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Welcome to Bored Panda, how may I help you? Ah, I see. So, you Pandas work in the food, retail, and services industries and started the week off dealing with some incredibly dense customers. Denser than the core of Planet Earth, you say? Well, don’t worry about it, plenty of us have been there.

In fact, our team has collected a whole bunch of examples of the dumbest things that customers have said and done, to make you feel better. Trust us, you’re not alone in this. Of course, this isn’t to say that all customers are dumb: most are polite and decent. However, a small proportion of them are nightmare material and don’t even know what chicken wings are. And here’s the proof. Grab a soul-healing cup of tea, scroll down, upvote the situations that made you laugh, and share your own retail nightmare scenarios in the comments.

Bored Panda reached out to Save the Student, a British project that advises students on how to make their money go further, about how the pandemic affected the job market and what to do if you feel like you're stuck at a job where you feel demeaned. Jake Butler from Save the Student said: "It does depend on location and other factors, but finding a job during the pandemic, specifically lockdown, has been extremely difficult for students. It's true that some businesses, such as supermarkets and delivery companies, have increased recruitment, but large student employing sectors such as retail and hospitality have really stuttered due to being closed for many months."

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TmKhr
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I too want to lemonade some important papers while I drink some laminate soda

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Jake from Save the Student added that while some retail and hospitality jobs are returning, many students are "shunning them as there are worries about job security and also working conditions." According to Jake, one of the main worries that many have is that the market is weighted towards the employers and not the employees.

"For those that feel demeaned in their current job, I would suggest it's worth studying the rights you have as an employee," Jake told Bored Panda what we can all do if we find ourselves being treated less than humanely at our workplace. "Even during the pandemic, there is no excuse for an employer to break the law at your expense. And if you feel you're being treated especially poorly I would suggest looking to switch jobs, but doing so wisely."

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TmKhr
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A woman in a Finnish Facebook sales group didn't want to tell her clothes' size because she didn't want anyone to know how big she was.

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Otter
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is "BLT with cheese" going to be the new "See you next Teusday"?

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It’s easy to stay professional when the customers who you deal with are nice, pleasant, and see you as a human being. But the challenges start when you come face to face with someone who demeans you, acts overly entitled, or simply asks incredibly dumb questions. All of which makes you question why the nation’s education system has set the bar so low.

Earlier, I’d spoken about how to deal with difficult customers with Alexander Kjerulf. He’s the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at ‘Woohoo inc.’ and knows a lot about helping keep employees motivated, happy, and using their skills at their best.

Alex put it very simply that if you feel like you’re forgetting that you’re a human being worthy of humane treatment at your job, then you should seriously consider moving on. “Quit, and find a better place to work, where they actually care about their staff. And quit sooner rather than later. The longer you stay, the more they will grind you down until you lose all the energy and optimism you need to move on and find a better job,” he told Bored Panda.

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sarge-m , twitter.com Report

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TmKhr
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're right, there's no one here, it means you've broken in and police are on their way to arrest you

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He said that it’s common in restaurants to treat their customers like kings. And some places complement this by treating their employees badly. However, this is far from all right! It shouldn’t be the norm.

“99% of people are nice, but the occasional rude client is unavoidable," Alex noted that you will have to deal with difficult customers sooner or later. It’s not something that you can avoid forever and ever, no matter how good (or lucky) of an employee you are. "You can learn tricks to deal with them, and that's great, but no one should have to put up with mistreatment."

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Mihai Mara
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The rule "an eye for an eye" should have been applied: "here's your HOT latte!" *splash*

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Ancsuri
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you have to give a tip in the US? How does it work? Cause by us, you can give a tip if you want to, but you can choose to pay just the price of the food.

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Working in the service industry doesn’t mean that you have to be a doormat, however. If you find yourself constantly being walked over, belittled, and demeaned, you have to reach out to your manager for help. They should be willing to step in and help you deal with anyone who isn’t acting like a human being should.

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Catlady6000
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember replying something about how if nobody came in to shop, they wouldn't open, and the customer continued to sympathize and wonder why they opened on a holiday

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“You have to remember that in many cases a customer who behaves badly is not necessarily a bad person—it can be a good person having a bad day and that’s why they’re acting out. But the sad truth is that some customers act this way because they’ve learned that it works and will get them discounts or preferential treatment,” Alex said that some customers might be nightmare material by accident while others are very Slytherinish and sneaky.

#16

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xxkaileyx Report

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Michele Ferretto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is not the first time I hear a pregnant lady be called fat by other woman. For the love of God, what's in their mind!?!?

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Kat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was pregnant with my first child and 2 women discussed if I was pregnant or just fat. Maybe they purposely discussed it loud enough for me to hear, maybe they didn't, but I felt really bad, pregancy hormones and stuff...

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Trillian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

WTF is wrong with the manager? Did they expect her to refund an empty lipstick? Why not give away the stuff for free then?

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Alex the awful German
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I honestly hope you found a better job by now, or at least a better manager.

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Helenium
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why did she get introuble with the manager and why is she working when shes 8 months pregnant shouldnt she be resting?

the_true_opifex avatar
Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"The customer is always right". Uh-huh, sure. Except for when the customer is wrong and an idiot, but you're not allowed to point that out.

