why do people treat retail sales people like dirt? We should get respect too,right?

Answer 1

For lack of better terms, people are ignorant.

I often get treated like an absolute idiot when working behind the counter. There is the common assumption that the person behind the counter is in some way feeble, uneducated or in some way defunct.

We have no tolerance for our staff being rude to a customer, we are polite, helpful and friendly. We stand and greet every customer that comes our way, and immediately offer assistance. Even with a very strict adherence to a respectful and friendly customer service policy we have problems.

Some of the high points of customer service in my store have been:

- one (former) customer had assault charged filed when he kicked a staff member for refusing a refund. There were also two criminal trespass charges that followed as he did not seem to understand do not come in my store as DO NOT COME IN MY STORE.

- Several complaints to a business regulatory board for our failure to refund opened software, which we are unable to do as per copyright and anti-piracy laws.

- Several removals of customers from our stores for verbally abusing, staff, fellow customers or vandalizing the store.

- two dogs urinating in a store with a posted no pets policy. (we sell computer goods,we are not a pet friendly store). This was after staff had requested the dog be left outside.

- Children climbing on display, breaking merchandise, display units and signage. In all cases parents refused to control the child or be responsible for the broken items.

- Very few people read. Our stores have posted return policies that appear clearly on the wall, on the receipt and on the website. Customers have a difficult time respecting out terms.

- Customer rage with failure to negotiate. We often get people not wanting to pay taxes, or work out a "cash deal". They are unwilling to accept that we need to account for every penny and conduct business in a comprehensive and consistent manner.

I am the vice president of the company, and do have the pleasure of working shoulder to shoulder with my staff in the stores. We are a smaller company and firmly believe that involvement in all levels of the business is imperative to proper management. IN my many years with the company I have been spit on, flipped off, called every name in the book, belittled, degraded, harassed and physically assaulted. We have a firm policy with our staff that if a customer is acting unruly, ask them to leave calmly and politely, if the refuse call the police. We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and stand behind the staff 100%. Unfortunately in the regular day to day dealings, those in the service industry have to deal with a great deal of nonsense.

I try to remind myself and my fellow staff members to pity those who cannot conduct themselves properly. They are obviously having a difficult time with themselves or in thier lives if they feel the need to lash out at a complete stranger.

Also for those of you who feel the need to be cruel to a person in the service industry, remember that the customer is only right, to a point. There is a lot of room for satisfaction for everybody if you approach the situation in a mature and rational manner, infact, we value customers who come to us with an honest concern or complaint and will work with you to resolve it. We like nice people to shop in our store. For lack of a better terms, we don't want jerks in our stores who are going to make other customers and staff uncomfortable. Threatening to take your business elsewhere, is sometimes a relief.

Answer 2

I completely agree! I've been a cashier at Home Depot for a year and a half. Most people are friendly, but there are some people that treat us like dirt, REGARDLESS of whether or not I am giving them my complete attention (which I do). It is especially difficult being a cashier, as the customer may have had a difficult time finding something, or they may have had a difficult time with another associate. There are always customers that come to me complaining about other associates, or that we don't have enough of them, and lots of other things that I have no control over. A guy came to me just yesterday saying, "You hire the most ridiculous people, they don't know anything about their departments". I understand he was upset, but I don't hire anyone!!!! It's really difficult for me when a customer acts like every bad experience they have had is my fault, when all I am trying to do is my job.

And I wish it was the case that if you are nice to customers and treat them with respect that they will do the same, but some people are rude, and will talk down to me regardless of whether or not I am doing everything I can to help them. I would never speak to someone at a store the way some people come to my register and speak to me. Everyone should work in retail at least once in their lives to see how difficult it really can be.

Answer 3

I expect the same respect from a sales clerk that I give them. I've dealt with a great number who are rude, on the phone talking to friends, and who see me as a major imposition in their day, even if I'm just asking directions to where something is, or checking out.

I let their managers know when this happens.

I've worked in jobs that are considered service industry too long - from sales clerk, to waitress, hotel desk clerk, to teacher, museum docent and custom costumer. You learn to leave your outside stuff elsewhere and treat everyone decently even when they cannot manage to treat you that way.

yes, you deserve respect IF you are doing your job as you should be. Otherwise, no.

Answer 4

Of course... however, I've seen some RUDE sales people in my 43 years.

I worked at Macy's, Mervyn's, and at a friends gift-shop and KNOW that it can be difficult.

When I run into a GOOD sales person or server... I always get their name, and write a letter to the Headquarters with copies for the branch.

Good luck

Answer 5

I'm a cashier and people love to treat me like dirt. People just don't seem to relize that they might be that one person to send us over the edge and take it out on them. Yes that person might be having a bad day but we don't take it out on the customer.

Answer 6

Your dam right we should, I used to work in retail before I was disabled, and everyone treats us like we are slaves to do what they want, if you do one little thing wrong, they report you for it, I mean geez, retail people should be treated with respect, they are supposed to help you, but treat them the way you would want to be treated!

Answer 7

People treat people like dirt because they are very insecure and by doing that, they try and make themselves, look or feel better. It's very dissapointing and I wouldn't take it personal at all.
Absolutely, everyone should be respected despite what they do (obviously within limits...I'm not talking about crims etc..)

Answer 8

I heartily agree. Although I never worked retail, I think it's shameful the way some people act towards retail workers.

Answer 9

It's because they think they are doing the sales people a favor.That's why they are giving them a hard time.

Answer 10

I am not one of them myself (a sales person), but I cringe whenever I see what you have described above. There is no reason for that crap; these people are simply trying to do their jobs.