30 Retail Employees Share The Things That Customers Do That They Can Never Forgive
If you want to know your limit to the amount of nonsense you can tolerate, just get a job in retail. From intense and long shifts to poor management, it gives you plenty of reasons to sigh and roll your eyes. But it's probably the customers that generate the most fury.
The subreddits 'Target' and 'Trader Joe's' unite many of the chains' employees, providing a well-needed space for venting. But scroll through their content and you'll see that these people would be a lot happier if it weren't for us barbarians burdening them with our ignorance, pettiness, and nastiness.
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No Excuses
Old But Gold
*while the kids play the game of how high they can reach to pull everything off the shelves*
We reached out to both subreddits' mods and the folks behind 'Target' were kind enough to reply. "[Our] community is great," they told Bored Panda. "It's like one big, giant, friendly breakroom where Team Members can feel the same relief they do when they enter the physical break room. The community is almost exclusively Target Team Members."
Because everyone is so tight-knit, they don't have to do much "policing" too. "All the mods on the team are volunteers and have lives, jobs, families, and other responsibilities. The automod BullseyeBot is helpful to keep some simple tasks complete," they explained. "The most common problem is spam or other trolling comments. We try to be pretty hands off but when comments are threatening, harassing, etc. we step in and remove them and potentially ban the user."
Every Single Sign In The Store
Facts!
When the store would have been closed, the same person would ask: "Why don't y'all work on Holidays???"
Workers Have Spoken
The mods of 'Target' think the biggest complaints the Team Members have about their job is low pay coupled with the high expectations of their work but there are other cyclical problems too.
"This time of year, you'll find complaints about not being given a day off or being scheduled too much, and then early in the calendar year, you'll see complaints about low hours," they said.
When asked about customers, the mods said that what really grinds employees' gears is when they put unwanted items back in random spots in the store and also when they leave trash in random places like on shelves or in carts.
Gotta Love It
Got their free ticket to heaven, time to go make someone else’s life hell
Thought This Would Fit Here
Me Staring At The Customer Who Just Came Within 12 Inches Of Me With No Mask On To Ask If We Sell Covid Tests
Getting Into The Holiday Spirit
According to its new survey, Mercer said 48 percent of retail and hospitality workers are looking to leave their jobs. And of those polled making less than $30,000 a year, 58 percent said they have their eyes on the door.
While some are considering career changes, many are stuck in low-paying jobs with few benefits or avenues to advance.
And while retail workers say their jobs keep them socially connected and mentally stimulated, researchers at Mercer noted that “the drawbacks outweigh the benefits for them right now. They find the work chaotic, overwhelming, and unfulfilling on a daily basis."
Happens Almost Every Shift
The mask is a BLESSING! Now a days i feel insecure and paranoid and anxious without it. Imm keeping the mask on forever. Introvert paradise
An 8 Year Old Kid Can Destroy An Aisle With More Speed And Efficiency Than A Category 5 Hurricane
Every Time
Raise Your Hand If You “Ruined A Christmas” Because You Didn’t Have Some Popular Item In Stock The Day Before Christmas
Aside from not feeling supported, valued, or heard, respondents said that "they are exhausted by repetitive and physically demanding jobs."
The researchers also highlighted that many retail and hospitality jobs "are customer-facing, and employees have to be always 'on' and cheerful, even while customers are increasingly negative and demanding, taking out their frustration over supply shortages, price increases, under-resourcing and/or dissatisfaction with health and safety policies."
Which we can clearly see in the subreddits' posts.
Absolutely Hate People That Abandon Carts With Food
It’s Called Etiquette
Depends on the country. In Japan you are supposed to put money in a special tray.
I think that it's a system that should be adopted worldwide. The bonus being that if you're not in Japan and the customer fails to do so, you get to smack them in the face with it.
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I actually used to like it when they placed money on the counter. Most people have no fine motor skills or boundaries. So if they would hand the money to mo directly, they would touch my hand. A lot. With sweaty, filthy hands, with obvious skin infections, or with clear pleasure in being able to touch someone who does not want to be touched.
I remember getting paid with notes that were wet. When it wasn't raining.
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I had one who practically threw his money at me time and time again. After a year of this, he finally caught me on a really bad day, and instead of handing him his change, I tossed it on the counter with just as much force as he used. Coins went everywhere and I made no move to help collect them - the look on his face turned a bad day into a good day. I think that showed him what an assshole he had been been because he never did it again.
Funny, here in Germany they prefer it on the counter rather than in the hand.
