What is the best thing to say to a customer if they ask you a question when your off duty?

Answer 1

say that you work 24 hours per day

Answer 2

Oh I hated when that happened to me. If it is a really small question, like where are these items? then it only takes a few seconds to help them,
If it is a big question, then direct them to some one else in the store.

What I found HILARIOUSE was when I had my name tag on, and the customer would ask, "do you work here?" I would always be so tempted to say, " no I just thought the nametag matched my outfit, and I like going into stores and straightening things up."
Customers are funny, :)

Answer 3

I'm the senior CSR of a big company. My advise is to tell the person that you do not have the answer to their question at this moment (even if you do) but that you can give it to them as soon as you get back to work. Give them your phone number and/or extension and wait for their call to come. That is if you work in a business that handles questions over the phone.
If you work at a store and you are on break or off tell the customer that you will find someone that can help them right away. It is just good business practice.

Answer 4

It seems the majority of answers are hitting the nail on the head. If it's a simple question -- help them out or find another on-duty employee to help them.

Over the summer I was at Wal-Mart and there was a lady in a Wal-Mart smock sitting at one of the display tables in lawn and garden -- I asked, "Do you have any patio umbrellas left?" to which she replied, "I'm on break." That was it -- no yes/no/I don't know -- no directions to someone who could help. That's ridiculous!!!

Everyone is entitled to their breaks, but if you take a break in uniform on the floor then you need to be prepared to help customers. If you don't want to deal with customers change out of your uniform or break in the break room or off premises.

Answer 5

If it was me & i was in uniform i would still be representing the company whether on duty or not therefore i would answer the question out of courtesy. If you are unable to help I would redirect to someone who can help by taking them to the person or calling for help & waiting with the customer until they are in someone elses hands!!!!

Answer 6

It can be a pain in the rear, but usually answering their question is the easiest way to go. If you know that their question will take a while to actually answer/resolve, telling them something honest but polite is usually ok. Just make sure you still help them.

Ex: "I'm actually off the clock / on break, but let me find someone who can help you with that."

After you find someone to help them, flee to an area where the customers can't find you. :-P

Answer 7

You could help them - it wouldn't kill you. If you're in a hurry, go find them someone who WILL help them. Good God, what's happened to customer service and pride in your job and work ethic? All of the 'thumbs down' to the people saying to help the customer anyways - why? How can you justify that? Laziness? Or do you honestly just not care? You'll go far in life.

Answer 8

"I'm Sorry, Im off duty, but @@@@ over there would be glad to help you."

Make sure you take off your uniform or if you cant at least your name tag when off duty. Most stores would rather their off duty employees go home after work and come back to the store after when they are in "civillian" clothing.

Answer 9

Help them. One day you will need to ask someone a question when they are of duty... One hand washes the other

Answer 10

It's best to just help them. You would want help if you were a customer and it should only take a minute anyways

Answer 11

If it is something small you should help them out but if they need help with deciding on what they need call one of your co-workers over and politley say to the customer "Im off duty, i can get one of my co-workers to help you"