Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
50 Hilarious Memes For Those That Know The Struggle Of Working In Retail (New Posts)
If I had to imagine Hell, I would guess it's something like working in a shopping mall on Black Friday. Hoards of angry customers who didn’t sleep a wink pushing through displays and cutting in line only to arrive at the checkout counter and berate the innocent employees for having too little inventory in stock. If you know experiences like this all too well and you’re looking to trauma bond with fellow retail workers, allow us to introduce you to Retail Problems on Instagram.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the most hilarious (and possibly painful) memes this page has shared that perfectly encapsulate the experience of working in retail. Keep reading to also find an interview with Steve Rowland, host of The Retail Warzone podcast, and enjoy these reminders that you’re not alone in the struggles of selling jeans or electronics.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
ShellsBells 2 years ago
I have a ton of these, but I will share one. Worked retail pharmacy. Woman wanted her pain pills early (this was during the huge pill mill problem in Florida). Pharmacist told her the earliest date she could get them. She starts screaming through the store, "If I die because I can't take my medicine, I will sue you!!!" The customers were openly laughing while we had to cover ours.
Lunamorte Louise 2 years ago
She was probably in a lot of pain. Untreated pain can make you irrational.
Load More Replies...
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
Valentines Day morning New York City, 0 degrees during an ice storm. Customer asking me “Will these orchids be OK in the trunk (boot) of my car until 9pm?” Mister if I were to shut you in your trunk for fourteen hours how would you feel 🙂
Kevin J. Henning 2 years ago
There's not much to go on with this one. Either she was in pain in which case go to the emergency room or she didn't follow the prescription instructions and used them up too soon. I don't see this particular case as being stupid. BTW in some states a pharmacist can override a doctor's prescription and refuse to fill it if it goes against the pharmacists religious beliefs. Now that is stupid.
Some guy 2 years ago
In a just universe, those pharmacists would go to hell.
Load More Replies...
Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
Had a customer once try to buy a single can of beer that was obviously taken off the six pack. I tried explaining we didn't sell singles and he had to purchase the six pack regardless. He went on to say how our business would fail and never succeed. I said, "Sir, this is Walgreens. We sell drugs here."
Camilla Peacock 2 years ago
I work at chick-fi-a and honestly it can go from good to bad in the span of 3 seconds
Hotdogking 2 years ago
God yeah. I've had to deal with people too stupid to be stupid, people so dumb they aspire to be halfwits, people who could be considered gifted if they had half a brain. (I've got a list of these I could go on lol)
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
yeah, not just dumb stupid, but voluntarily helpless stupid, like retail folk should fix their life and be their friends blah blah
RELATED:
#2
Loverboy 2 years ago
Really annoying when you know for a fact there is nothing back there, and they ask you to look anyway
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
ah yes that magical 8000000 sq foot warehouse of stuff we don't want other customers to know about wink wink
StrangeOne 2 years ago
At the thrift store I work at, has a big production, warehouse type of room. No customers allowed. People waltz in there thinking the stuff being processed is free for the pickings. We're always having to nicely kick customers out. One lady thought it would be kosher to hang out at the production entrance to look through a rack of clothes. I had to explain to her how hazardous it was. She's like "Oh, I thought we were allowed." There's a sign next to the entrance that says Employees Only.
Onion Patch Petunia 2 years ago
Change the sign to Danger high radiation levels
Load More Replies...
Vasana Phong 2 years ago (edited)
I was at a deli waiting for my cheese, when two ladies came up and asked the deli lady if there’s any more of said tampons in the back, the deli lady looked at them and actually said’ how am I supposed to know that I’m here in another department’ and gave them a stare until they left
Onion Patch Petunia 2 years ago
I would have said no but do you realize cream cheese works as well?
Load More Replies...
HelluvaHedgehogAlien 2 years ago
But, but… it isn’t a portal to an endless vast void of sunshine and rainbows??? My life is a lie /s
Em 2 years ago
And if it was, you wouldn't be able to find what they wanted. Hell, I once had someone ask me to grab a PERSON from the back -- "oh, he just went back there!" Ma'am, "back there" comprises two levels and at least three exits, I'm not getting into some Scooby-Doo s**t with the produce guy.
Billy Harrelson 2 years ago
Or better yet when they ask you to call the store on the other side of town and ask if they have the item in stock. This has only become worse with the store apps that'll say items are in stock when in fact they're not. So now you've got dillholes standing there waving their phones around shouting "your app says you have 5 in stock so they must be in the back!"
Doyle Alan 2 years ago
My husband always wants to ask customers what they think they have in the back. Santa's workshop??
Exotic Butters 2 years ago
Actually I think people are hoping the item they want just needs restocking and the shop has more to do just that. No need for employees to get their undies in a bundle like a bunch of overtired toddlers.
#3
Sydney Rice 2 years ago
Why I no longer work retail…..because I would have a felony charge and conviction.
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
I would use it to slap one person eight times at once, just to show that fool I meant it
Cory Tollman 2 years ago
Or Red Foreman so I could have ten thousand feet that I could put in ten thousand.....
When I was a teenager, I assumed that working in retail would probably be one of my first jobs. Folding t-shirts, working at the mall, getting great discounts on cute clothes and helping customers choose outfits that perfectly flatter them. What’s not to love right? To my surprise, life ended up taking me in a different direction when I turned 16, and my first two jobs ended up being at a theme park and in a coffee shop, so I never got to experience that glamorous retail life. But I soon realized that I had actually dodged a major bullet, because working in retail is not for the faint of heart.
From dealing with rude and entitled customers to being on your feet for 8-hour long shifts, retail workers definitely have it rough. If something isn’t in stock, they might be yelled at. If an item purchased doesn’t work properly, they’ll have to process the return, which might also lead to yelling if the customer doesn’t have their receipt. Despite how challenging working in retail is though, it’s a massive sector. According to the National Retail Federation, “Retail supports 52 million jobs and represents $3.9 trillion of annual GDP in the United States.”
#4
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Me in a shirt that says Sprouts and a beanie with a patch on it that says Sprouts: "no I beat up an employee and stole these, I really like this shade of green"
Load More Replies...
Vasana Phong 2 years ago
My son (9yo) at the time, he was wearing his assigned navy blue polo and khaki pants, went to Walmart after school, yes lots of people kept coming up to him to ask if he worked there
Butler Amadeus Torso 2 years ago
Okay, but again. Would you prefer they just ran up to you & started shouting questions? This inquiry is just a polite way of saying “excuse me.” Folks are taught not to assume anything these days. This can’t be that annoying.
Sad Quokka 2 years ago
"MEEEE? No sir!!" Customer: "um, you have the badge on your shirt" Me: "dang! Forgot about that"
Dave Van Beurden 2 years ago
when I got that question I just always said: "No, I just have really bad fashion taste"
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Never wear a red shirt to Target. Had a woman hopping mad that I wouldn't help her, even though I had told her several times that I wasn't an employee. Finally, I was like "Listen, you dumb b*tch - do you see a name tag on my shirt? No? Guess why? Because I DON'T F*CKING WORK HERE".
Sydney Rice 2 years ago
To be fair……when I go into Walmart in my Amazon vest..that is a never ending question for . Exactly why I now remember to always take it off.
Kyle D 2 years ago (edited)
The "Do you work here" question is one I refuse to answer. Instead I just follow it with, "Can I help you find something". If they repeat I just repeat as well, until it finally clicks for them a non-employee would just say "No", instead of offering assistance. My job switched to just plain blue shirts, so I could see if I was standing in the aisle you wouldn't know, but I've got a scanner, an ear piece, & a cart of merchandise I'm working onto the shelves. If I didn't work here, what honestly do you think I'm doing ?
#5
Loverboy 2 years ago
For no extra pay, you're just handed the responsibilities of other people. I'm sure the threat of being homeless and not eating is a strong motivator.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I got my first retail job at 38. I was dumb as I'd worked at the family business my whole life until then. I worked REALLY REALLY hard because I loved my job and my department. BIG MISTAKE.
Load More Replies...
Aroha 2 years ago
100%. This is also my current job in finance... the only reward for good work is more work!
Load More Replies... Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
Your reward for completing all your work in less than the allotted time: MORE Work!
Jordan Croff 2 years ago
I've had a few employers that would take me away from my regular duties to work on other stuff outside my job description and then act confused why my regular responsibilities weren't being completed and sometimes even being written up for it. I don't know what it is about managers but they're usually not the brightest lot.
