hypothetically if you worked in a supermarket?

Question

and older customers (male and female) kept touching you ruffling your hair grabbing your arm and basically invading your space do you think you would be in the right to tell them politely and firmly to stop it?

and also when i was on the till today some old bat told me that i must need more training because i didnt know how to change the till roll the way she said it was so patronising i am 25 i just wanted to take her set her down on the seat and say right can u work it?

Answer 1

Without a doubt. I don't care HOW old a person is - that does not give them the right to touch you and invade your space that way. Rudeness comes in all ages.

One thing to consider however, is that because you mentioned that it seems to be older customers, is that some of these people may be exhibiting signs of dementia. When a person has dementia, they could be looking at you, a total stranger, but seeing their daughter, son, mother, father, or whoever instead. Their touching you might be a way to connect to whoever it is that seeing you is triggering a memory of. Still, one way to approach this would be to tell them, with a smile on your face, as you back away from them "I'm sorry ma'am/sir, I really don't like being touched by people I don't know". Because you are smiling, you are not being rude to them. Because you are telling them you are sorry, you are showing you care about their feelings. Because you are telling them you don't know them, you are bringing them a bit closer to reality (if they do have dementia) to let them know that you are not the person they might think you are. Also, if you say something like "Is there something I can help you with?" If they say no, then you could say "oh - okay, but it's just that when strangers touch me (or stand so close to me) while I'm working, I assume they need me to help them with something". Best of luck in this situation. Another thing you could do would be to ask a supervisor how to handle it.

Answer 2

As someone else said, it might be a parental or kindness gesture, so gentleness is the rule. An older man, a clerk at one of the larger establishments where I shop often smacks me on my back, and on occasion has touched my arm. I am sure he is simply being friendly, his own children live far, far away. Imagine if your Christmas was going to be spent alone in a caravan with beer and tele.
I know his favorite pub and has all but asked me to join him, and I am sure it is not a gay thing at all..
Particular to your question, I might say something, but it would depend on what part of my body hair he or she might be touching.
The hair on my head, that is a bit condescending but in a way affectionate.
The hair under my arms, that is much too odd for comfort..
On my leg or @rse, now that is far too personal.
Grabbing arm would prolly not bother me at all, depending on the context under which it occurred, again, leg a different matter.
In any case, if I didn't like it I would certainly be in my right to politely and firmly tell them to STOP IT or loose it.
On the other hand, it may be the only thrills the poor old things have left in their lives. Who am I to deprive them of that little joy... (Joking, of course).
--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 3

It seems important to remember good customer service if you want to keep your job while still being comfortable in it. What I would do is the first time they invaded my space step away intentionally, you can make your intentions known without making the customer feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. Of course if your saftey is jeaporidized you always have the right to tell someone to stop it. If it just bugs you I would try a gentler approach. Or maybe you can ask co-workers or your boss for suggestions, that way if you did have to be rude they would know you went to them first.

Answer 4

I have worked in retail alot i hate it there is a rule the customer is always right forget that if a customer does something u consider to be out of line say so politly at first then firmly i used to just tell people i did not like it please stop it and if they wouldn t i would refuse to serve them

Answer 5

You could look them in the eye, hiss and make the sign of the cross with your fingers. That would stop them doing it again. Or you could start drooling and limping when you can sense a touchy feely moment coming on. If that doesn't work and they are still zeroing in on your zone crack out a good loud fart. Then they'll definately think you're special needs and bugger off

Answer 6

I certainly wouldn't let anyone invade my space. About three foot away is my space. I only let people in that space out of invitation necessity or because I'm working in my very tactile job. I might bite them if they kept touching me that way though.

Answer 7

That is a bit over the line...and yet, I'm sure I wouldn't want to upset the dear old things.

I'd keep smiling, but find a way to mention that I had eczema, and warn them that I was having a fresh outbreak (then scratch my head).

Older people are terrified of catching eczema.

Answer 8

Older persons tend to have a parental or even grandparental like affection for younger people. It sends the message they like you and care about you. If ever you have a lot of difficulty in your life you may find yourself wishing for that typed of friendly contact.

Be gentle toward them I can't believe they mean to upset you. You might be able to appeal to their sensitive side. Try politely saying, "Please don't touch me I have a thing about germs." If you don't like the "germs" idea try something other of your own invention but do it before you get so upset you get mad and say something rude.

Answer 9

Hmm, thats a tough one. Normaly that sort of thing wouldn't be tolerated. However working in a supermarket I guess you just have to grin and bear it. After all the customer is always right even if they are out of order.

Answer 10

Wow, I think I would report them to my management and ask how they want it handled. I would not be at all comfortable with strangers, regardless of age, invading my space.