Yes. In my gas station job it was so the camera could catch the transaction if some one issues occured.
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Well....actually, everyone might have heard about this whole "covid" thing, and noticed that it highlighted the fact that people are, generally, disgusting, germ infested vector points. The fact that someone spends hours a day, interacting with dozens, if not hundreds of people many of which seem to think that "positive thinking" and flat out denial will prevent them from getting or passing germs, (or may even be one of those people themselves, WE SIMPLY CANNOT KNOW), should not inspire anyone to want to make physical contact because you don't want to rotate your wrist and close your fingers around something weighing several grams in the course of doing the job you're being paid to perform.
That second sentence was a very long sentence.... just sayin' 😉...but I concur.
Load More Replies... Love this. Worked for too long in retail and even when i opened my hand to get their money, they put it next to it. I loved it even more when they were getting ready for me to put their change in their hand and i would just put it next to it. And then they would get angry
I do this. And then I just look at them like "you have something to say?"
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When I worked my first student job at a DVD store, my manager who trained me taught me to discreetly not take money from people's hands but let them put it down in the counter "because people's hands are dirty and disgusting". Technically I'm not sure how much of a difference it makes, but...
I do this. I'm sorry I don't want to touch your dirty, filthy hands that have been handling disgusting money and touching other people hands all day. Not to mention half te cashiers that hand me money straight up grab my hand with one hand and put the money in with the other. Like, just drop it
I have very small hands and impaired motor skills. 99% of cashiers who give me change place the paper notes in my palm then drop the coins on top so they slide right off as soon as I move my hand. I used to say "coins first please" but they just look at you like you're crazy.
For everyone mentioning the different cultures where you put the money on the counter or in a dish, please read the meme again : "...tossing it on the counter...". This isn't *putting* it on the counter, or *placing* it on the counter. It's *throwing* the money down. It's entirely different and extremely rude.
I have a lot of static electricity, especially in winter. I prefer to put coins on a neutral surface. Had a colleague insisting on giving it in her hand and don't be a baby about it. I had one of the biggest discharges ever. She accepts it via a surface now...
Out of high school, I worked as a cashier in a grocery store and there was some old dude that always did this to the others, he came into my line one day and he tossed his money at me so i tossed his change back to him bills and coins. Geezer was mad as hell but he didn’t do it in my line after that
If you're handing over coins as well as bills, either in payment or giving change, please place the coins in their hand first. I hate it when someone puts coins on top of a bill.
I broke both arms in a wreck, over 25 years ago. My right wrist was very stiff for several months. I would apologize for my awkwardness when handling cash. My hand still isn't as agile as it used to be. I almost always use a card with a chip in it now, and avoid using cash. Arthritis and other conditions can cause awkwardness when handling cash, too. I hope more people learn to use the chip cards.
Especially love it when the customer throws a handful (or 2) of change/coins on the counter ("Here, that should be enough") and takes the product/products and leaves... while you're counting it/putting it in register only to find out that they've shorted you close to half payment.
Target Employees Hate When You Think Your Tiny Car Can Fit The Biggest TV On Planet Earth
Ikea is a great place for watching this, when they buy a wardrobe, drawers, coffee table, bookcase and a TV stand and try to fit them in the back of a VW Golf/Rabbit while having brought their 3 children, usually Tarquin, Placenta and Quinoa
Ah Yes, Those Guests That Tell You Their Whole Life Story After You Told Them In What Aisle The Item They're Looking For Is At
When those polled were asked what would best support their mental health and ease burnout, retail and hospitality employees prioritized a reduced workload and flexible work schedule.
According to the researchers, this “is a key area employers need to act on to improve retention — especially because they cannot financially afford a further change in pay."
To give the data more context, Mercer added that hospitality and retail workers "didn't get to stay home during the pandemic — some were laid off, and the rest went to work, wore masks, installed glass barriers, and kept the consumer economy afloat.”
Then, at the end of 2021, the industry was hit with supply chain issues and labor shortages, followed by the war in Ukraine and now, inflation.
And it's inflation that continues to take its huge toll. Mercer discovered that any money the workers had stashed away is now being used for food and rent as well as unplanned expenses. When asked about their top concerns, financial security was a prominent theme of those polled.
Coworker Found This Hidden In The Wine Section…. Yes Those Are Bite Marks
Actual Guest Interaction Today
Same Feeling When My Weekday Closing Lead Says “Have A Good Weekend Team” Over The Walkie On Friday Night
NOTHING spoils Friday as much as someone telling you it's Wednesday..