Bookworm 2 years ago
I've discovered that the problem, in my particular situation, is that if I don't deal with the problems other people have half-assed or ignored, they end up causing minor disasters that we all have to deal with. Someone didn't stack the boxes correctly on the conveyor and left them hanging off the side? If I don't fix it, it'll knock over a full cart of breakable merchandise and we have to sweep up broken ceramic. I pick up trash that other people have left on the floor because I don't enjoy banana-peel style accidents with pieces of styrofoam.
#6
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I worked vitamins/supplements. I got their life stories AND an in-depth description all of their ailments and symptoms thereof, real AND imagined.
Load More Replies...
Sinnsyk Jakte 2 years ago
Vet assistant. It was...over an hour with a woman who told me she was also pissing and pooping in her cat's litterboxes...
Michelle Carlson 2 years ago
I am so sorry to everyone I've ever talked with on the phone. I am really trying to get better. :p
The Doom Song 2 years ago
I work in a bottleshop and everyone seems to want to justify why they are buying alcohol. I'm like I don't care as long as you buy it and don't steal it
Pauly Donahue 2 years ago
It sux, but I try to imagine how lonely/friendly/aloof they are. I TRY
Jenna Logan 2 years ago
When you're running the register and your on the phone and the line is like a mile long.. makes me wanna scream
Rachel Reynolds 2 years ago
OMG. when I worked in a public auto shop I got that all the time. Like, Sir, I don't care about your estranged son and why your wife left you, I just need to know what the transmission is doing...
Kevin J. Henning 2 years ago
After thirty seconds a bell should ring followed by "times up" click.
One in four American jobs is supported by retail, meaning that I’m sure many of you pandas reading this article know what it’s like to sell makeup or video games. When it comes to what makes these jobs so appealing, opportunity for growth and a chance to climb the corporate ladder may be one incentive to work in retail. According to one study, 60% of retail workers have been given a promotion, and 90% have earned raises. Almost a third of retail workers are part-time as well, which means having flexible hours might be a huge perk of working in this industry. Students, parents and those who want to combine their retail jobs with another part-time gig might be drawn to the flexibility of these careers.
For many, working in retail is also a great way to build up work experience early on in their careers. Many of these jobs don’t require any specific level of education or pre-requisites, so it can be easy to start off in retail. “71% of hiring managers say that retail provides its employees foundational skills and experience that are transferable to other industries and recommend that employees include retail experience on their resumes,” the National Retail Federation writes on their site. “80% of hiring managers state that the skills and traits that are most important to them are the same skills and traits that more than eight in 10 current retail employees say they use regularly.”
#7
Dana Ondráčková 2 years ago
In middle europe, they cant fire you on spot unless you did something really bad (hurt people, stole etc) otherwise They have to give you 2 MONTHS notice you are fired for you to find another job. The same goes for us full workers, we have to give 2 months unless you have a deal with boss you can leave early
Ace 2 years ago (edited)
In much of Europe 4 weeks is more common, some countries have a legal minimum, some do not, but in most places instant dismissal is indeed reserved for gross misconduct. Of course, they can always escort you off the premises straight away as long as they pay the contracted notice period. Conversely the employee has an obligation to continue work unless the employer specifies otherwise.
Load More Replies...
Bryan W. 2 years ago
To be clear: it's not necessary or required in "at will" employment to give any kind of notice before quitting. Any kind of notice you give is only a courtesy on your part. Might be a good idea anyways should you desire to have a good reference for your next job. Even then, very little is expected of people working at this level. That said, you can't be fired "on the spot" for more "professional" employment arrangements without severance and/or due cause. So it's great that all these EU ppl want to lord their labor laws over the US like it's some kind of distopian h*** hole, but that's not the full picture.
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
Most of the US is "work at will" where you can be fired without warning for basically any reason. Same goes for quitting, you can literally just say "f*ck this" and walk out. It's not very professional, but it sure is satisfying.
Eddie Maurer 2 years ago
If you liked your job and the people you worked with, but you just want more money and found a job offering that, it's common courtesy to off the two weeks. They didn't do anything wrong on your part, you just found a better option. This type of thing is the only reason you should give the two weeks.
Aline 2 years ago
If you are salaried or have guaranteed hours and get fired on the spot in the US, they have to pay you for two weeks or whatever the notice period is, sometimes this is to the end of the contract, often for weekly or seasonal work. Know your rights, there are a lot of contracts that don't follow employment law, so they sometimes tell you, just read the contract, but you need more knowledge than they give you.
Jordan Croff 2 years ago
I learned early on not to give notice because they will either reduce your hours, take you off the schedule or just straight up fire you before your 2 weeks are up. If you do give notice make sure you are not dependent on that last couple of weeks pay.
#8
Loverboy 2 years ago
That song is so annoying, you hear it once and then every time after that you want to surgically remove your ear drums. Also, is it js me or do people get 100x more insufferable during the holidays?
Trisec Tebeakesse 2 years ago
We used to measure our shifts at the store by Paul McCartney. Our track was only on a four-hour loop.
Petra Schaap 2 years ago
I worked at a theme park that had their own themed songs that was also played on the radio.(because some of them were hits) It has been 15 years ago but i still turn it off when possible.
Trophy Husband 2 years ago
When I was in retail, the song was Barely Breathing by Duncan Sheik. Now I like the song, but at the time I was so sick of it!
CG 2 years ago
My family has this one challenge where whoever around the Holiday Season can go the longest without hearing Little Drummer Boy wins $100. I work retail, my brother can listen to whatever he wants at work, my sister works are a pharmacy, and my parents work from home... We had to change that after COVID started, lol.
Sheila Stamey 2 years ago
That is a great song to hear at parties. That's it. There is one other, that I personally detest. Simply because of the over play it receives. It seems like it's the tenth in rotation every year,second only to Mariah. " Last year I gave you my heart." There's you a little ear worm. Sing it all the way through three times to kill it or any ear worm.
#9
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
My background in acting/theatre always really served me well in retail.
Load More Replies...
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
" haha i guess it must be free then"... fixed smile and cold dead eyes.. "haha i guess so..."
Display_Name 2 years ago
Me: * checking if a large bill is real* Them: I gotta whole bag of those at home. Me: Oh, really?! Ha, ha, ha
Wuggerhumphden 2 years ago
A skill the manager of the hotel I worked at when I was 17 lacked. A regular customer cracked a joke at the bar one night (he was the only guest there) we all managed some sort of "Heh" noise but the manager made a weird "TSS, TSS, TSS" noise through his teeth, very obviously a fake laugh by someone who had read about laughing in books but never experienced it first hand. He was an odd man.
To learn more about the struggles of working in retail, we reached out to Steve Rowland, host of The Retail Warzone podcast, who was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda. First, Steve shared what inspired him to create a show about the experience of being a retail worker. “The inspiration came from being in the business over 30 years with 23 of them being a store manager,” he told Bored Panda. “When I was laid off in 2020 due to the pandemic, I had a lot of time to soul search, and I realized that I had had enough of retail and how it treats everyone, from management down to your lowest paid employee. Having been a manager that was forced, in most instances, to treat employees unfairly (due to corporate decrees), it has been my way of giving back and showing solidarity to those who bear the brunt of the abuse.”
#10
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
I feel terrible unfolding clothes even when I'm sure I'll try it
Monday 2 years ago
And sometimes you can't even avoid it! Like there's a display of folded up, but clearly printed shirts and there's no display piece to show you what the print looks like.
Load More Replies...
StrangeOne 2 years ago (edited)
It's not even just the customers fault. We have a terrible way of hanging all clothing. Shirts with wide necks, satiny, heavy jeans they just fall off the hangers so easily. But really doesn't help when people toss clothes on top of the racks and on the floor. But worse is when they tangle up the strappy dresses and hangers in a big mess.
Cassidy Hood 2 years ago
This face is why I don't pick an item if an employee is arranging the item I need. I'll be back tomorrow.
GenXandEarnedItAll 2 years ago
The damg gone Barbie dolls would NEVER stay straight even if no one touched them. They were constantly falling of the shelf. It drove me crazy!
#11
Loverboy 2 years ago
It's like me telling you to change the color of your eyes. It's not happening, dumb thing to say in the first place. Go be annoying somewhere else
Astrius 2 years ago
Wait, people say that? On top of being stupid, every eye color looks good.
