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the Customer is NOT always right! They might be right sometimes, but they are also wrong sometimes.

OP sounds like I was at 19. I used to think all the same things when I worked in retail.  
 
While you have some valid points, the earth doesn't revolve around you. People can come in 5 minutes before you close because they need to grab a jug of milk for their child. The posted hours are 8-10, not 8-9:55. Or if they are in a hurry, have never been at your store before they can absolutely ask where to find something without looking. You're there everyday! They aren't.  
 
I'm not excusing outright rude and disrespectful customers, but you have to realize that not everyone thinks the way you do, or has the same insight, or has worked in retail before. Don't you think there are people out there that have pet peeves in their job and that maybe you are causing them?  
 
Sure, everyone has pet peeves in their job, and will always. But you deal with it and get over it. It's called being an adult.

I just wished some customer service people at the cash register smiled and are engaging. Many times they look mad or just don't care.  
 
It happens sometimes, but a buyer might think they are interrupting the day by purchasing something.  
 
I've worked retail and know the upside and downfalls.  
 

i agree with sv, without the customer there would be no store, i would complain about rude behavior which is never acceptable, but sounds like your complaining about customers behaving like customers, I am not an expert at your store and do not spend 40 hours a week there, i dont know where anything is, sorry but i thought that's what you were paid for, your boss should pay someone else who wants to help the customer, sounds like you dont, i wish i knew where you worked, and i would stop shopping there so you could have an easy day

Let me preface this saying I worked retail as a cashier in a home improvement store for years. I understand where you're coming from.  
 
When faced with a rude customer, use kindness in your response. It will cause them to step back and assess.  
 
As for the rest of your "gripes" I am sure in your job description it specifies customer service. First and formost those customers are meant to be well directed in your work space so they can make purchases to allow you to keep your job. When a customer asks a question, do your best to find a genuine answer or direct them to the item they are seeking. If they are looking to pay, direct them with manners where to be "sir/ma'am head on over here I /she / he can help you quickly", acknowledge the next customer in line with a smile or a hello will ease their frustration in waiting alleviating some of the rudeness -give the customer the cold shoulder while they wait, expect the same in return.  
 
Customers will always come in close to closing time. I am sure your shift is scheduled 15 min after close to count your til. Hurry them through by providing excellent service, what project are you working on, what pieces can I help you find. Get them in and out without browsing...  
 
If you can't put the customers first and provide excellent service to excel in your postion no matter how entry level it may be, you need to find a job that doesn't interact with the public.  
 
Stop blaming the customers and do your job well. See how it changes your perception of them, and theirs of you.

While I don't agree with every point the OP makes, there are an increasing number of self important jackazz customers out there that could benefit from some social graces. I will also add that I have experienced some customer service people who act like serving customers is an inconvenience.  
 
Actually, I guess, I am just seeing a increasing number of people in all circumstances who could use to be put in there place. Everyone needs to check themselves every now and then. I try to

I hope you don't come across at this aggressive in person. That's a whole lot of rant to digest in one sitting.  
 
Sure there are crappy things that happen in your day, but they also happen to every one else that deals with people. As much as the customer doesn't know what kind of day you are having, neither do you know what kind of day they've had. Some of your beefs may be valid, but some are a little bizarre. If you get pissed because the customer asks a simple question, to the point that you are insinuating they are stupid, perhaps you shouldnt be in retail - or any people business.

Used to work as a cashier, honestly didn't get too many rude customers.  
Though this one time like most nice cashiers do I asked 'how are you?' and didn't receive a reply. I figured maybe she didn't hear me so I asked again as I didn't want her to think I was rude. She proceeded to yell back at me telling me she heard me and didn't reply then stormed away. Her daughter who was with her was very embarrassed and said she was sorry that her mom was having a bad day. I was very confused and embarrassed.  
I'm sure after a few customers like that some shy cashiers may not be as talkative.

You go to work and are paid for hours worked, and the same applies to other people as well. There are many stores in Brandon that I very seldom go into, so I'm not familiar where things are, and some stores like Home Depot have so many items that it usually is best to ask where something is, I was in there just a few days ago looking for some plumbing supplies, and was in the department that had supply lines but could not find what I was looking for, asked for help and was taken to a completely different isle. Sme goes for going through tills, I sometimes get oil at walmart when there is no one in the automotive department and one would assume that the quickest way would be through a lit till, but if I'm claiming a tax exemption the quickest way is through customer service.  
I don't think I've ever been rude or obnoxious to anyone in a retail business, but I believe that I have a different view of things than you do.  
 
I try not to be rude on this site as well, but after reading your comment I would say that maybe a career change might be a good idea, just my opinion but some people aren't suited for some jobs, you might be happier working somewhere else.

