Why do customers yell at clerks about prices when they aren't the ones who have set the prices on things?

Answer 1

People who yell at clerks should be asked to leave the store. Period. It doesn't matter what the reason. That type of behavior in public should not be tolerated.

I think our society has forgotten how to behave in public. We take too much for granted and say thank you too little.

Example: One time a went through a McDonald's drive-thru with a colleague. I said thank you at the "box" after I placed my order. My colleague laughed at me. I said "thank you" and "have a nice day" to the lady who gave me my change at the first window (same lady who spoke into the box). I said "thank you" and "have a nice day" to the man who handed me my order. When we pulled out, my colleague asked me why I have to be so d*** nice all the time. She "informed" me that you are only "supposed" to say thank you to the person who give you your order. She also elaborated on how she thought "have a nice day" was a bit over the top.

I was astounded. I let her finish, and then reminded her that not everyone is as lucky as she is. Someone has to do the mundane jobs, like fast food, dry cleaning, bookstore, and grocery. Without those people, she would be up a creek (we all know which one). Those people have rotten jobs, and a smile can go a long way towards making their day more bearable.

So . . . if you are one of those folks out there who is having a bad day, please don't take it out on us ordinary folks. If you want to comment on the price, it is okay to do so, but without accusation. The single mother at the Quik Mart register does not set the price of gasoline or profit from it. It is permissible to comment, but end the conversation with a smile and a thank you. Don't forget to say, "have a nice day." The clerk will feel better, and so will you.

Smiles are infectious!

Answer 2

When I worked retail, a woman wrote a six-page complaint letter about me, because I showed her some coats one day, and between the time we spoke and the time she came back to buy them (several days later), the coats sold out. In her letter, she wrote that I should have told her that the coats were going to sell out so that she could have made an informed decision about whether or not to buy one. She ended up being banned from the store.

I think when customers yell at sales associates, it's not about the price. I think it's generally because the customer has a had a bad day or a bad week, and suddenly they're in a position where they feel like they are superior, so they take their anger out on the "inferior" person at the first opportunity. The root of the problem is their inability to deal with stress, not the rising price of bug repellant.

Answer 3

LOL. I know exactly how this feels! I worked in a grocery store for three years. It got even worse when I took on a managerial position!

People get frustrated in the store. Come on, let's think about it. Crying babies, flourescent lighting, crowds, bad music, you're in a hurry.... the list goes on and on. So then the price isn't how you feel it should be. Who are you gonna yell at??? The person standing in front of you, or suck it up until you get home and call corporate?

Yeah, you're gonna yell at the person standing right in front of you. That's what happens when folks loose their cool. Who's really going to wait until they get home to deal with MORE bad music, voice mails and a computer???

It's not right, the customer needs to understand that the person standing in front of them is just doing their job and can't do a thing about pricing. The customer needs to understand that the person standing in front of them is a person who is more than likely trying to do their job, and do it well.

When I was in my interview for the grocery store, I was asked a question that, I think, snagged the job for me.

"Is the customer always right?" I replied:

"It is my job to make the customer THINK they are always right, and still get the job done!"

The next time you start to ream the clerk at the store, remember they're just another person at work, doing their job. Rudeness or sloppy service should not be over looked, but if they are just doing their job and pricing things the way corporate has mandated, then leave them alone.

Answer 4

I own a store and DO set the prices.

It's amazing that a customer will ask me why something is priced the way it is......my answer is usually, "I price it that way because of the price that I had to pay."

They seem so miffed. Of course, I have already talked with them about the quality aspects of the item.

So many shoppers live in some sort of dream-world that they think they can control. They can't control ANYTHING else in their life, maybe, but they seek some sort of revenge on the people who serve them.

See the movie CLERKS...............tonight or soon. You will laugh your head off if you've ever worked with the public!!!!

Answer 5

because they can't get manger right way and clerks are the next best thing. And some people are dumb to believe that when you yell about prices they will go down.Even though it is supply and demand and paying clerks and mangment to run the store

Answer 6

Their just blowing off steam and your the receiver of it. Got to blame someone or they'll go crazy. Like with the gas prices, you know. You fuse at the gas station attendant, but he doesn't set the prices. I guess we all think you will move it down just for us.

Answer 7

Because you are the only one there to complain to. People get upset and the poor clerk is the outlet for it.

Answer 8

because they just don't get it that in western civilization, we don't bargain. They actually think that if they yell loud and long enough, they will get what they want. Sadly, if they draw the attention of a store manager, they often will. this backs up their theory, and they continue. You have to be brave enough to tell them to shut the hell up and walk away from them.

Answer 9

I used to work in retail for 5 years and I don't have a freaking clue BUT i do know if you are super super sweet and say thanks maam/sir and have a nice day all with a smile it will PO them off so bad it is fun..if yoru going to yell at me I am going to make you feel worse. buh bye

Answer 10

On NPR I heard by potential of the top of the year it ought to actual attain $4 a gallon. they have us by potential of the b**** because of the fact maximum persons get to artwork by potential of automobile. whilst the gas expenditures pass up then so will the fee of public transportation, nutrition, clothing, and so on. gas drives our existence.