As someone who has worked in retail for the past 14 months, I've learned a lot about the human behavior in shoppers. Before I go on, let me make a disclaimer that this is NOT a rant about me hating my retail job because the truth be told, I don't hate my job. In fact, the only thing I don't like about being a sales associate at a clothing store is some of the customers, and I think the rest of my team mates can agree with me when I say this. Some people can be easy going and understanding while others are vultures just waiting to tear you up if you allow it to happen. Let it be from returning items or fighting with the associates over prices, if you're the type of customer that does any of the following, you and I can have a talk at the mall parking lot after hours of operation.
Messing With the Merchandise
Staying late after hours just to clean up messes made by customers are the worst. If I had a penny for every time I've folded shirts neatly and have a customer come up and destroy the entire table, I'd probably be richer than Bill Gates himself. Nothing bothers me more than having piles of clothes folded and stacked according to size, color, and design nicely and then watching a customer rummage through and make an a mountain of clothes, no matter how fast I clean. I just wish someone would explain to me why you have to unfold all shirts if they look EXACTLY the same as the one on top of the pile. Heck, I even offer to help look for the size needed, but everyone wants to throw around shirts willy-nilly. THIS ISN'T THE GREAT GATSBY PEOPLE!
Complain About The Return Policy
It really grinds my gears when customers feel that they can do whatever they want with their items in regards to returning them. There is a thing called a return policy. The great thing about my job is that the return policy is written on the back of the receipt and the final date to make any types of returns is written at the bottom of the receipt. However, there are just some customers who are in denial that they won't be getting their money back and feel the need to have me explain the policy, have my manager recite it after me, and threaten to call customer service and report me. Here's my advice to you if you're this type of customer; if you can't return it, SELL IT! Remake that money and buy something better instead of making my life a living hell.
Coming In the Last Minute
All malls usually close at 9 p.m. weekdays and sometimes a little earlier on Sundays. If store doors are closed and locked, chances are the store is closed. I really can't stress this one enough. My concern is that if some people have all day to come to the mall to shop, WHY ARE YOU COMING AT 8:55 P.M. WHEN THE MALL CLOSES AT 9:00? I understand if some people have work during the day and have to come in the evening. If you that type of customer, at least make a plan to be in and out without leaving the store a mess(See first reason at the beginning of this rant). Also, please don't try to break down the door because you can't comprehend that all mall employees have lives and will not open the door because you want to shop after hours of operation. That is why the hours are listed on the doors and you can always ask Google.
Shoplifters
This one should be self explanatory. Trust me when I see that is you step foot into my store and we suspect that you're shoplifting, we will call security. If you get caught, we will catch you. Don't get mad at us because you aren't willing to spend $4 on a shirt.
If customers weren't all of the above, shopping wouldn't be annoying and working in retail wouldn't be life-draining. I wouldn't wish this on anyone, so please help a sister out and be little more considerate of how you're shopping when you're at the mall and don’t be barbaric.😊