Why do people treat retail workers like crap and think that retail workers will go above and beyond for them?

[Anonymous]

I work retail, but I’m going to school to get out of it for something useful hopefully. I don’t understand why costumers like to use retail workers as an emotional punching bag and think we’re pieces of garbage. You should treat people with respect no matter what job they have and Control your emotions like a grown ass adult. I also don’t understand why costumers think we’re there to serve them, yes I will help but I’m not gonna be your fucking slave. I’m sorry I don’t make commission I don’t give a shit if you spend money at my store, I make minimum wage. I have no choice to work this job because the job market sucks.

[BCRanger10]

I worked retail for four years in a menswear store. Truthfully, I didn't have very many situations like that. The times that I did have situations like that, it was because they were misinformed by another employee or they thought something was done on time when in reality it wasn't. And yes, because they didn't want to acknowledge that they were stupid, that they had unrealistic expectations, and so forth. They had the mentality of "the customer is always right".

I can and will also admit that in my own case, I had a bad attitude. I was prideful and naive, I was bitter that my manager got fired (in retrospect, it was not unjustified... though the company had their own issues as well...), I had really poor big-picture thinking, I was impatient and thought I was much more qualified than I actually was for better jobs, I wasn't willing to do the things that would have helped me greatly... basically, I had a lot of factors of my own that contributed to it. And truthfully, if I were a counselor of some sort and met 25-year-old me, I'd tell him "You're not as good at your job as you think you are."

Now, I don't know who you are or whom you work for. But I will say these things. Having had the experiences I did, I have empathy for you; I really do. If I heard someone complaining about their service reps, I'd say "So would you rather someone NOT be there?" Similarly though, you are that person there. Now I get it. You want better things in life, you want to find a path that brings you fulfillment, and I sincerely hope you do. But the reality is that this is where you are now and what you are doing now. And there is only one thing you can control, and that is yourself. You would do well to consider the possibility (I want to stress that word as much as possible) that how you think about your current role is why people might be rude to you, and no it does NOT justify how they treat you, if in fact it is why. I want to stress that as much as the last point.

At the same time though, you also have to acknowledge that, depending on the career you choose, you may have to deal with angry and rude people there as well. So it would also be a good idea to evaluate how you will handle those kinds of situations in the future.

I could go on and on, so I'll leave you with this MyTake that I wrote last year. I humbly request and encourage that you read it. And if you want to discuss anything further, I have open DMs and am willing to help.

[Asker]

Thank you for your insightful and honest advice. I appreciate it a lot.

[fivebyfour]

because some people are assholes, I work retail also and if the customer is polite, i will help them, if they are rude I will lie to them about everything just to get rid of them,,,

[Asker]

Maybe I should start doing that haha

[beenherebefore]

I don’t think I treat retail workers like crap but most of the time they have zero costumer service skills and you can tell they don’t like what they’re doing is almost like as if they’re doing you a favor, don’t put the effort to be nice, and most of the time are clueless so is hard for me to take them seriously at times. For me if you’re nice and show that you’re willing to help and don’t roll your eyes I’ll be extra nice to you, I’ve been young and inexperienced too so I understand but if you have an attitude and act like I’m bothering you I’m sorry but I’ll give you sh*t too.

[Asker]

Thank you, I appreciate your response. At my job I always try to be respectful towards customers and if I don't know something I look it up or get someone else. I never give attitude unless their rude to me first so I understand why you would give a retail worker shit if they're rude to you too because if you're nice you don't deserve to be treated that way.

[OneViewpoint]

I never punch down at people smaller than me or less wealthy than me because of their job or car, or clothes, or whatever. That is extremely uncool and a very bad look for anyone. Mutual respect and a polite thank you is the right response when dealing with anyone in a service role. We've all been in role where we were in service to someone at some point. How would you want to be treated? Do that.

Doing the opposite reveals more about you than the person you are attempting to shit on.

[Anonymous]

Honestly I think it's just people busy and stressed. Not that I'm giving them a pass for it. But I used to work retail once upon a time as well, for many years. And yes there were people that looked down their nose at me. But most people were just in a rush rushing home from work, stressed, having been yelled at their boss all day or chewed out by their clients or customers. I think some were just blowing of steam. I found over the time I worked there there were only a small segment that I couldn't please. But I will say this. I found working the DAY shift was a lot less hassle. Because you're getting the people midday during their lunch hour and whatnot. They're not thoroughly fed up by a hard day yet. Maybe try working the day shift if that's an option.

[Asker]

Thanks for your response. Sadly most of my classes are during the day so I don't really have the option:( But when I'm on winter break I'm gonna try.

[slatyb]

I think you mean "some people" -- because they feel entitled or superior. They were probably raised to believe that.

[Asker]

Yeah, I should have put some people in the question.

[Staximus]

Because big chain retail stores and restaurants treat the customer like they're always right.

[Asker]

Yeah I hate how a lot of places are like that.

[RavVid]

It has got very back where is am including physical assault to the point of introducing new laws with up to 5 year jail time.

I believe it also includes verbal abuse.

[Anonymous]

Which people? I never treat retail workers, or ANY workers like crap. You must be referring to maga's.

[Asker]

Haha a lot of them seem to be magas

[Opinion Owner]

No surprise there, is it?

[Asker]

Nope!

[jshm2]

Lol, they could say the same about you and your attitude to them. You are being paid to be there, they aren't.

You need to fix yourself, rather than projecting.

[Asker]

Don’t get how this post is projecting. I’m always respectful until someone is rude to me first but okay.

[Asker]

Also look up the word projection in the dictionary dumb ass

[jahaims]

Because they aren't skilled and either lack motivation or intelligence.

[TonyMetal___86]

I respect everyone the same!

[Asker]

That's good!