rude salesclerks!!
By allisonbrk
@allisonbrk (155)
United States
June 29, 2009 2:01pm CST
I work in retail, I know its frustrating. I went to one of my own stores today and I told the clerk that I get an employee discount. He seemed SO ANNOYED that I pulled him away from whatever else he was doing to check me out and he was rude the entire time and made it very apparent that he didn't want to be dealing with me. All I wanted to do was pay for my soda and detergent! It is part of his job description to check out customers! I am a manager in the same chain! I didn't make him aware of this because I know that sometimes people have bad days, but I tell you what... Next time I go in there if he is rude to me again, I will be having a serious discussion with his boss. They tend to take things a little more seriously if its coming from someone within the company. When outside customers complain, its often because of things we can't control... i.e. production shortages leading to items not being available, etc. But OOOOH! I was so angry. Have you ever been treated this way by a clerk?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@vipersworld18 (117)
• United States
29 Jun 09
I've worked in retail and I know that people have their "days." But also, after being out of retail for so long, it's easier to look back and say, wow, no matter the situation, that was my job to deal with those customers. Being in retail, you think to yourself that you shouldn't have to deal with this or that, or people acting certain ways, but you took the job damn well knowing that you have a job to do regardless of the situation.
Now that I am not in retail, I look back and see that at some points, I actually made the situation worse because of the attitude I would give back. Each party, the customer and the clerk always think they are the one that is right, but regardless, it's retail, and the CUSTOMER is ALWAYS RIGHT!
@allisonbrk (155)
• United States
29 Jun 09
I absolutely agree. After being dealt with like that, I will make it a point to never dismiss a customer complaint about an employee being rude again. I will admit that sometimes I would merely address the situation by reminding my employees that the customers pay their paycheck and be nice to them... after today, i think its going to be a lot more of a discussion.
@vipersworld18 (117)
• United States
30 Jun 09
That's good! I remember my managers dealing with an "irate customer" and then after the customer walks away, they would agree with the clerk. Sometimes, it should have been that way, there are customers who argue just to get their way. But as a customer that used to be in retail, if I am arguing with a manager or a clerk trying to prove my point, even if I get my way and my way is right, I know once I walk away, I'm just another "ashole" they had to deal with that day.
@clutterbug (1051)
• United States
29 Jun 09
Yes, I have been treated badly, a few years ago I took some film to Walgreen's to have it developed, and the clerk was very rude to me when I asked him a question about the film. I had to walk away for a good cry. I don't normally cry, but on that particular day I was having a rough one, and the clerk was my tipping point. I left with my film and never returned.
@allisonbrk (155)
• United States
29 Jun 09
That is terrible! I am so sorry that happened to you. Try talking to a manager. They don't always have the power to do anything more than just step in and take care of you but at least you don't have to deal with the rude clerk and they are aware that there is an issue with that employee.
@sid556 (30959)
• United States
12 Jan 10
Hi allisonbrk,
I work in a store and I do know how frustrating it can be at times dealing with the public. People who work in customer service have to remind themselves that the customer is usually NOT meaning to be irritating and also that it is our jobs. Without these customers we would be without an income perhaps. I have seen rude clerks that seem as if you are bothering them when you come up to the counter. I do ignore it as you did in this case. Still, if it happens again, I would not hesitate to report it. Managers would be wise to have suggestion boxes out. If a customer takes the time to write it down then it was something that probably was important to him or her. They would be wise to listen to their customers. Secret shoppers are a great tool. Some clerks are at their best only when the boss is around.
