the Tech Desk because they got tired of trotting to the back corner to 'un-oops' my computer. I did get better!
Ask if they know what a "Gibbs Moment" is, and tell them they are about to experience one first hand! lol
As a Gibbs this is accurate and I'm also slightly insulted
Load More Replies...That is because we have had zero training on how to do self-checkout. We have never paid attention to what the cashier is doing because we are busy putting our goods on the belt and then bagging them and then packing the buggy.
I am "tech support" for my elderly bosses. I work at a small CPA firm and they are in their 70s. I get my steps in often helping them with their computers and phones.
And when you are trying to talk someone through something you don’t do very often, but have a rough idea of the process. And you say something like “when you get to the end, press yes or ok to finish”. “No, it doesn’t say that.”…”what does it say the ?”…”you need to come over” (or remote in if they are calling you from home). And it turns out it says confirm or continue, not yes or ok 🤦🏼♀️
In the very early days of the IBM PC, I was on my boss’s PC, one of only two in the company. IIn those days you had to format new floppy disks and I trying to do so, I accidentally clicked ‘C’ instead of ‘A’. On the screen it said ‘You are about to format the C drive, press any key to continue.’ I realised that I didn’t want to do that, so I pressed ‘Esc.’! When it said ‘any key’ it really meant it.
Plus there are many who read very poorly. They're not completely illiterate but they may be so slow at it, they're actually saving you time having you tell them the options rather than reading them.
Load More Replies...Okay hear me out—I don't go to fast food places very often and sometimes I find the menus visually confusing or overwhelming! I haven't been to Tropical Smoothie Cafe in a year and a half so thanks for your patience while I rediscover the options. I swear I'm literate, I'm just trying to make a choice as quickly as possible while you stand there staring at me, waiting to take my order. 😅
Some adults *can't* read because they are legally blind. At restaurants that don't have paper menus, but only stuff written on a board somewhere, I have to read off the entire menu for my wife. Luckily, she has a great memory for all the items I rattle off.
I am a teacher. I also have dyslexia. I often cannot read a menu that is up on the wall. The color combinations and font choices make it impossible for me. Sometimes the color combinations also make it hard to impossible for my cousins who are color blind.
Exactly! Sometimes the font is too small and I only wear glasses while driving.
Load More Replies...The apple pie and coffee story : a guy who doesn't speak english only knows how to order apple pie and coffee for breakfast. One day he tries to change to a full breakfast. - How would you like your eggs, scrambled or sunny side up ? You want bacon or sausage ? And for the toast, white or wheat. Defeated, the guy just orders apple pie and coffee again. Not everyone speaks your language, or can read the menu because of eye problems or even illeteracy. No one should be judged stupid for that.
Helpful people who serve the public MUST understand that some customers cannot read or have a recent bad experience filling their mind or, yes--are confused by the fact that every store has different debit processors or--like me--perhaps they cannot hear. These things do not mean your customers are stupid. Maybe it means you yourself lack empathy or maybe YOU have never ever made an error. Kudos for you.
Lots of menus hide the side items at the bottom or on the last page. If you have to ask, it means that the menu isn't user friendly.
Now, aside from the dumb questions about when to remove their cards from the chip readers or how much something costs when the price is clearly on the product, there are certainly times where a customer is not only ignorant, but blatantly wrong. If they ask for water at a restaurant for the “second time” when you know it’s the first time, sure, they can be right. But if they are outright rude or bigoted, those customers are not worth keeping in the first place. According to the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, 20% of customers usually account for 80% of total profits. When you encounter a nightmare customer who is making employees, or other customers, uncomfortable, chances are, your business can afford to lose them. If catering to them is more effort than it’s worth, just hold the door open for them and hope they never come back.
or ask them a question where the only answers are "yes" or "no" and you get a long story instead
I still remember my McDonald's training from 18 years ago. *Always* ask yes or no questions. Instead of "what drink would you like?", We were to ask, "would you like coke with that?" If there's choices, ask if they want the most popular option (or the upsell) and let them tell you if they want something different. Sometimes when you're giving someone a choice between two things and they answer yes, it was because they didn't realize you were listing choices and they just wanted the first thing you said.