Load More Replies... StrangeOne 2 years ago
Thrift stores are bearing a lot of brunt of this. Like, we don't decide the price.
Rosa Carone-Prendergast 2 years ago
I worked at a garden center for 28 years and people complained about our prices saying "Home Depot (or Lowe's) has it cheaper"....yeah well they have hundreds of stores around the country......we have two....of course we can't compete. If you want to save money but get no help then go right ahead....if you want people who are knowledgeable then shop here and spend a little more.
Lisa Crow 2 years ago
At local garden centers, you get what you paid for: well cared-for healthy plants with great roots. At big box stores, you get what you paid for: highly stressed, kinda-watered plants in tiny pots, with pests included.
Load More Replies...
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
"I know it's not your fault but..." glad you know this and still decided to take it out on me. So glad I don't work that shīt anymore
Lunamorte Louise 2 years ago
Unless they are yelling at you or cussing you out, they are simply talking.
Load More Replies... Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
I once tried learning why our prices were as high as they were to give a plausible reason to whoever asked. It didn't take a day for someone to ask, but when I tried explaining the purpose, THEY DIDN'T EVEN WANT TO KNOW!!! People just want to complain sometimes!!!
Reviewer UK01 2 years ago
I got this comment from literally every person I ever told I worked at the water company. Yes, I personally set the bills. I, the 18 year old, set the bills which are heavily government regulated. Dude, I pull up maps of underground utilities so someone can go dig a hole to fix a pipe, but I'll be sure to let the big boss know what I think of the prices.
Display_Name 2 years ago
“I’m sorry but the last time I checked I don’t have a gorgeous view of the skyline from my office. Hell, I don’t even have an office. Therefore, I do not have a say in the prices.”
Jessica Seltenright 2 years ago
I'm a hair stylist and when people complain our prices went up I'm just like yep just like everything else, now because ours went up, and thus my commission, I can now almost afford to live as comfortably as the people complaining about paying $24 for a cut and shampoo!
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
They upped a bunch of prices at my supermarket lately and when lamenting the fact I was careful to say "ugh, THEY upped the price" rather than "ugh, YOU upped the price" to the guy behind the counter.
#12
Loverboy 2 years ago
Having to be around annoying people all f*****g day, how do you not just kill someone every once in a while
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
Everyone should be allowed to punch one freakin customer every day
Load More Replies...
Wilhelm1313 2 years ago (edited)
Companies: your opinion matter. Translation: your opinions do not matter, and you will be fired if you express them
Lesley Zed 2 years ago
Dealing with management when they have half the IQ I have was always an issue. Idiots!
Petra Schaap 2 years ago
i work as a cleaner. I usually say "do you want me to be honest or do you want me to be polite"
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
I sing to the radio and talk a lot of sports jibber jabber to pass the time. People can ruin a good job for you if you get personal with them, gotta keep it light!
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
So true. My current coworkers complain about everything, so I usually make light comments about random things or just stay quiet until they stop
Load More Replies...Steve went on to share that it’s important to discuss the difficulties of working in retail because, “Corporations look at employees as a controllable expense rather than an essential asset. Also, with most companies adopting the ‘customer is always right’ mindset, they essentially put low wage employees on the front lines to take abuse no matter what. That has to stop, and that's why I do what I do.”
We also asked Steve if he could share some of the best and worst aspects of working in retail. “There's really not a true ‘best’ while working retail,” he told Bored Panda. “However, if you are into certain things like tech and work for Best Buy, or are into instruments and work for Guitar Center, at least you have the limited joy of being around products you are passionate about.”
#13
Deann Markland 2 years ago
I never liked the 12-8 or 11-7 shifts. I liked getting in and out early in the day. I loved working the 6 am to 1 pm shift when I used to work retail.
GenXandEarnedItAll 2 years ago
Yes, but working the midnight shift and then driving home on cold, rainy day while everyone else is going to work is the best though.
Thomas E S Thomas 2 years ago
I always hated it when I'd have to work split shifts. 7am-11. Then 3-7pm. Sure, there was 12 hours between pm and am, but that four hour block in between just killed me. Walmart, 3 years.
Kate Jones 2 years ago
Seriously. I work mon-thurs from 8-6pm, and Fridays I work 8 to 330. Even though it's a 7 1/2 hour shift, I consider it my 'half-day' because it just feels different. I also work Saturdays for 5 hours and it drags in a way I can't describe.
#14
tom qwerty 2 years ago
oh no my ex roommates uncles aunts grandmothers dogs mothers first owners sons cousin is going on a trip to aisa
Load More Replies...
HelluvaHedgehogAlien 2 years ago
ALL hamsters are excessively adorable and talented 😁
Load More Replies...
TheElderNom 2 years ago
At my job we switch, but then again we don't have to find someone to cover for us when we're sick.
Monday 2 years ago
Was the same at my previous job. We were free to switch out any shift we couldn't/didn't want to make as long as we could find someone to cover it....but if you were sick management would find someone to cover it.
Load More Replies... Colin Matthews 2 years ago
oh god so sorry but my favourite ad is on TV or i would love too...
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
Got thos shït all the time when I was a waitress. Everyone wanted my shift until I wanted to give it away
#15
Hotdogking 2 years ago (edited)
I found this on YouTube, but as it turns out that phrase was never finished. It was supposed to say "The customer is always right... about to say something stupid", but the person who came up with it died of a stress related aneurysm from working in retail before they could finish it, so that's what it ended up being. (That was a joke btw)
Strawberry Pizza 2 years ago
Hehe that's a good one. Don't quote me on this, but I believe I read somewhere that the real full quote was "the customer is always right... in matters of taste", so essentially they should be able to buy whatever they want without being judged, NOT be given a free pass to be a twat to the employees.
Load More Replies...
Nilsen 2 years ago
I wilsh people could remember the rest of that quote: "the customer is always right in matters of taste” - Maybe Selfridge, but others have been attributed that quote as well. That means that if the customers wants strawberry jam with their fries or insists on dayglo coloured wallpaper in all rooms (provided they buy that wallpaper themselves), they are right. They are not right when they try to get an item that's no longer on sale, get ridiculous prices, fantasy deals, or just harassing the employees.
Kate Jones 2 years ago
Even more than that, it drives me so crazy when they are clearly wrong and treat us like c**p, then the supervisor comes over and apologizes to *them* and gives them exactly what they want. I'm just trying to follow the rules YOU gave me. If we can give people things for free then tell me that so I don't have to have these arguments with customers. And for you to just come over after a customer calls me a 'b!tch' because I'm not giving him something I'm not supposed to, and you just then give it to him...it's incredibly insulting to your staff. And it's always 'well we just want to get him out of here.' Well, yeah, but you're reinforcing that behavior. So now he- and all the customers that were in here when it happened- know that to get what they want they just have to yell. It's like a little kid throwing a tantrum at the grocery store. He's going to keep doing it because he knows in the end you'll cave and give him what he wants.
Luke Branwen 2 years ago
The full quote is "The customer is always right in the matter of taste." That means "If a customer wants to buy absolutely horrendous clothes that look awful on them, we should let them", and not "We will apologize and give discount tickets if they pull an idiotic, irrational temper tantrum over some trivial BS."
Will Cable 2 years ago
Each company should employ someone who can't be fired and can be as rude to the customer as the customer was to the staff...
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
You know who thinks the customer is always right? The very worst customers...
Trophy Husband 2 years ago
I used to say the customer is always lying. And at that job they often were. "It just stopped working, I didn't change anything." After all hour of troubleshooting it turns out they added an IPS, changed firewall rules, and moved switches around over the weekend.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
My version of this is "the customer is always right, except when the customer is wrong and an idiot". Retail workers always seem to get a kick out of it. :p
Eva Muller 2 years ago
I once had a rude customer. She kept saying "there's always something wrong in this store! Always! You never have what you need to have! It always happens! It's such a s****y store!" So I said "Then why do you keep coming back?" My boss laughed when I told him. He doesn't want us to take b******t from customers.
“As for the worst? I don't think there's enough words to actualize that,” Steve shared. “Having said that, the obvious does stick out: poor wages, poor schedules, toxic management, lack of benefits for part timers, the countless amounts of customer abuse and harassment, etc… It's the same story across the board, as those are pretty universal.”
We also asked Steve what all customers need to understand about retail workers. “Retail workers are humans too and not punching bags for whatever anguish the customer is going through,” he noted. “The employees are trying to earn a living and have a life also; they are not paid to be a customer's servant and are not to be treated as such.”
