All retail sales associates understand what it is like dealing with a variety of customers. Some customers are nice and appreciative and you sincerely enjoy helping them. Some customers are nice enough and they don’t particularly stand out in your mind – you don’t love them and you don’t hate them. Then, there are those other customers – the people that make you wonder why you continue to show up each day. These customers are the reason most sales associates speak fluent sarcasm and are at risk of their eyes getting stuck in the back of their head from rolling them so much. People who say the following 12 statements fall into this customer category.
“The customer is always right.”
I promise you, you are not and this cliche makes us instantly hate you.
“It’s not scanning, it must be free!”
Do you think you are the first person to use this line? Do you think it has ever worked?
“Can you check in the backroom?”
We are all very familiar with what is in the back so if we think what you are looking for is back there we will offer to check.
Bonus follow up question: “Can you double check anyway?”
Fine. I will double check but just so you know I am going to take that time to eat a snack, talk about you with other associates, and cry a little.
“Wow, it’s really busy in here.”
We hate you for making this observation. We know it is busy. We are already counting down the hours until we can leave.
“I need to return this. I took the tag off and I don’t have the receipt.”
We understand that stuff happens and most of the time it can be worked out. But don’t start yelling when I have to put a discounted amount on a merchandise card.
“I spend a lot of money here.”
If you feel the need to tell a sales associate this you are probably an asshole. And after saying this, you will probably not get your way.
Comes in 5 minutes before close. “I know you close soon. I just need to grab some things.”
I am sure you just need to grab some things and you aren’t about to leave 20 items in the fitting room and every table a mess.
“Wow, it must take forever to straighten all of this.” Proceeds to mess up the pile.
As a matter of a fact it does – thank you for reminding me. Also, acknowledging the fact that it takes forever does not give you a free pass to mess it up.
“This is cheaper at ______”
You can shop there then if you would like.
“I am never shopping here again.”
Your absence will brighten the store.
“Can I speak with your manager?”
You aren’t scaring a sales associate when you say this. Chances are the manager will agree with them and tell you the exact same thing.
“Well it was on the sale rack so I should get it on sale.”
It doesn’t have a marked down price on it but you think you should get it on sale because you told us it was on the sale rack? Does this really make sense to customers?