My husband does that at times, such as when I ask him "do you want X or Y for dinner?" Usually, he's just intentionally being a smartass. Other times, he really doesn't care which choice. :)
"How would you like that cooked? " "What year is your car? "
all the fricking time 'do you want that made with or without coffee?' 'yes' 'let's try that one again...' or 'are you sitting in or taking away? ' no'
If she's old, there's a very good chance that she has memory issues. Most of these are funny, this one is just cruel.
I have a regular lady that asks, every SINGLE time, "Do you have any fresh coffee?" Like, ma'am, we know you want fresh coffee. Just freaking request it. We don't mind. I promise.
Why is it on BP it is always "old people" (mainly "old women") never young idiots which when I was in retail were the worst?
If she's old, maybe her eyesight isn't good enough to actually SEE the buttons...
It's situations like these you should be required by law to throw a fit right back "well press f*****g no you dumb b***h, I know you know this *I* have told you five times that I can remember!"
I have so many people that come through my uscan all the time, and never remember how to use it
Went out with some friends, mate of mine took absolutely ages to choose, then picked fish. When it came, he looked stunned and said I didn't order that, I don't like fish! Everyone turned and said "yes you did". Luckily, one of the women said she was torn between choosing the fish, so they swapped, but it was a very strange brain fade.
Load More Replies...Reminds me of a joke… Up rather late, a man turns to his partner and says, “I’m going into the kitchen to make myself a snack. Would you like anything?” His partner says, “I’d love some strawberry ice cream.” Ten minutes later he returns and hands her a plate of scrambled eggs. “What’s this?” She asks. He replies, “It’s the eggs you wanted.” She snaps back, “Yes, but I wanted them over easy!”
I was pregnant and the hubby and I went to A&W (burger establishment). I ordered a burger with onion rings, he ordered a chicken sandwich with fries. I ate my onion rings first, open my burger only to discover a chicken sandwich. I look up and he's just finishing eating my burger. I was not pleased. My pregnancy hormones really wanted a burger. Not only had he completely forgotten that he had ordered a chicken sandwich, he had apparently forgotten that he only ever orders the chicken sandwich when we eat there, as it is his favourite. Didn't even phase him that we each get completely different toppings on burgers. I guess I was too focused on my delicious onion rings to notice before it was too late.
I had a customer order "stuffed shrimp", and when it came, she said, "i didn't know it would be stuffed." The managers didn't believe me, so they had to hear it from her themselves.
I'm so sorry but l do have short term memory issues. Y'all work so hard-thank you!
As we all know, it is impossible to please everyone. In one of my previous customer service jobs, within the same day, I would hear excited compliments and heated complaints about the music that was playing in the salon. Everyone has their own preferences, and that is okay. As Kumar Arora wrote in Forbes, “Using ‘the customer is always right’ in your daily business practices works under the assumption that you can satisfy every customer 24/7. This is a fool’s errand. Even the largest and most successful brands know this to be impossible, and so should you. People are unique. We all have different tastes in fashion, food, cars, homes, etc., and if you attempt to satisfy every customer's needs, your business will quickly fail.”
I wonder if this is a sign that sooooo many devices are misdesigned as they obviously do not meet how many people function.
In one grocery store I shop at the glare from the lights on the card reader that is fixed to the counter is so bad that you can't read the screen.
Load More Replies...To be fair, initially, the screen reads, "Do not remove", and then it says, "Remove". It should not use the same word in opposite instructions for distracted (OK, and maybe reading-challenged) customers. Something like, "Reading card, do not touch", then "Remove card".
I've also seen pushy cashiers get upset if it beeps once and within a microsecond of the beep they shout, "You can remove your card now!". I've had to say, "Gimme a fricken' moment to react to the prompt, would ya?!"
Yep, and you will just keep talking to the bagger while I try to get your attention.
