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
You could make the sign six foot tall, in neon pink, with glowsticks and dancing bears surrounding it and they still won't see it.
I work in a hospital. People stand directly in front of a huge sign giving directions and still ask me which way to go. I take a breath and remember, not everyone can read. I go with that.
Not everyone can read, people in hospitals are usually nervous, they/or someone they love is sick, they are out of their element...if you work in a hospital you should want to help people. Not be annoyed about folks not reading signs.
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Truth...I had to put a bathroom out of order. I put a huge sign on and blocked the bathroom from being entered. They still went in. Then I got written up because they fell.
Once wrote a sign down and used neon highlighters all around it so they would see it. And once had a sign with neon lights around it at dg store when it was only card. The thing is they aways get mad and say they didn't see a sign.........
Store logo was above the door as you entered, on the floor, on a little standee on the checkout desk, above my head in foot-high letters, AND on my left boob, and there were still customers who approached me, seemingly completely lost on where they were and how they got there. SIR, THIS IS A BOOKSTORE. I KNOW YOU CAN READ.
So maybe you should stop trying to communicate via signs and try something else? Nah, just make more and bigger signs, then tut when they don’t work!
We had a HUGE sign next to the elevator notifying our patients that a doctor had moved downstairs. We still had people come upstairs. We just chalked it up to people being "sign blind."
Sometimes you'll run into the inverse. I had a customer come and ask me if the sale sign, that was pointed back so it wasn't visible (as that sale just ended the day before) was still available. I was worried someone had turned it around to display the wrong side. Nope. She had to have turned it around herself.
I had a customer say to me once, "You expect me to read". Yes, that's what the signs are for.
I love it when a customer asks what the sale is for the day, when there are signs all over the store with the sale. Also when they see the sign, but don't comprehend. The signs are at the end of rows where new items hang(I work at Goodwill and we have yellow tagged things that are new). Some customer always thinks this means that the new items are on sale, when it's the donated items which have a different color tag. When we explain they got, "But the sign is right next to them." Maybe they should read the sign...
This is a common complaint in Library World, but I rarely read signs myself, so I can't complain.
1 in 5 American adults are functionally illiterate. A whole bunch of people really can't read a sign, no matter how big you make it.
Look at all of these service Industry people complaining about... *checks notes*... serving people. Who do you think pays your bills?
People used to come into our library, the library, walk past the reference desk, the one with the HUGE purple sign hanging over it that said “Reference” to ask us at the circ desk “Do you have a reference librarian?” Never ceased to amaze me. It was directly across from the front door
I learned if you place the sign unevenly, most customers will read the sign and then tell you that it is crooked LOL
There's three signs on our registers that say CARDS ONLY: one on the light, one on the screen, one on the counter. And people still try to put cash in the machine and get offended when you explain to them that the register doesn't really cash.
I feel this one too much... six months after removing the 'customer service desk' in my previous job and they all still came to an empty spot asking where they were supposed to take returns.... TO THE OTHER GD REGISTERS LIKE THE SIGN SAYS!!!
This is true where I work. I work at an institution of higher education.
Oh, lord, this. Our store sells hunting tags/fishing licenses at customer service because that's where the tills/ WIN machine (computer linked to provincial computer system for this) are. There is a HUGE (like, 12 feet by 4 ft) sign above it. At the door. But they still walk to the absolute rear corner of the store to the sporting goods desk to inquire about purchasing a license. I just point to the 2-ft sign RIGHT BESIDE THE DESK that says this. Then they sometimes are still dumb enough to ask "so you can't do it here?" *facepalm* "No, sir, we haven't a till here. As you can see, we only have a skate sharpener at this desk."
Due to the change shortage, we aren't supposed to do cashback--that takes too long to explain, so we just say we "can't" do cashback. The system still offers the option but we discourage it. We put a sign on the pinpad--nope. Put a bigger one on the counter--still no go. Put ANOTHER sign on the pinpad AND the counter, both on neon paper with a fun font, aaaaaaand...still they choose cashback. Maddening.
Like they won't stop to look at the sign to see if the item they're getting qualifies. They just see 90% off and assume it means everything. Then they'll try and accuse you of false advertising when you tell them otherwise. Love the ones who will invoke "the Law" on things like that.
This is the most accurate thing ever...I've worked at different customer service jobs and no matter where it was it was always the same. Noone read s**t...come and ask me questions about something we have signs all over for...come.on people pay attention to ur surroundings...
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
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.
Load More Replies...