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Sinkvenice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YOU got in trouble with your manager? That's beyond shameful.

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Kim Bush
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd say she got in trouble for what she said back to the customer.... Or at least I would have. And it would have been worth it.

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Sue User
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is bad enough the customer was abusive, the manager being a d$#$ didn't help.

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Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked for TSA, we had one girl try to say we stole her “brand new and expensive” makeup out of her bag. When asked to prove it, she opened her bag and there it was, cheap, half used, and really gross looking, makeup hidden under some equally gross looking clothes. Sweetie. First off, no one steals gross half used makeup, expensive or not. Second, if you make an accusation like that just to swap cheap s**t for expensive, let me tell you right now that no company is going to replace your cheap funky-ass used drug store makeup with brand new expensive couture makeup without you first proving beyond a shadow of a doubt—-like with recent receipts—-that you actually had the good stuff, and that it was brand new, to begin with. Nope, no freebies or upgrades unless legitimately deserved.

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Louloubelle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked retail, I took a lot of crap from customers. But I had a rule - you can insult the company, the products, the rules, but not me personally. When that happened I simply told them to leave. I had a great manager who agreed with that.

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Donna Baker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If your manager doesn't back you up find a different job. The customer is not always right

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neonn_pieee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep! Sometimes you're the one who gets in trouble for not giving a customer what they want even if it's so ridiculous and the customer is so rude. I can't stand management like this.

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Cheri Aline Sydney
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kailey, your Manager should have supported you... Not only because your observation appears to support your reply, but because,, in my opinion, once someone resorts to oersonal attacks, true or untrue, they've negated the privilege of even having their voice heard.... !

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KT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your manager is a moron and should have stood up for you!

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Mya Lugar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too bad managers can't be brought up in front of a review board.

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elfin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The manager was even more at fault. This employee saved him a few bucks by not paying out for an empty return.

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Kai Scadden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Flip the manager,Flip the customer because I don't want to curse

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Flavia Slag
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why did you get in trouble !? The "lady" was trying to rip off the store!

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Jane Alexander
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For some it's a medical condidtion. Either way those comments suck~

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Luuta
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Manager should have supported his staff in this case.

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Dejan Tričković
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And a month later you gave birth to a beautiful baby humpback. NAAAAH! That was awful. Sending you LOVE.

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Wednesday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YOU got in trouble? You need a new manager. Lady shoulda been frog marched out of the store.

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Bonnie Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's returning an EMPTY lipstick, saying she's allergic... that tells me she's used most of it and is looking for a freebie. My response after an insult like that would likely get me fired too.

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pusheen buttercup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How in the hell did your manager give you trouble? Calling someone fat and saying they hope they die is verbal abuse plus death threat and that customer should go to jail

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Sandy Kavanaugh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What possible excuse could your manager have for not standing up for you???!!

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Chris Watson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What kind of manager is that! He/she is part of this rude, unacceptable behaviour among asshats!😡 bless you amd your little person!

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Amanda Hunter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YOU got in trouble with the manager? are you supposed to refund used-up goods?

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Heidi I
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez, your manager didn't even have your back? What did he/she want you to do? Let the customer return s**t that's already been used? Pretty sure you would've gotten in trouble for that too. Damned if you do, damned if you don't......

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Kyan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why did you get in trouble? does your manager have any relation with her

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Debrina Blackmoon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Empty??? Did she also EAT it?! Why would the employee get in trouble?!

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Laurie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I meant it's BS that you got in trouble. That's not right

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Chloe *Leah* Pheonix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why.... did YOU get in trouble.... when she turned in..... and empty lipstick...

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David Gripon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have thought this, "customer is always right" thing could have been done away with by now.

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Max L.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So that doesn’t mean the manager is the baby daddy and he ate the customer for breakfast ?

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Pan Narrans
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I can totally understand her getting in trouble with the management. I would have in trouble too. Who has the right mindset to stay calm and not verbally assault the creature? Or start smirking in a passive aggressive way?

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Eslamala
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real actual cheddar or that laminated orange plastic you get in the U.S??

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Pamela H.
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes there is no "grass fed" chicken meat at the store, but Chickens do eat grass. Obviously you don't own a chicken.

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Michele Ferretto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Since you were there you could make him notice the size of the chip, so it could very hardly be injected with any vaccine (I bet he believes that too).

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Mihai Mara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make sure you never run out of blinker fluid. It's very important in traffic!!

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KatHat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The full original phrase is: "The customer is always right in matters of taste". ie, if they want to paint their house screaming purple or buy a gold sequin pantsuit, you say YES that's wonderful. It was never supposed to mean what it's come to mean.

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Mihai Mara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now I am curious how you explained it and what the customer finally understood.

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WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the entitlement of "I orderded a cheeseburger without cheese and that's what I'm getting and paying for. You do not chance my order without my divine consent, you underpaid wage slave."

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The guy's an idiot, of course, but who ever cuts anything in quarters at Subway? Sure, if someone asked, but they don't normally do that do they?

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