Andddd thats probably what'd they do if the fire alarm goes off in their homes too
It doesn't help that there is no protocol for these things. Insert card any time or wait until the indicators say. Some beep when you insert the card, some don't. Some give you some sort of "processing" message, some don't change at all, sometimes there's a beep with that. Some flash "don't remove!", some have multiple messages instead of a repeat. Cash back? Maybe not. Email receipt? Maybe not. Sometimes the cashier is on the other side bypassing the selections. I worked retail a long time, and I still have the anxiety of "cashier is waiting on you, don't f**k this up." So let me take a moment to read this instruction on the screen and—"it's telling you to-" Read the words on the screen? I'm trying. I know the cashier can blindly quote the screen, me too if I only interact with the same single one the entire day. But this is the fourth machine for me, and each one is being a different kind of b***h... Basically I'm saying it'd be nice if the credit card/pos people would standardize...
Lame excuse for bad design. Confirm the cancellation and all is good. Just going black could mean anything.
Load More Replies...I'm going to give this one a pass, because EVERY damn store has a different button to press if you don't want to use debit mode on your bank card.
"Insert the chip? I'm sorry, I ate all my fries. I didn't realize I needed to keep one for verification."
Ok, this one bothers me. "Old people don't get the new technology" like those complaining have the blacksmithing skills of a ninth century Saxon.
My dad is 74 and I'm nothing but impressed with how easily he's transitioned as technology has advanced. Young people need to remember there weren't debit card, credit cards were used by very few and they didn't scan their card because card readers didn't exist. Most people paid by check, which weren't run through a check reader, or cash. Instead of being annoyed we should all be in awe at how well they have transitioned over and over as technology, that 20 year old kids don't remember not having, has advanced and to many of our elders something seems to change just as they grow accustomed to last advancement.
Why don't they do both. The cards with chips still have the magnetic strips too. You'd think either method would work.
You'd think that but it's not always the case. My card has a magnetic strip but swiping it won't actually let me pay.
Load More Replies...I wish people would stop the "old people" comments. I have seen young people who cannot do simple arithmetic if their computerized cash registers are down. How sad is that?
Ya, those damn old people, i mean the ones that taught you how to use a spoon.
As much fun as it is to mock dumb things customers have said, it is also a reminder to not be that customer. Employees and patrons are just trying to get through the day, whether they are running an errand or working a job they are less than passionate about to provide for their family, so they both appreciate it when the other makes their life easier. Workers, try to have patience with customers who might be a little bit slow to understand things like card readers, and customers, just take a moment to think before you speak. Or you might end up being roasted on Twitter.
Early’s 2000’s there used to be an option for that - you could swipe your card and enter your pin while the cashier was scanning then you just had to “approve” at the end. Doesn’t exist anymore, and I’m sure I can guess why, but I liked it for those quick trips with a small basket of stuff.
we do the to good to go bags at work (basically you pay a small amount and get a bunch of food items hugely discounted because they are going out of date that day, and it stops them going in the bin), usually i'm totally on the ball and have them all ready and rung through before the collection time starts, but this one day we were too busy and i had too many bags. this guy comes to collect his and i apologised and explained i still had to ring it through the till, it literally would take me maybe 20-30 seconds (including waiting for stickers to print), the whole time he kept trying to grab the bag off me (even though i'd not finished putting the stuff in) saying 'i get these bags all the time, i know what i'm doing' and i'm like 'great, but i still have to process them before i can hand it to you, i'm sorry i'm keeping you waiting'
Again, don't be rude! Be pleasant like, 'It will when I scan this stuff'
It should read my mind before you even punch it in or swipe the card. I should just think of it and it happens - Customer
Or when they say, "I'd like a large drink." In the drive through, I mean. Not when they make it themselves. When I have to punch it in. And they just say "a drink". Like, what *flavor*? I'm not a mind reader, ma'am. And I just supposed to, like, surprise you, or..? That one's honestly more funny than annoying. 😂
Load More Replies...so often hit the card button, use my hand to show them where the card machine is and say 'it's ready for you' or something to that effect and they just stand there staring at it
Yeah well, the more "sophisticated and modern" the card reader/machine, the longer it takes for the transaction. Most good check-out personnel could handle the transaction faster than the card readers, and end up just sitting there waiting for the "modern" technology to function.