#16
Heather Resatz 2 years ago
Literally I have a completely different personality, even my voice changes when I'm talking to a customer. Crazy
Luna Crow 2 years ago
It's true. Anyone who works in customer service long enough develops that voice
Load More Replies... Sinnsyk Jakte 2 years ago
I become aggressively and intimidatingly friendly and loud when they put me on register too long. I use a sarcastic valley girl voice to really nail the point.home.
Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
I used my customer service voice early morning once and the person said in a shocked voice, "Listen, whatever coffee you drink, can I have some?" lol
#17
Hydro Keychain 2 years ago
Co-worker of mine once said, "I was walking down the street and a bum asked me for spare change. I told him where I work, and he gave me a quarter."
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
It's a depressing fact that a good chunk of homeless people do have jobs. They're just not being paid enough to afford a place to stay. :(
Christof Irran 2 years ago
Not really all that funny. Here in the greater Seattle area more than half of the homeless people have at least one job.
Seadog 2 years ago
One of my bosses offered work to a panhandler with a sign that said he was looking for any work. Guy told boss he couldn't afford him. Boss asked why and panhandler told him he was making something like $35K/YR just from people handing him money, This was mid 90's. Boss didn't even make $35k/yr and worked his butt off for it.
#18
Dawnieangel76 2 years ago
I'm fluent in English & sarcasm. I have signs up in my cubicle. I am kind enough to give warning about it.
As far as what customers can do to make retail workers’ lives easier, Steve says, “Just be kind, that's it. Treat employees like you would like to be treated. Customers would be shocked at the care they received if they would just treat employees with dignity and grace.”
But Steve does note that some people actually do enjoy working in retail. In fact, he did for many years. “The worst part is that there are people who enjoy what they do, but over time, the aforementioned practices by corporate and customers eventually rob them of their joy. The saddest part is that it does not have to be that way; it's fixable.”
#19
Vermontah 2 years ago
I'm retired. My last job was part time as customer service for people needing local services. I started the same day with a girl that was also in the AIr Guard. The boss was a nightmare. I rode to work with her and after 2 weeks she picked me up and says I quit yesterday so I'm dropping you off. She said "I don't have to put up with that c**p in the military". During the ride I called the work place and quit.
Display_Name 2 years ago
Yes. I told a coworker I found another job. The next week, she told me about the job she got. She says our job isn’t worth it without me because I’m the only one who knows how to do anything and actually care about my performance.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago (edited)
There were days when my work bestie was the only thing that kept me clocking into my retail job. Just the fact that I knew I could make him laugh at my stupid jokes or my "sing-alongs" with the store's music... that really kept me going sometimes. I had other co-worker friends, but your work bestie is the bestiest. My work bestie moved during the pandemic because his GF's mom wanted them to live "somewhere less populated" (so they moved from Orange County, CA to Riverside County, CA, which, if you know Southern California, is ludicrous in concept of Riverside being "less populated" XD )
#20
crowspectre (he/they) 2 years ago
I'm a young and dumb 8th grader currently. Very excited for the next four years although I'm probably about to get twenty people telling me that I should be dreading the day high school starts
Load More Replies... Wilhelm1313 2 years ago
Believe it or not, some people are able to stay in the middle stage. I just have met any yet
#21
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
oh yeah, karma. I had a Karen unload on me about something she bought. Kicker- i could see it was from a different chain. Let her rant and waited till a small crowd were watching then did the big "ohhhhhh geez i think i see the problem" routine. Everyone. was. Grinning.
Natalie H 2 years ago
I love to hear satisfying karma stories like this…😈
Load More Replies...
NJJenn1673 2 years ago
I worked at Barnes & Noble during the time Borders was still around. One night I was MOD and this couple comes in with about forty books they want to return (I could tell by looking at them it was at least $400 of merch). They argued with me when I said no, I would not do the return. 1) No receipt. I'm not doing that large of a return without proof of purchase. (2 The kicker - every single book had a Borders sticker on it. I asked them to leave. One of my booksellers was quick enough to get their license plate and call the Borders near by.
Vasana Phong 2 years ago
Yeah but then they’ll spend another hour telling you to try to swipe it again, then if course it’s your fault
Ron Baza 2 years ago
Let the queue form! Let them all watch in awe! Try multiple times! Offer to call a manager! So long as you deliver it all with charm and sincerity, you are doing nothing other than being wildly helpful. Nothing is more deliciously spiteful than being helpful.
Load More Replies...
RyanRyanRyan 2 years ago
Registers should have a secret decline button to mess with bad customers. 😂
Vermontah 2 years ago
Many moons ago I worked in a store when you had to look up a person's card in a paper booklet and if it was listed you called mastercard. (The customer was buying children's clothes and was dressed very nice). Her card was listed so I called and they said cut up her card. I told her they told me to cut your card. It was kind of surreal. She wasn't the worst customer and she didn't make a fuss. She seemed confused and left.
Kate Jones 2 years ago
I especially love when it's a coffee or food item. I worked for a big retail gas station/shop. Customers would purposely know they didn't have enough money and go make a coffee for themselves and start drinking it. Then come to the register and make a show of trying to pay and be like, "oh well sorry" when the card came back insufficient. And then start walking out with the coffee with the attitude, "I already started drinking it so what are you going to do?" No, I can take it back, thanks. I would literally rather throw it away than let you keep drinking it. If it was a regular customer who never had this problem...of course I'd let them go with it. But we had a handful of sleezebags who would regularly try to scam us. I also got a lot of people trying to buy hot coffee with their EBT card who knew they weren't allowed to who would be like, "just put it in as cold". Um, no thanks. I'm not getting fined because you don't want to make coffee at home.
Seadog 2 years ago
Had a black woman go off on me calling me racist etc when her check was declined (store has check readers making checks the same as a debit card) I tried explaining her bank declined her check, not me, not the store. She wasn't having it and kept on telling me it was because she was black blah blah blah. Her tune changed real quick when the manger stepped up and took over. He's black too. I just smiled and walked away. Thanks Reggie. Miss you man.
And if any retail workers out there are currently struggling with their jobs, Steve says, “First and foremost, never be afraid to ask for help. If you do so and are treated with disrespect for trying to do your job better, that company does not deserve to have you. Secondly, retail is not easy, never has been,” he went on to note. “You become part of a marriage that will become unfaithful to you over time. Sure, you can make a career of it if you choose and if you climb the ladder it can in some instances pay very well. It's just up to the individual to really decide if retail is right for them.”
#22
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I always just wandered back to my department and usually the customer would approach ME XD Problem solved!
Nice Beast Ludo 2 years ago
"Sorry I looked everywhere we don't have that...let me check the system" plod around on computer for another 4-7 minutes making negative murmuring noises until finally apologizing that it is COMPLETELY out of stock EVERY WHERE. I got a GREAT customer survey for this after I forgot what I was looking for once... but I did remember it was a weird item we likely didn't have so I didn't completely jerk them around
#23
Loverboy 2 years ago
...here's a bonus for all the hard work you've been doing!" - no one, ever
Celtic Pirate Queen 2 years ago
I worked for a guy who just couldn't seem to get it through his head that I needed to leave at 3:00pm on the dot or I would miss my first bus (3 buses, 1 trolley and over 2 hours to get home). He would constantly start a conversation around 2:50 that I KNEW was not going to be over in 10 minutes. Since I was a contractor (self employed) there were certain rules I just didn't have to follow, so after the first couple of times I had to remind him, I told him to just shoot me an email and I would deal with it in the morning. (I'm a bookkeeper, not trying to cure cancer, so there's pretty much no such thing as an emergency).
GenXandEarnedItAll 2 years ago
We need to hire you for another 24 hours, we need a driver for the ladder truck.
#24
Display_Name 2 years ago
Coffee and milk. But do I really need milk for my coffee? Yes. Do I get paid enough to have milk in my coffee and a roof over my head? No.
“My advice is to not get trapped and always leave your options open,” Steve says, to all retail workers. “Remember, they do not own you or your life, but they will sure make you feel like they do.”
“To any of you struggling in retail, I want you to know that you are not alone, we see you and you are MORE to us than a controllable expense,” he added. “Reach out to us anytime, we're here to help!”
If you’d like to listen to The Retail Warzone or speak to Steve and the rest of The Retail Warzone community, you can find all of their links right here!