I'm Dead
The report also stressed other concerns, which included better balancing of work and life; being able to retire, and maintaining emotional and mental health. Personal fulfillment, debt, and personal safety were other factors that made the list.
Action items that companies can do to mitigate some of these issues and maintain employee retention include offering competitive pay rates, offering wellness resources and working with employees on “designing a career” and other career development efforts.
Additionally, we, the customers, can do a lot better, too.
A Guest Decided To Have Breakfast In Our Paper Aisle. Worst Part Is They Used Chocolate Milk
Is It Me Or Are Guests, Target (Things In General), Getting Worse
How dare you close the store at closing time? Didn't you know I'll be arriving too late??
Yea Cus It’s Our Fault U Came In Less Than An Hour Before Closing
Stores like this always give multiple countdown warnings on how many minutes till the store is going to close. So with 45 minutes to shop and then presumably closing warnings at 15 minutes etc this guy and his wife just ignore and keep shopping? Then have the audacity to complain? What is wrong with people?
Not A Target Worker But I Thought This Will Make You Relate
There Should Be A Limit To How Many Items A Guest Can Order For Drive Up…
So, A Customer Tried Paying With This Today…
Every Time!
I think the customer shd have like sorted out what they wanna buy first *rolls eyes*
Every. Damn. Day
It is really annoying though, if the information on the website is incorrect and you travelled all the way to a specific store for that item. And I don't mean the last few items getting sold in the meantime, but if the information is just wrong and doesn't get corrected (if it says we still have 20 and days later it still says that even though in reality they have zero).
Why… Just Why?
Logan (if that is the drinkers name) should be hunted down and have that container inserted up his chuff without the aid of lubricant
Note: this post originally had 71 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.
Anyone who harasses staff in retail should be made to work the shittiest jobs for a YEAR.
To all those who work in retail, please accept these sincere apologies on behalf of the entitled jerks of my species. Sincerely.
Question rather than a comment. When did customers start being referred to as guests and more importantly, why?
Probably the same people who call everyone working in a store a family, just because they get in their Range Rover and go off to their country house for the weekend. i.e if they're not customers then we can pretend this isn't a taudry exercise in capitalism.
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To me it shows what the whole concept of "the customer is always right" did to businesses. Any Employee should be allowed to put entitled, unreasonable a******s back in their places.
It is sad how that concept lost its true meaning today :/
Load More Replies... Because Americans (I am one) have been trained to expect the highest level of service in the shortest amount of time. We want whatever we want, now; we want it fast. And we want it good. Woe be he who defies us.
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My own addition; Ringing the bell is not rude!! I put it there on purpose!!
Ahm. Did you think covid-19 was gone ? Ppl are dying of covid , right here in the US AND elsewhere , right now .
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When I worked in retail I assumed people came in to transact short-term, courteous business. Nope: it was to play-act master/slave fantasies
One thing that used to drive me nuts when I worked retail was when people would be so vague & expect me to know what you wanted. Honest to goodness, I once had a lady ask for 'that plastic thing' 'you know, it goes in the bathroom' then acted like I was stupid when I would show her plastic bathroom items. After several wrong items, it was finally revealed she wanted little baskets to organize to drawers 😵💫. Another lady wanted 'that famous candy' (she was older so I had more patience for her) Or when people would ask for an item with multiple types, like asking for oil. What kind of oil? They would look at me.like I was stupid and reenforce the word OIL. Ok , car oil, olive oil, cooking oil, vitamin E oil, oil for hair......
As someone working retail, I can confirm that nothing is more infuriating than a customer who won't get off their fūcking phone in the checkout line. I work at a hardware and home improvement store, these are heavy as hell, and I only have one hand because the other is holding a scanner, so GET OFF YOUR PHONE AND HELP MOVE SOME OF THESE THINGS.
I would stop scanning, stare at them, and when they FINALLY get off their phone, I would politely ask, "Oh, are you ready to checkout, now?" No level of evil, or side-eye, would sway me. When you're ready, I'm ready!
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I left retail after a protracted discussion with a disgruntled customer. Who was most put out that despite buying a clearly labelled chicken, BACON and mushroom pie, didn't state clear enough that it contained pork. I never did find out where she thought bacon came from
I worked in retail management for many years at a home goods store that it would send out 20% coupons to its customers with bold print on them as to what they where good for. 364 days out of the year I protected my staff from the caged Karen's. Yes you're right and can't read we will take the coupon, let me grab Santa's elves to print more, or some other idiocy just waiting to fill my heart with holiday cheer. After several long store resets when you could be
Another àsshole troll is loose amongst us!! Dammit, who left their cage open? Lol
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It never ceases to amaze me, elderly ladies with wheelchairs or walkers, stop at the threshold of the exit door to place the rain bonnet on their head. Four people behind them can't get out because the exit is completely blocked.