Speakmymind said "I'm more mentioning the ones that yell at you for no reason or are just being disrespectful. I'm fine with helping but some people just need to try and be a little more understanding! What did we deserve to be yelled at when we are being nice? Nothing. And why do customers have to go pee on toilet seats, or go smudge their feces over the walls, toilet, and sink being a customer at a store I seen that and I almost puked. I don't know why someone has to do that. . I don't think that is what employees are paid for "

customers shouldnt yell at you but besides that complaint in your post nothing else said you were there and wanting to help, in fact your whole post was about how its not your job to help or even listen to them yet you think the customers should be more understanding! what a joke  
 
i think you should take your own advice and be more understanding yourself, even if you perceive the customer as stupid because you know where something is or it obvious to you, obviously its not to them or they wouldn't ask and you know usually even rude customers can be turned around with a little patience and understanding so if you honestly cant handle doing those things for people, please find a different job

I honestly think every person alive should have a retail job at some point in their life. It's the best job ever in understanding the psychology of people in general.  
 
My point was that with humour and trying to get some to talk instead of the robotic "Did you find everything you were looking for today?", there are many more great people than the ones that just look like a deer in headlights.  
 
Be engaged. Look like you love your job. Help people and be happy instead of feeling annoyed when a customer arrives at the till.  
 
There are so many great retail clerks out there. Unfortunately, I've seen the downside as of late. No matter how much happy talk at the register, some just don't care. It's probably always been this way.

Your post is full of complain and rudeness to customers. If you get mad if customer ask you a simple question you better change your job. If you open until 9, customer can shop up to 9. Many of your comments come from a poor customer service.  
I do not know what kind of retail you work at, but most retails except some grocery stores are not busy all the time. Like clothing stores, they are not busy every day every hour of day, so how they interrupt you if they ask you a simple question like where is what?  
They are cashiers that if customer ask them where that product is, they take the time, go walk with customer and actually show them where that product is, they are others who tell them in which part of the store that product is and they are some like you that get mad and come here post a complain about how rude a customer is that intrupted your job. And what is your job? Is not that helping people to have better shopping experience?  
I wish I knew where you work so I never shop from there when you are working. I have never yelled at a cashier before, however with your sense of entitlement if you tell me I am not allowed to ask you where a product is and I have to look for it myself (even though I rarely ask) , I might yell at you and you actually will deserve it.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by Deb1, 2016-03-14 23:13:05

Why are you mad that people asking other cashier some questions while you were shopping? May be that cashier is glad to help that customer.  
And really how many customers have you seen that shop after 9 and make you wait for 15 minutes after hour? Really how many? That might happen once in 6 months. Be cool with that and go on,  

Other than being yelled at, none of your complaints are valid. You definitely dont belong in any position where customer service is required if this is how you feel about customers. Nothing you complain about is rude. Normal people dont poop all over, perhaps its someone with mental health issues or is disabled and can not help it. Customer cant see a product right in front of them...maybe they have sight issues, or English isn't their first language and they cant read everything they are looking at. But riiiigghhht, they are doing it just to irritate you. Grow up. Practice what you preach. Empathy goes a long way.

OP, I'm sorry to break it to you, but this is your job. Some stores I've never been into and don't know where things are. I'm in a completely different position now, but still a passionate one where people are kind to others and will help them in every way possible. Customer service is key.  
 
How did some customer service ever deteriorate to this level?  
 
One one hand I feel bad that you feel this way. On the other hand, it's a great topic.

Why are you posting from two accounts?  
 
My biggest pet peeve with customer service, no one knows how much change to give back if they punch the wrong number in at the till. They look at you like the world is ending, as they don't know what to do.  
 
I for one know that I could never work retail, so perhaps you need to weight the benefits and decide if that is what you want to work in. With the attitude - I think not.

I suggest you get out of retail and customer service. You sound like you hate your job and lack people skills. If I found out one of my employees posted a rant like this they would be looking for a new job. Customers are what keeps businesses open so having someone like you on the front line is bad for business

I have worked retail and the fast food industry and some customers are just out to give you a hard time for whatever reason. Some think you are beneath them and are condescending (I remember working at a Subway and having to clean the men's washroom that had feces smeared all over the place...I almost barfed). People think we are subhuman and assume we are not smart in that industry. I especially hated when they would call the manager if they thought I was rude. I am not in that industry anymore.

Your description of arrogant and rude customers include someone who asks where to find something, asks which till to go too, simply asks what to do with the basket or cart or enters your store before the doors are locked for the day. If you come across this disrespectful in person to the people that make your paycheck possible I can understand why you or others like you would get yelled at a lot. Lucky for employers and customers alike employees with such a horrible attitude are few and far between. Hopefully you mature before its too late and you become totally unemployable.