#25
Take me to dinner first 2 years ago
Funny story, I got fired from a cafe for being organized and calm in stressful situations, so yeah
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
This is exactly right. I used to go "above and beyond", but I quickly realized my best effort got me treated exactly the same by my employer as minimal effort. Instead of complaining about the lackluster performance of your employees, how about you recognize them when they're doing a great job?
Tinykame 2 years ago
My work effort is more to make myself proud than it is too appease anyone else... but that's just me. I just try to be the Best me I can be or I will lose sleep over it.
Load More Replies... Seadog 2 years ago
I've been canned and either no one had a clue what to do as I had no assistant or the person taking my place was such a complete failure at the job they lost 75% of their business (which followed me to my new job at a competitor). If you're going to fire someone, you need to be sure there's someone that can do the job first.
Preben Lang 2 years ago
This is what i love about working in Denmark (and several other countries as well): the longer you stay at one place, the longer severance you have. I started at 1 month and by the time they tried to fire me they realized they had to pay me 9 months severance. They droped that idea. I was too expensive. 😂😂😂
#26
Owen 2 years ago
The only good thing about working retail, was the friends I made. And the goofing around on the night shift.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Same! I made some really good friends at my job. Still friends with them. And I worked closing shift, I feel that XD
Load More Replies...
𝖊𝖆 2 years ago (edited)
My boss today told me I had some accrued annual leave (knew nothing about it so was a nice surprise) and said I needed to book it in the next three weeks or lose it, and to let her know in the next ten minutes so we can sort it all out. So I said I’d have a look at my calendar and let her know. Get my phone out to look at said calendar, then immediately WHY HAVE YOU GOT YOUR PHONE OUT, PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY THAT IS NOT APPROPRIATE DURING WORK HOURS. I said to check my diary, and she was annoyed cos she assumed I kept a paper one and not the one on my phone. Then seemed annoyed with me for wanting to check the dates before agreeing to book something. So I agreed to whatever dates and said i’m going to put it in my phone so I don’t forget, then immediately got told off for being on my phone! (For the record, my phone stays in my bag and I don’t use it during the day. Only in breaks or when waiting for the kettle to boil when making a drink etc.) it seemed like a big overreaction? Did I do something wrong??
No Clue 2 years ago
Not at all. It's 2023. I think the exception would be someone who has a paper planner instead of using the calendar in their phone. She's being ridiculous. About all of it.
Load More Replies...
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
A very long time ago, I used to like to smoke cigarettes, and during work hours after coffee I’d go out the back to take a smoke break. LIKE CLOCKWORK that’s when my boss would come out of hiding to look for me… the only time I’d see them the entire day.
#27
Loverboy 2 years ago
If murder was legal, I guarantee there would be a lot more solely because of retail workers getting fed up with customers
Seadog 2 years ago
Sure would solve our problems in DC, at the gas pump and healthcare.
Load More Replies... Benita Valdez 2 years ago (edited)
Black Friday I stay far away from stores. If I'm forced to go then I am the kindest person in existence and always find something to compliment the cashier about and tell them I appreciate them and hope their shift goes quickly. I only worked a grocery store but I know the horrors of holiday shopping; can't imagine the nightmare of retail
HelluvaHedgehogAlien 2 years ago
Every retail worker should be allowed to legally slap one of these annoying customers and their spoiled kids every single day
ConstantlyJon 2 years ago
Given this was December 26th, the worse customers aren't the ones at the sales, but the ones at customer service returning all the gifts they didn't like.
Are you having PTSD thinking back on your old retail days? If you currently work in retail, please know how much we appreciate you, pandas. And if you don’t, well, count your blessings. Keep upvoting the pics you find painfully relatable, regardless of what kind of job you currently have, and feel free to share the worst struggles you’ve ever encountered as a retail worker in the comments below. Then, if you’re looking for more memes that will help you bond with your fellow, weary retail workers, you can find Bored Panda’s last article featuring this same Instagram account right here!
#28
Weiss Denise 2 years ago
As a nice customer, stuck behind someone in a large box store, who is arguing with the cashier about how her item was in a bin marked $4.99 and it's ringing up as $5.49, I just want to say, " Here's 50 cents. " just so I can get out of there.
Izzy Curer 2 years ago (edited)
In college, I worked retail at a feed/farm supply store. Our customers were actually pretty nice. Maybe getting to work outside with animals all day makes you pretty chill.
Terra Raizor 2 years ago
70+ year old lady going through the drive thru, wearing only a shirt. ONLY a shirt and she HIKES HER LEG UP ON THE CONSOLE!!!
#29
Bookworm 2 years ago
We've got one of these. Avoids as much work as possible, tells everyone else what to do, is incredibly rude to our direct supervisor, but she's never getting fired because our store manager loves her.
Load More Replies... tom qwerty 2 years ago
or when you ask someone a question and they dont answer it in their reply
I just work here 2 years ago
Or complains about the chit chatters and people who don't work all day. Um, you realize you are the queen of not working, right???
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
You can learn and gain experience from everybody around you on a job. What to do, what not to do. Pay attention. Sometimes the things people will teach you are the things you shouldn’t do.
#30
Display_Name 2 years ago
I’m having to remind my face that we are at work and it’s only job is to smile as my brain explodes.
Nancy Wilson 2 years ago
Absolutely, The hardest part of the job! Only working with a good crew can save you!
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
When I was a waitress, if the GM wasn't there dishes got broken. Sometimes we just needed to break a plate or glass to keep our job. Whoops, I missed the dish area, so sorry
#31
StrangeOne 2 years ago
We get people knocking on the door sometimes way before opening, wondering if they can just come in to browse while we're setting up. Seriously. The entitlement some people have.
kath morgan 2 years ago
When they’re just eager it’s cute, but I hate when they bang on the door and peer at me. I have had to hide behind while having my breakfast because some creeper had his face pressed up next to the opening hours. 😬
Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
And then they start knocking on the door like, no, I see you but I don't have my freaking cash register drawer yet!
Ash Conner 2 years ago
I go to work at 4am. There was a customer wanting to order as soon as I opened to door. WTF
Jeremy James 2 years ago
Ugh. Some A-hole Starbucks managers started telling customers who arrived before or after closing, "It's okay. Come on in. 10 minute grace period." Word got around, entitled people started expecting it, and then Corporate made it into policy.
Ruby 2 years ago
A bakery my mom worked at had this too, some costumers would be there 15 minutes early and their boss would just open shop because they were scared the costumers would leave. Now those people expected this every time they got there.
Load More Replies... I just work here 2 years ago
This used to happen when I worked in pharmacy and people thought we would open early for them....nope.
#32
Loverboy 2 years ago
"I could get it cheaper at ______" then go there mf I'm not keeping your annoying a*s here
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
"...and yet???" turns palms upwards "here you are"
Load More Replies...
Mike Beck 2 years ago
Those are my favorite. I generally respond with something similar to "Oh, ok. Well, I can't touch that price and I don't blame you at all if it's that much cheaper. Yeah, no problem, have a good day!" I usually end up getting the sale but (far more importantly) I also get the fun of watching them try to switch gears and walk it back without feeling awkward. Not many try that with me anymore.
Kate Jones 2 years ago
I get this one at the bank I work for, too. A cd is an account you put money into and can't take it out for a specific amount of time without penalty. In exchange for not using it, you usually get a higher interest rate. But I get calls constantly from people who are annoyed they're have to pay a penalty for breaking it, or "I can get a higher rate at BoA so I'm going to close all of my accounts if you don't match it." I'm so tired of being blackmailed by customers with the threat of 'taking their business elsewhere'. Please do.
Billy Harrelson 2 years ago
My favorite is "the same item is X price at the store in X city (or in X location), why isn't it the same here?" I found this out myself several years ago. Just because the Walmart on one side of town has an item on clearance doesn't mean they all do.
Skulls.N.Succulents 2 years ago
All the "the customer is always right" people would starve because they have no life skills other than complaining and nothing to trade except for unsolicited opinions soo... Yeah!
Load More Replies...
Joseph Grimmett 2 years ago (edited)
I worked at an electronic store and a guy from China came in and started bitching about how in his country things were soo much cheaper. I just wanted to say sorry but my country doesn't use child slavery to keep things cheep.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
"Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya. Or do; I really don't care."