I work in a store, but usually shop in another. Often out of uniform, but, once, after I had finished work I nipped over to the other store quickly while still in my uniform. Neither uniforms look similar and both are branded with the names of the stores. While buying my shopping and putting it in the cart another customer came over, stared fixedly at me then asked me if I worked there and did I know what aisle the toiletries were in. I just stared back, dumbfounded!
There ia half a dozen grocery shops i regularly go to. I could totally see this happening to me.
Load More Replies...This is true but any agency people that work in our store don't wear uniforms, just regular clothes, and tend to be a lot more colourful. Like parrots in a store full of blackbirds. Had one, once, with the most amazing rainbow hair and piercings. She was stunning.
Load More Replies...To be fair, I have often seen vendors working on stock in a store. They look very similar to employees but have no idea where anything besides their exact product is.
This is just social convention. It's an ice breaker genius. What do you want them to say, "Hey you!"
There are probably as many reasons for some of this behavior as there are people. Low performing tasks might be the least of their concerns that day. Your job is to not be condescending (which can be detected) and to provide good customer service. Sure, it's frustrating and the customer is not always right. But that's not your judgment call unless you are seriously being abused.
It's a trick question. Admitting you work there means you agree to solve all their problems, regardless of what your job function actually is.
I developed the habit of asking "do you work here and are you on shift?" even if they are in a uniform after I mistakenly asked a stranger where X aisle was and he looked at me like I was from another planet and said 'I don't work here". In my defence I had just done 4 days straight of double shifts because we were short-staffed (pre covid) and was dead on my feet but needed to pick up batteries. I was in Bunnings and at the time the staff all wore hi viz shirts or vests over their Bunnings shirts. I spotted the hi viz yellow out of the corner of my eye and asked the man and only after he spoke noticed he had his own basket. I apologised and ever since double check out of paranoia
Nahh I just wear this uniform with the word "EMPLOYEE" On the back for style Sherry!
Yea cuz most folks are used to swiping. You could just be helpful & courteous and say "Yes". I know it's hard to do one's job.
I don't understand your down votes, because you are so right. A little courtesy, from customer and employee, goes a long way to make a day.
Load More Replies...People can get flummoxed by things like this - often poor education or dyslexia plus social anxiety. try to be kind and patient.
Yes... "None of the Above." Unfortunately all the other candidates received more votes.
Load More Replies...These are the same people who can’t wait for you to unlock the car door so they can open it
The answer shouldn't lead with the affirmative. Lead with, "in a moment', or "not just yet" ..
Sometimes I put my card on the reader already while the cashier is still scanning, then I have my hands free for putting my thins away while paying. At least with Aldi in Germany it works perfect. But it's my usual store, so the people normally know me and are wondering when i pay with cash on rare occasions ...
sorry, if you're too busy to type out "you", I am too busy to read your whine.
When that random b word grabs my black coffee/tea and screams at the barista they gave her the wrong drink. Um no, they made mine first since it's just pouring from the tap or carafe while it takes 5 minutes to make your venti-triple-caramel-vanilla-mocha-extra sugar-nonfat-oatmilk-with regular whipped cream-all milk, splash of coffee nightmare drink.
Load More Replies...Barista: "Stacey" Me: *has mobility issues, slowly wanders over* Man: *grabs drink and swigs* "This isn't hazelnut." Barista: "That isn't your drink." Man: "But WHY doesn't it have hazelnut?" Me: "Because I didn't order hazelnut you d**k"
Customer: I just need a minute of your time (Five minutes later; customer is still asking questions and one of your coworkers walks by and says) Coworker: Hey, I thought you were headed to lunch!
I worked at a place that started counting your break as soon as you left your workstation. We were also required to help any customers who asked, on the way there and back. There were a lot of times I'd only have a couple minutes left by the time I got there, or be late getting back to the front. It wouldn't have been so bad, but any shifts 7 hours or less only got a 15 minute break.
If the customer looks like this, i´ll say yes to any b******t that drop out from their mouth.
well yes. It might be available as a store credit or a gift card or might require banking details or might go back to the credit card or whatever. There are a range of possibilities.