Working with the public is defintely challenging. I think some people truly do take out their bad days on other people because they can.

It_Needs_To_Be_Said said "Your description of arrogant and rude customers include someone who asks where to find something, asks which till to go too, simply asks what to do with the basket or cart or enters your store before the doors are locked for the day. If you come across this disrespectful in person to the people that make your paycheck possible I can understand why you or others like you would get yelled at a lot. Lucky for employers and customers alike employees with such a horrible attitude are few and far between. Hopefully you mature before its too late and you become totally unemployable. "

I've been in retail for nearly 40 years, other than a brief stint in healthcare. If people coming in late is the worst you've had to deal with consider yourself lucky and find other employment, cuz you ain't seen nuthin yet. People asking for directions? Shocking! Anyhoo, before people decided to post their inner thoughts and what they had for breakfast on social media, we just chalked things up to a "bad day", called a coworker or friend and went for a walk, drive, coffee, and vented and laughed about it. If it really bugs you that much, then you need to find a new line of work-you will not last.  

you're NOT the right kind of person to be in retail, or possibly any other service related industry. I could well imagine how you would treat elderly people in a nursing home with your kind of patience.

I worked at a grocery store for 5 years and you've nailed everything...used to hate the people who KNEW it was 5:55 and come running through the door....then they'd walk over, grab a grocery cart and do a full grocery shop...I'd lock the doors sometimes because you'd have the same people every week. Like if you work all day fine, shop on Saturday or Sunday...

As someone who spent 40 years working in the service industry and dealing directly with the public I was a little put-off with the ranting. Maybe it was because I was just so glad to always have a job and I enjoyed meeting people that I just couldn't go to work with a poor attitude towards my work. Yes, I have seen them all. Those who I called gems and duds and the exceptionally awesome people I called diamonds. I realized that we don't know everyone's story. Some are hearing or visually impaired, are in chronic pain, or are experiencing a family health or other crisis. Then there are some are just plain, condescending jerks. As a consumer and user of services it is the same from the other side of a transaction. Some who serve are just so welcoming and helpful and willing to do that little extra - even if it is just a smile. Others give you the impression you barely exist to them and seem to wish they were anywhere else but doing their job. There are far more diamonds and gems on both sides of the situation and it isn't worth anyone's peace of mind to dwell on the duds who will always be with us. If you can make just one person's day a little better with a smile or a kind word it is worth it.

Judging by this rant of yours. I do see the point in a lot of what you say OP, however you are even complaining about people who talk to you about their days.. Big deal, grow up. Some people just see that as a conversation starter. I realized then you are the OP of the smoking rant that is also going on here. Is there anything that the city of Brandon can do to make you feel better or are you just one of those people who have a problem with everything!?!?!?

Happy1986, she/he is also the OP of the rant about 'Celebrating Holidays in Canada'.  
Personally, my day goes much better and I am much happier in life if I see the positives rather than the negatives. Some people live their entire lives complaining about things that are outside their control, wonder why they aren't happy, and never figure out that their unhappiness is their own doing.

oh geeze I didn't even realize that. I did read through that thread too. Some people just enjoy being miserable I guess.

Is part of retail. You're always going to have late, grumpy and rude customers. No the customer is not always right but you put on a smile because maybe that smile is all they need. Sometime's not always too but you deal with it like an adult. Be thankful you have a job. If you can't handle dealing with the public then maybe you should look for a desk job or something.  
 
I know I've walked into a store before closing because I worked late. I apologize and I try to be as quick as possible but I can't always make it on time. As for helping a customer, sometimes people walk in looking for something in a specific brand and that's not always what's there. I know that has thrown me off before when the item has been right in front of me.

CommonTater said "While I don't agree with every point the OP makes, there are an increasing number of self important jackazz customers out there that could benefit from some social graces. I will also add that I have experienced some customer service people who act like serving customers is an inconvenience.     Actually, I guess, I am just seeing a increasing number of people in all circumstances who could use to be put in there place. Everyone needs to check themselves every now and then. I try to "

I think everyone from customers to employees could stand to be kinder. Your mood and behavior influences everyone around you. A friendly cashier makes me feel better after shopping in a very busy store full of other rude customers. I'm sure when I smile and behave nicely to the cashier I might be helping them get past a person who was just rude to them. We all need to give each other a break and also realize how our own behavior is creating our experience. A good attitude can work miracles

Let's all try to remember that the OP is here to vent his/her frustrations. These are the things they need to get off their chest in order to face another day. Whether their points are right or wrong I think a chat room is an ok place for that.