Benita Valdez 2 years ago
When I was a cashier at a grocery store people would argue over pennies; I gave out so much of my pocket change to not do the whole fůcking adjustment in customer service. "The principle of it" is not a reason to get nasty with a cashier especially when it's literally 1 cent
#33
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Or when you're walking to the break room to clock in and customers snare you, so you actually end up being LATE to clock in.
Julie Snelling 2 years ago
I was asked in a training session on good customer service what I would do if I saw a customer down an isle looking confused I said walk down another isle! They didn't find it funny.
Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
I once worked a ten hour shift on Christmas Eve. All I wanted was my freaking 30 minute break to sit down and eat food my spouse was so wonderful to bring for me. I put my coat on over my clothes as I was officially on break and off the clock. Freaking customer STILL flagged me down anyway. I almost hit someone on Christmas Eve that year!
#34
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
Of course. Ask any soldier - the bonds formed through shared hardships are always the strongest
Sinnsyk Jakte 2 years ago
I have permanent damage to my knee but begged for an ortho for paperwork so I can go back. It kills me to hear how my crew is suffering. (And my guy is one of them.)
#35
Vivian McBride 2 years ago
On their credit card statement, "Previous Balance, $305.20" "I paid that. Why do I still owe $159.50?" "Because you bought $159.50 this month." Aaarrrrrgggh!
Jeweled Dragon (She/They) 2 years ago
I once had to explain to a customer that her 50 dollar gift card would not cover a 54 dollar purchase.
Shawn NowayJose 2 years ago
I get this one with our reward system. Machine asked if you want to use your rewards. It's literally a Yes or No question. The blank stare I get when explaining this is quite alarming. Faith in humanity fading fast.
#36
HelluvaHedgehogAlien 2 years ago (edited)
Malfoy would leave out the ‘um’ and just yell ‘the manager is going to hear about this’ Edit: sounds more like a costumer
Load More Replies...
fair_weather_rose 2 years ago
*leaves and comes back wearing a slightly different hat* hi i'm the manager
Load More Replies... #37
!["Funny retail meme showing man's intense expression with text 'When a customer peaks...closing time; [softly] Don’t.'"](https://www.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/retail-problems-funny-memes-642682e6567ec__700-64269afae3cf9__700.jpg "\"Funny retail meme showing man's intense expression with text 'When a customer peaks...closing time; [softly] Don’t.'\"")
Philly Bobcat 2 years ago (edited)
Or the 6 top that comes in and orders the most complex dishes 5 minutes after you cleaned up the kitchen and shut down everything. And you have to make it because the owner is there.
Joseph Grimmett 2 years ago (edited)
Or when its past closing time and you've already announced it to the store twice but some people just don't care. I always tell those people that the registers close automatically at closing and that they l have to come back when we're open.
Oliver Kettle 2 years ago
All fun & games till 17 people come in 20 minutes before closing & order 5 drinks a piece "Cries"
#38
Jeremy James 2 years ago
Guy tried to open our door past closing, found it locked, then BRACED HIS FOOT on the wall opposite and began violently yanking the door handle. It's a cup of coffee, bro. F**k off.
Lisa H 2 years ago
I mean, I totally understand the necessity of coffee, but dude needs to chilllllll!
Load More Replies...
Dave In MD 2 years ago
I always went with, "The computers are down, I couldn't sell anything even if I wanted to."
Seadog 2 years ago
Had a guy pull up 40 minutes after closing. Not directly in front of the doors. We of course just stepped back out of sight. Dude comes up the sidewalk at a healthy pace and slams right into the locked doors. Dang near knocked him out. He staggered back, shook his head, stepped up, pulled a couple times on each door, looked at the hours and walked away. We of course were killing ourselves laughing. Manager in back heard him hit the door and wanted to know what that noise was. Dude actually left his faceprint on the glass.
Lesley Zed 2 years ago
I had a lady do this….Christmas eve, I was already outside with store closed and door locked! Wtf…pardon my French but….🤯
Ash Conner 2 years ago
This happens on a regular basis. I was even leaving out the door right after I counted my register and this lady wanted to put in an order
CrazyKnitter 2 years ago
Our store was literally on fire with three fire trucks outside and people were still asking this s**t. Ridiculous.
Brian “BB” B 2 years ago
Always loved the customers that just need one more thing 10min after we are closed. Then I yell through the door we are closed and they call me an Ahole
#39
The Doom Song 2 years ago
Yes. It's a talent indeed. My store manager and I are incredibly good at it
#40
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
It's always the second I think it's safe to make a quick run to the bathroom that the line reappears
#41
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
The maddest thing I've ever done for money was ENJOY working retail. That lasted about 6 months. Then, for the remaining 2 years of working retail, I loathed working retail XD but, mama's cats gotta eat!
Geoffrey Scott 2 years ago
Restrained my homicidal tendency when a "team" task becomes a "me" task
#42
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
At least your name tag is not near your boobs. I had customers stare way too long to figure my name ... take your eyes off my chest!
Fire Singer 2 years ago
Do employees really hate this? I do this sometimes and I don't want to if they actually hate it!
Lisa Crow 2 years ago
Yes. It's creepy and pompous. You and the customer service worker are not personal friends. Please treat them with respect, not false intimacy.
Load More Replies... Ash Conner 2 years ago
That is so uncomfortable and rude to do. You never say someone's name until you 1. Get to know them 2. They tell you to call them by their name.
Mark Boelte 2 years ago
One job I had in fast food we stole the managers name tag and wore it on overnights. All the complaints went to him.
#43
Loverboy 2 years ago
Ready to have a mental break down because you were being berated for something you can't control
The Doom Song 2 years ago
Exactly. I love getting yelled at for not having a certain wine my shop doesn't stock in the first place
Load More Replies...
Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
I've had my fair shares of mental breakdowns but was lucky enough to have human-acting shift leads who let me cry it out in the break room or stock room.
Queen penguin 2 years ago
I work at a drive through coffee shop and was working window while we had a MASSIVE rush mid day. Some guy handed me 3 lottery tickets (and I was stressed enough as it was) so I went to a coworker to ask what to do and then the guy starts laughing and actually hands me money. I was like ‘dude there were like 15 cars ahead of you and another 10 behind you now is not the time!’ After that rush was done I sat on the floor and debated crying lol
eMpTy 2 years ago (edited)
When I shop I always say "thank you " adding their name if they are wearing a name badge. It might just give them a lift in an otherwise sh it ty day.
Vermontah 2 years ago
I don't want them remembering my name! Then they always ask for you.
Load More Replies... #44
#45
Jeweled Dragon (She/They) 2 years ago
I work in a grocery store. A typical interaction goes like this: Me: "Hi, did you find everything you were looking for?" Customer: "Paper" Like come on. At least say "Please"
MissMePhoenix 2 years ago
No this is how they look when we ask "do you want your milk in a bag?" Like it's not rocket science and we ask you every time, how are you not prepared for this? Lmao
Kate Jones 2 years ago
Every time someone uses their card is like... the first time they've ever used a card.
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
I'm so old that I remember when "paper or plastic" meant "how will you be paying today?"
#47
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
It wouldn't do any good - the stupidest people have no idea they're stupid. It's a vicious circle
Seadog 2 years ago
Never argue with one, they'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Load More Replies...
Michael Largey 2 years ago
Right. Why ask if they're stupid when they've just gone to the trouble of establishing that fact right in front of you?
Load More Replies... Kate Jones 2 years ago
I can stop it from coming out of my mouth, but I can't control the look on my face. I just have no ability to stop myself from looking at you like an idiot.
#48
HelluvaHedgehogAlien 2 years ago
I once worked at a retail store and a colleague would always sneak in her shiba inu puppy… dunno if that’s legal and if someone would be allergic to the dog fur (which we dutifully tried to clean up), but damn it was cute
Tams21 2 years ago
It makes a difference but even with the best colleagues, one particularly rude customer can totally ruin a day.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I don't either, but I had co-workers I could commiserate with. We all disliked everybody, together XD
Load More Replies... 
#49
Lunamorte Louise 2 years ago
I hate that question. Period. Most people don't really care how you are doing, it is just a greeting. So I just respond with hello. I'm tempted to tell the truth on a bad day so that they regret asking.
Steve Robert 2 years ago
That's great. BTW I'm looking for something that your store doesn't sell anymore. Can you please check the backroom and make sure you don't have any left?
#50
Jeweled Dragon (She/They) 2 years ago
I'm 5 mins late for my scheduled crying time.