I had a customer convinced that I hadn't given him a refund on his card, despite him putting his card in for the refund. He thought we were some magical genies who took everyone's refunds. Again, he put his card in the card machine.
I know all of the above is extremely frustrating but I am one of those annoying people... I suffer with terrible anxiety and I start to panic sometimes the moment I put my shoes on to leave the house then when I get home after shopping I want to close my curtains, cry and never leave the house again after I go over and over in my mind how dumb and annoying I must've been. (typing this is anxiety inducing let alone hitting the post button!) I do apologise! X
I have severe anxiety as well, and spent 20 years working in customer service, so I feel your pain. Most service workers won't remember you the second you walk out the door. Honestly, people just aren't paying that much attention to you, because they're paying too much attention to themselves. I'm saying this to be helpful!
Load More Replies...I don't think a lot of store employees realize how over-stimulating and confusing their shopping environment can be for someone with social anxiety, ADHD, or mild cognitive decline. And they get annoyed if you try to put in your card too fast, but also if you don't do it fast enough. And every store has a slightly different kind of card reader. Restaurants, too, can sometimes be very loud and distracting, plus you're trying to have a conversation with your dinner companions, so you might need extra cognitive processing time when you're asked a question. Can we try to be a little more patient and less ableist with each other?
As long as these little rants are just happening outside of work, I get it. It can be annoying for the employees to have the same conversation with people over and over. As soon as they let it affect how they're treating the customer, though, they're the assholes. Because you're right, there are a lot of potential reasons people may not be able to follow the "simple" instructions, and if the customer isn't being a jerk about it, there's no need to be a jerk back to them.
Load More Replies...It seems like 70% of these dealt with card readers, so maybe it’s that card readers really are annoyingly confusing and inconsistent, and it’s not us (customers). As customers we expect you (the employee) to be more familiar with how it works, and that means that, rather than learn how each new one works, we might ask you to walk us through its operation, which is the LEAST you can do.
100% this. Why are they all so different and difficult!
Load More Replies...I really don't know why so many customers do this but a horde will turn up at two minutes before closing and insist on doing a full shop! Why? I feel we should be able to, legally round them up, ten minutes later and chase them out of the store with cattle prods. We have homes to go to, too, you know, and we've worked a long shift. Anything from 8-12 hours for some of us. If customers want to do a full shop then, please, for the love of God, come in earlier
They do it because of their sense of entitlement, humans are assholes and they get more and assholey daily, common courtesy for others is heading to extinction
Load More Replies...I worked in retail for a long, long time. I know how exasperating customers can be. I also know that I don't know a thing about them, or what they may be going through. I had to buy groceries the day I learned my mom had unexpectedly died, and I had to ask for help for everything. I also struggle with severe social anxiety, which often makes it so I can't take in information the first time. My aggravation levels dropped precipitously when I realized that all I needed to do was treat customers as whole, complex human beings.
A lot of customer service people bitching about how old people can't do things, b***h, you were born with a smartphone in your palm, some of these people didn't even have a TV at home growing up.
Sometimes I wish stores would have a line just for folks over 65.
Load More Replies...I love the ones who have me ring up 47 items, THEN the ask if we take apple pay. It's always the apple pay people. Nobody waits till I've entered 47 items then ask if we take credit cards. They ask first.
Apple pay people are some of the most annoying customers ever. Why do they all assume that everywhere takes it and never bring a physical card with them?
Load More Replies...I've worked many jobs where I dealt directly with customers, and once again, articles like this convince me that there are a lot of people who shouldn't be working in jobs that deal with the public.
Absolutely. I work in retail and I really shouldn't. I do it because I need my job to survive. And I am probably not alone in this. It's no use telling me I shouldn't be working in jobs that deal with the public. I should because I need to pay my bills. I nonetheless try to be empathetic because it makes the job easier.
Load More Replies...Every customer should be aware that the full quotation is "the customer is always right in matters of fashion."