I find the biggest babies are middle aged men. Biggest temper tantrums ever
Stacey Rae, you just found out they were while middle aged, but they started their life like this while their parents did nothing and will die like this too.
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this is why id much rather prefer to work at olive garden. you know not to mess with them because they supply you with the good stuff.you dont wanna mess with that.
Oh, I bet people at stores LOVE you. I'm also betting you know what the Golden Rule is, but never considered what it actually means.
Load More Replies... Anyone who harasses staff in retail should be made to work the shittiest jobs for a YEAR.
To all those who work in retail, please accept these sincere apologies on behalf of the entitled jerks of my species. Sincerely.
Question rather than a comment. When did customers start being referred to as guests and more importantly, why?
Probably the same people who call everyone working in a store a family, just because they get in their Range Rover and go off to their country house for the weekend. i.e if they're not customers then we can pretend this isn't a taudry exercise in capitalism.
Load More Replies... To me it shows what the whole concept of "the customer is always right" did to businesses. Any Employee should be allowed to put entitled, unreasonable a******s back in their places.
It is sad how that concept lost its true meaning today :/
Load More Replies... Because Americans (I am one) have been trained to expect the highest level of service in the shortest amount of time. We want whatever we want, now; we want it fast. And we want it good. Woe be he who defies us.
Load More Replies... My own addition; Ringing the bell is not rude!! I put it there on purpose!!
Ahm. Did you think covid-19 was gone ? Ppl are dying of covid , right here in the US AND elsewhere , right now .
Load More Replies... When I worked in retail I assumed people came in to transact short-term, courteous business. Nope: it was to play-act master/slave fantasies
One thing that used to drive me nuts when I worked retail was when people would be so vague & expect me to know what you wanted. Honest to goodness, I once had a lady ask for 'that plastic thing' 'you know, it goes in the bathroom' then acted like I was stupid when I would show her plastic bathroom items. After several wrong items, it was finally revealed she wanted little baskets to organize to drawers 😵💫. Another lady wanted 'that famous candy' (she was older so I had more patience for her) Or when people would ask for an item with multiple types, like asking for oil. What kind of oil? They would look at me.like I was stupid and reenforce the word OIL. Ok , car oil, olive oil, cooking oil, vitamin E oil, oil for hair......
As someone working retail, I can confirm that nothing is more infuriating than a customer who won't get off their fūcking phone in the checkout line. I work at a hardware and home improvement store, these are heavy as hell, and I only have one hand because the other is holding a scanner, so GET OFF YOUR PHONE AND HELP MOVE SOME OF THESE THINGS.
I would stop scanning, stare at them, and when they FINALLY get off their phone, I would politely ask, "Oh, are you ready to checkout, now?" No level of evil, or side-eye, would sway me. When you're ready, I'm ready!
Load More Replies... I left retail after a protracted discussion with a disgruntled customer. Who was most put out that despite buying a clearly labelled chicken, BACON and mushroom pie, didn't state clear enough that it contained pork. I never did find out where she thought bacon came from
I worked in retail management for many years at a home goods store that it would send out 20% coupons to its customers with bold print on them as to what they where good for. 364 days out of the year I protected my staff from the caged Karen's. Yes you're right and can't read we will take the coupon, let me grab Santa's elves to print more, or some other idiocy just waiting to fill my heart with holiday cheer. After several long store resets when you could be
Another àsshole troll is loose amongst us!! Dammit, who left their cage open? Lol
Load More Replies... It never ceases to amaze me, elderly ladies with wheelchairs or walkers, stop at the threshold of the exit door to place the rain bonnet on their head. Four people behind them can't get out because the exit is completely blocked.
I find the biggest babies are middle aged men. Biggest temper tantrums ever
Stacey Rae, you just found out they were while middle aged, but they started their life like this while their parents did nothing and will die like this too.
Load More Replies... this is why id much rather prefer to work at olive garden. you know not to mess with them because they supply you with the good stuff.you dont wanna mess with that.
Oh, I bet people at stores LOVE you. I'm also betting you know what the Golden Rule is, but never considered what it actually means.
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