Load More Replies... Jeweled Dragon (She/They) 2 years ago
My bosses don't ask. They often forget that I'm there. Once, I ended up staying an extra 30 mins after my shift ended because my boss forgot to tell me that I could shut off my register.
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
To be fair, five minutes of "work" time feels like five hours of "me" time
Joseph Grimmett 2 years ago (edited)
Always stay for at least 8. Most time clocks calculate time base on quarter hours and as long as you have worked at least 8 min after you shift ended you'll get paid for an extra 15 min (so if you get off at 4pm but stay till 4:08 you'll be paid until 4:15, but if you leave at 4:07 you'll only be paid till 4pm) sanding goes for when you click in, which is why employers don't want you clicking in more than 5 min early
#51
Wilhelm1313 2 years ago (edited)
Maybe the memes are the problem, and if we all got off our tech we'd actually do something (says me at 2:30 AM on BP scrolling memes)
#52
#53
Hotdogking 2 years ago
Just covering an ignorant comment. Look if you want idc, I just don't like that it's the top comment
#54
Seadog 2 years ago
That is exactly corporates thinking. I worked for an auto parts chain and had someone at corporate actually admit they'd never set foot in one of our stores. That's pathetic since there's a store attached directly to the corporate office.
Load More Replies... #55
General Anaesthesia 2 years ago
The court-appointed psychiatrist would testify that you're unfit to stand trial.
Kate Jones 2 years ago
I'd just take the 'enjoy what you do' part and be happy with that. It would take the burn off not having the other things.
Sandeep Patel 2 years ago
Weird thing is, i get all of this, im not in retail but i can honestly say yes to all of them, i must be lucky to be where i am
Wilhelm1313 2 years ago
Is happiness a choice or is complaining actually going to make it better or maybe life just sucks this bad
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
3/5 isn’t bad - I’m a florist, and I side hustle working 1) in a department store and 2) from home as a collectibles vendor
#56
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
There would be days when I would be showing a customer where a certain product was (I worked vitamins/supplements). If I literally paused in speaking to take a breath, another customer would blurt "EXCUSE ME WHERE ARE THE KETO SUPPLEMENTS?" into the one-second silence while I inhaled XD
#57
Jeremy James 2 years ago
I find, "Thank you SO MUCH for your patience," works better when someone is being rude. The compliment throws then off and then sometimes, they'll stop and think, "But I wasn't being -- oh," and hopefully have a moment of introspection.
Izzy Curer 2 years ago
Nah, she just works retail somewhere else and she gets it. She's commiserating.
Load More Replies... Michael Largey 2 years ago
"Sorry for the wait" is just short for "Sorry you waited and are still here instead of giving up and going away". So that sorry is perfectly sincere.
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Yeah, you got me. Now are we going to stare awkwardly at each other?
#58
Kate Jones 2 years ago
I didn't mind a rush when I was in food service or retail...it made time go by faster. It just depended on the timing of it, though. It's annoying when it's the minute we open. Even now, I take bank calls and literally the minute it turns 8am we have 20 calls in queue. And it's always BS. You really want to wait 20 minutes to find out your balance or to find out our address? There are 3 other ways you can do that without calling. The amount of people who will literally call the minute we open is ridiculous. It just sets us up for an annoying day. There's nothing worse than the minute you come on, haven't' had a sip of coffee, and it's slammed. Then it drags for the last 5 hours of your shift.
Seadog 2 years ago
Busy is good to a point. There's a point where it's too much. When management fails to act at that point is one of the top reasons employers lose their best workers.
Load More Replies... 
#61
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
oh yeah . ex manager here. Policy on my wall " Stabbing customers is almost always wrong"
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
This scene was so moving. "I CAN'T LOSE YOU AGAIN! I can't... I'm not... I'm not strong enough..."
#62
General Anaesthesia 2 years ago (edited)
"due to nobody wants to work _for me_". Fixed it for you.
Michael Largey 2 years ago
I kinda like these signs. They are an infallible signal that this is an establishment not to take my business to.
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Hmmm ... is this a majority vote kind of thing? Do you vote everyday?
#63
Rosa Mardani 2 years ago
Dang... I think I'm the person who starts the conversation.. LOOK OUT IM COMING TO GET YOU INTOVERVERTS 🤣
#64
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I'd be happy, it's still more than zero American dollars! XD
Load More Replies... #65
StrangeOne 2 years ago
I've had to deal with customers on my break. Too many regulars. I could have my apron off, looking like everyone else on my way to the washroom. Someone will be like , Hey, you work here, right? Can you let me in the washroom? Not too much of a problem until 3, 4, 5 others want to be let in the washrooms and one person wants to argue about no change rooms on site, like it's my decision to remove them in the first place, and demand I let them try clothes on where people use the toilets. I can't express enough how it's a policy everywhere you can't bring unpaid merchandise into washrooms, and it's absolutely disgusting that is.
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Never make eye contact ... they will never know if you don't make eye contact.
#66
#67
Shayne Randlett 2 years ago
The "why" is none of your business, Susan. All you need to know is that I won't be here
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
Legit just laughed at 6am and woke the cats XD My department manager was named Susan and she'd ALWAYS tell me I had to cover shifts and ALWAYS asked for explanations why I said no XD
Load More Replies... Kate Jones 2 years ago
I was in charge for so long and I never got the option of saying no. I quit and now I do and it's amazing.
#68
tom qwerty 2 years ago
kim = male karen i guess less people are called kim
Load More Replies... QuirkyKittyGirl 2 years ago
Her hair legit looks like cotton candy. Dang it. Now I'm hungry. Thanks a lot, Kim/Karen.
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
She wants to know why the huge elaborate display you just finished setting up jumped out and tripped her sweet boys, who were doing nothing wrong.
#70
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
My 16 has to pay someone to cover his shift if he wants time off ... WTF? He only gets minimum wage ...
#71
#73
Kate Jones 2 years ago
Seriously. I feel like we should be able to deduct that time from our break. I didn't initiate this assault. I could not make myself look any more like I DO NOT want you to talk to me. I mean...headphones in, eating, by myself... that isn't an invitation for you to come over and be 'friendly'.
Lakota Wolf 2 years ago
I would take my lunch in my van (it has a table in the back!!) and my manager would come hammer on the windows to ask me where products were because he was covering my department while I took my lunch, and couldn't find a goddamn thing in the department. XD
Lunamorte Louise 2 years ago
When you are off and out and about and customers recognize you and ask questions about sales or complain.
#74
Jake Banana 2 years ago
I was vacationing in Scotland in 2017; it was warmer than expected so we visited their version of WalMart looking for shorts. I found a display but they didn't have my size. I politely asked a teenaged clerk if the larger sizes were elsewhere. He said no, but then *offered to go and check in the back*; keep in mind, I never asked him to do this! I didn't expect anything to come of this so I wandered off to find my wife. Dude tracked me down to say, no, that's all they had. Talk about above-and-beyond customer service! Maybe the customers in Scotland are generally nicer?
RedMarbles 2 years ago
I think everyone remembers the rare occasion this has happened and that probably fosters customers' belief in the magical "back."
Load More Replies... Stephanie Did It 2 years ago
Me, trying to find a pool noodle in December so I can cut it in pieces and put it in my winter boots: "Are you suure???"
Kate Jones 2 years ago
It drove me crazy when customers would complain about being out of something as if it's bad ordering on our parts. Customers will never understand the sh!tshow that is ordering for retail stores, especially food products. We often don't get it or we get the wrong amount. Don't even get me started on the amount of stuff we RECEIVE already out of date so we have to throw it away. Warehouses will do that purposely to clear it out of their stocks and then they don't have to count it as bad ordering on their parts. It forces the stores to take it as a loss. So unfair and unethical, especially considering bonuses are based on your waste control. I've gotten dirty things, broken things, moldy things... it's crazy how much of your order ends up going back or you don't even get. Or worse, they send the wrong thing. We got 40 bags of ice melt once instead of 40 candy bars and we were charged for the ice melt prices. Huge 70 pound bags of ice melt and the truck wouldn't take them back.
StrangeOne 2 years ago
"Excuse me. Where are your shorts?" - customer asks mid winter. "Sorry. there put away with the summer stock. We put them out early spring." "Seriously?! *humph*" gruffly marches away.
#75
Aroace tiger (she/they/he) 2 years ago
After I read that I did too. I'm slightly more powerful but u pushed me over the edge. Who's more powerful than me?
Load More Replies... ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Fit bit's don't help. I got 3 hours of sleep and only 1 hour deep sleep. I'm not doing anything today.