My favourite is when they’ve already paid, I rang it up, I’m grabbing change, and they suddenly try to alter the money they gave me. You want me to go through the process of refunding this and doing it over, do you? You think that’s helpful to anyone?
I know all of the above is extremely frustrating but I am one of those annoying people... I suffer with terrible anxiety and I start to panic sometimes the moment I put my shoes on to leave the house then when I get home after shopping I want to close my curtains, cry and never leave the house again after I go over and over in my mind how dumb and annoying I must've been. (typing this is anxiety inducing let alone hitting the post button!) I do apologise! X
I have severe anxiety as well, and spent 20 years working in customer service, so I feel your pain. Most service workers won't remember you the second you walk out the door. Honestly, people just aren't paying that much attention to you, because they're paying too much attention to themselves. I'm saying this to be helpful!
Load More Replies...I don't think a lot of store employees realize how over-stimulating and confusing their shopping environment can be for someone with social anxiety, ADHD, or mild cognitive decline. And they get annoyed if you try to put in your card too fast, but also if you don't do it fast enough. And every store has a slightly different kind of card reader. Restaurants, too, can sometimes be very loud and distracting, plus you're trying to have a conversation with your dinner companions, so you might need extra cognitive processing time when you're asked a question. Can we try to be a little more patient and less ableist with each other?
As long as these little rants are just happening outside of work, I get it. It can be annoying for the employees to have the same conversation with people over and over. As soon as they let it affect how they're treating the customer, though, they're the assholes. Because you're right, there are a lot of potential reasons people may not be able to follow the "simple" instructions, and if the customer isn't being a jerk about it, there's no need to be a jerk back to them.
Load More Replies...It seems like 70% of these dealt with card readers, so maybe it’s that card readers really are annoyingly confusing and inconsistent, and it’s not us (customers). As customers we expect you (the employee) to be more familiar with how it works, and that means that, rather than learn how each new one works, we might ask you to walk us through its operation, which is the LEAST you can do.
100% this. Why are they all so different and difficult!
Load More Replies...I really don't know why so many customers do this but a horde will turn up at two minutes before closing and insist on doing a full shop! Why? I feel we should be able to, legally round them up, ten minutes later and chase them out of the store with cattle prods. We have homes to go to, too, you know, and we've worked a long shift. Anything from 8-12 hours for some of us. If customers want to do a full shop then, please, for the love of God, come in earlier
They do it because of their sense of entitlement, humans are assholes and they get more and assholey daily, common courtesy for others is heading to extinction
Load More Replies...I worked in retail for a long, long time. I know how exasperating customers can be. I also know that I don't know a thing about them, or what they may be going through. I had to buy groceries the day I learned my mom had unexpectedly died, and I had to ask for help for everything. I also struggle with severe social anxiety, which often makes it so I can't take in information the first time. My aggravation levels dropped precipitously when I realized that all I needed to do was treat customers as whole, complex human beings.
A lot of customer service people bitching about how old people can't do things, b***h, you were born with a smartphone in your palm, some of these people didn't even have a TV at home growing up.
Sometimes I wish stores would have a line just for folks over 65.
Load More Replies...I love the ones who have me ring up 47 items, THEN the ask if we take apple pay. It's always the apple pay people. Nobody waits till I've entered 47 items then ask if we take credit cards. They ask first.
Apple pay people are some of the most annoying customers ever. Why do they all assume that everywhere takes it and never bring a physical card with them?
Load More Replies...I've worked many jobs where I dealt directly with customers, and once again, articles like this convince me that there are a lot of people who shouldn't be working in jobs that deal with the public.
Absolutely. I work in retail and I really shouldn't. I do it because I need my job to survive. And I am probably not alone in this. It's no use telling me I shouldn't be working in jobs that deal with the public. I should because I need to pay my bills. I nonetheless try to be empathetic because it makes the job easier.
Load More Replies...Every customer should be aware that the full quotation is "the customer is always right in matters of fashion."
My favourite is when they’ve already paid, I rang it up, I’m grabbing change, and they suddenly try to alter the money they gave me. You want me to go through the process of refunding this and doing it over, do you? You think that’s helpful to anyone?
