The customer is not always right. If you've worked in hospitality or retail, you know the drill.
Summer jobs can be hard work. Whilst a lucky few are off travelling or having a summer full of relaxation, other students across the country are starting part-time jobs to earn some extra money. There’s arguably no job more stressful than one in customer service. Low pay, mindless repetitive tasks and the most severe offender of them all, annoying customers. If you’ve ever worked in customer service you’ll be familiar with these serial offenders:
The know-it-all
These customers are keen to pass on their self-professed knowledge, whether you are willing to listen or not. They may even have to audacity to pass judgement on your work effort (“you look like you need something to do”) and give you a few pointers.
The questioner
At times you may feel like a tour guide for customers incapable of reading signs, or even an expert in whatever an inquisitive soul feels inclined to ask you about. So many questions, so few answers.
The chatterbox
Literally minutes before your shift is due to end you will be stopped in your tracks by this nuisance wanting to tell you their life story. It should be illegal to engage in conversation with an employee who is trying to close up. It’s time for everyone to go home.
The Complainer
Situation: You don’t have the item they’re looking for.
Outcome: They throw a tantrum and ask to see the manager who repeats your response word for word.
The chancer
Trying to use invalid offers then acting oblivious when you inform them they are out of date. Perhaps even more infuriating is the person who only remembers that they have a coupon when you’ve already completed the transaction. Nice try.
The one that presumes you have power
Some customers will hold you personally responsible for company policies that they disagree with. From debating the universal no receipt - no return policy, to outrage at high prices, whatever the problem apparently it’s all your fault.
The joker
*Gets out £50 note* “I just printed it this morning”. HA HA HA.
The liar
Yes, I saw you swap the price tags, you criminal.
The indecisive
And in being so, holding up a long line of impatient people.
The badly behaved
Please and thank you are not in their vocabulary and they cause havoc wherever they go. Common behaviours include:
- Ruining a neatly folded pile of clothes when searching for their size
- Out of control children running wild (with parents who couldn’t care less)
- Talking on the phone when you are trying to serve them
We’ll leave you with this parting gift from buzzfeed - 'things that make retail workers want to hide in the back':
Have you encountered these customers before at work? Follow us on socials and let us know.