#76
#77
Wilhelm1313 2 years ago (edited)
Technically, you don't. You would just have to decide you're ok with the consequences of that
Kate Jones 2 years ago
Like...death. Food costs money unfortunately. And I guess you could live without clothing but you'd be arrested. And you could live outside but it would have to be a nice environment. Seeing as how you'd be naked you'd probably be caught pretty quick.
Load More Replies... #78
Rosa Mardani 2 years ago
........................................................... HAHAHAHAHA.............................
#79
#80
Petra Schaap 2 years ago
as someone who worked in a shop that sold postcards, yes. There would always be people who would expect you to have 500 postcards ready for them, two days before xmas. And they would get mad when you dont, and when you explain why :-D
Michelle S 2 years ago
this is sad. i used to work in retail 6 years ago, and it was Christmas time so it was open earlier and close later, my whole festival vibe got screwed
Kar Red Roses 2 years ago
Upside: First crack at all the goodies! Early Christmas shopping! Downside: No money to buy anything - need paychecks first
#81
Dave In MD 2 years ago
Let me go check in the back really means, I'm going to hit the bathroom real quick.
ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
I hate it when you check online, there are 100 items ... you go to the store and they say they're out ... are you sure?
#82
#83
#85
#86
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Did you see that scene in Gattaca with the genetically engineered twelve-fingered pianist? It was pretty damn cool. Actually reminds me of the real life case of the pianist who lost a hand during WW2 and when he came back he commissioned a bunch of composers to write him pieces he could play with just one hand.
Load More Replies... 
#88
Colin Matthews 2 years ago
so occasionally when i ran a mall store, i would need to go in to one of the other mall stores, used to just start selling their stuff if i got asked. what the hell.
Load More Replies... QuirkyKittyGirl 2 years ago
I get that so often, I just started helping people anyway because I couldn't stand their silent judgement when I said no.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
Reminds me of a joke I read as a kid. A boy is out the front of his house cleaning the windows when a man comes over and says "excuse me, but is your mother at home?" The kid answers "what, d'you think I'm cleaning the windows because I WANT to??"
#90
QuirkyKittyGirl 2 years ago
I have no idea how I survived years in retail and retained my love of Christmas music. 24/7/365? Bring it on.
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
I've never worked in retail but I still find Christmas music annoying as hell.
#92
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
That is the most EVIL, VILE saying ever! We had a sign when I worked at a pizza place. I make minimum wage, we just had a two hour rush, and it's 460 degrees. You object to a lean? Well, let me just pass the f**k out than.
Load More Replies...
#94
Strawberry Pizza 2 years ago
Yep it does. Very common slang here in the uk. :)
Load More Replies... #95
Kate Jones 2 years ago
Seriously. her lying down in bed in this screen grab is literally her working at her 'job'. The hardest part of her job is putting that much makeup on every day. If part of your job is laying down talking to your sisters about where you're going to go for the weekend, that isn't a job.
Load More Replies... ShaZam Beaubien 2 years ago
Hmmm ... when I'm having that mental question my hair isn't brushed and I'm not wearing makeup ...
Add New Image
What do you think ?
The Doom Song 2 years ago
Dear fellow retail and hospitality workers.... I know it's hard and people are idiots but your doing a great job if you made it through the day without stabbing anyone
Mavis 2 years ago
The other day I got stuck with a customer who would not stop talking politics. She just went on and on, and her political views were the opposite of mine so it was errgggghh. But I didnt want to be rude so I'm just nodding my head and pretending to be interested. Anyway my work colleague passed by and he could see what was happening so he went into the office and he rescued me by calling me on the radio with an "emergency" that I had to attend to straight away. God bless him.
Stacey Rae 2 years ago (edited)
I had a customer yesterday that after several, "have a nice day" 's continue to talk and said "let me prove god is real". (He was buying lotto tickets and saying god will help him win). I'm like ok bye, ok good luck, great have a nice day. But as soon as he wanted to prove his belief I said no religious talk and walked away quickly. Talk about feeling cornered by a crazy zealot
Load More Replies... Laura Lett 2 years ago
I was at a store yesterday ( Sunday) . Some person had left a ham it the dry goods area. Not Cool people!!
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
I haaaaate how people do that. If I find a cold or frozen item dumped on a shelf outside the cold section, I always take it back to where it's supposed to be.
Load More Replies...
Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
I haven't worked retail in years and I hope to God I never have to go back. Some days were manageable but it's gotten so much worse. The other day, a worker at a drugstore actually thanked me for covering my mouth while sneezing. Said they had been having such issues with people coming in sick, sneezing, coughing, and all into the open air. I almost cried because I couldn't imagine how terrible it must have been for them during the pandemic.
Kevin J. Henning 2 years ago
Really, there is no reason for stores to be open 24/7 and on holidays except to feed corporate greed.
Cerridwn d'Wyse 2 years ago
Depends . I gave worked all sorts of shifts in Healthcare and would rather shop when my body and brain are awake that have to shop during my sleep time
Load More Replies...
DeoManus Argentem 2 years ago
Man, if people think retail is bad or will drive you nuts (I worked two years at the biggest electronics retailer in my country)... Wait until they work in a hospitality job based on reservations (car rental, airline, hotels, etc) where everything is always overbooked, nobody gets exactly what they reserved, their performance or even continued employment is sales-based on "upsells"... Retail is such a chill cakewalk in comparison!
Cyndielouwhoo 2 years ago
I think everyone should have to work retail or other customer service job for a little while, as a high school class or something just for them to know what it's like on the other side of the counter.
The Doom Song 2 years ago
Dear fellow retail and hospitality workers.... I know it's hard and people are idiots but your doing a great job if you made it through the day without stabbing anyone
Mavis 2 years ago
The other day I got stuck with a customer who would not stop talking politics. She just went on and on, and her political views were the opposite of mine so it was errgggghh. But I didnt want to be rude so I'm just nodding my head and pretending to be interested. Anyway my work colleague passed by and he could see what was happening so he went into the office and he rescued me by calling me on the radio with an "emergency" that I had to attend to straight away. God bless him.
Stacey Rae 2 years ago (edited)
I had a customer yesterday that after several, "have a nice day" 's continue to talk and said "let me prove god is real". (He was buying lotto tickets and saying god will help him win). I'm like ok bye, ok good luck, great have a nice day. But as soon as he wanted to prove his belief I said no religious talk and walked away quickly. Talk about feeling cornered by a crazy zealot
Load More Replies... Laura Lett 2 years ago
I was at a store yesterday ( Sunday) . Some person had left a ham it the dry goods area. Not Cool people!!
Katie Lutesinger 2 years ago
I haaaaate how people do that. If I find a cold or frozen item dumped on a shelf outside the cold section, I always take it back to where it's supposed to be.
Load More Replies... Wysteria_Rose 2 years ago
I haven't worked retail in years and I hope to God I never have to go back. Some days were manageable but it's gotten so much worse. The other day, a worker at a drugstore actually thanked me for covering my mouth while sneezing. Said they had been having such issues with people coming in sick, sneezing, coughing, and all into the open air. I almost cried because I couldn't imagine how terrible it must have been for them during the pandemic.
Kevin J. Henning 2 years ago
Really, there is no reason for stores to be open 24/7 and on holidays except to feed corporate greed.
Cerridwn d'Wyse 2 years ago
Depends . I gave worked all sorts of shifts in Healthcare and would rather shop when my body and brain are awake that have to shop during my sleep time
Load More Replies... DeoManus Argentem 2 years ago
Man, if people think retail is bad or will drive you nuts (I worked two years at the biggest electronics retailer in my country)... Wait until they work in a hospitality job based on reservations (car rental, airline, hotels, etc) where everything is always overbooked, nobody gets exactly what they reserved, their performance or even continued employment is sales-based on "upsells"... Retail is such a chill cakewalk in comparison!
Cyndielouwhoo 2 years ago
I think everyone should have to work retail or other customer service job for a little while, as a high school class or something just for them to know what it's like on the other side of the counter.
You May Like 50 "People Of Walmart" Pics That Are As Funny As They Are Confusing (New Pics) 50 Hilarious Posts From This Account Dedicated To Sharing “Men’s Humor” (New Pics) 50 of the Best Memes of All Time That Are Icons of Internet Culture
Mantas Kačerauskas
Greta Jaruševičiūtė
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Related on Bored Panda
