We all like a shopping spree, and we love seeing our favorite stores looking pristine and organized. But that doesn’t give us the green light to start tidying the place, rearranging the displays, and being polite to a fault. Below are a few polite habits that can drive staff crazy. They’re definitely ones to avoid!
Folding Things Neatly But In the Wrong Spot
It’s great that you made the effort, but putting an item back in the wrong spot creates twice as much work for the retail staff. Each table has its own system in terms of items, folds (yes, folds!), sizes, and color. Just hand it over to the staff and let them handle it; they’ll do it at twice the speed and more efficiently.
I Don’t Want to Bother You, But…
It’s a classic line, ‘I don’t want to be a bother you, but…’, and then asking tons of specific questions. It does bother them. They’re there to help but don’t want to play the awkward, ‘I’m not but I am’, game. If you have a question, ask them directly without skirting around it. They’re busy and don’t have time for a million questions.
Putting Things Back Where You Think They Go
While retail staff are really pleased that you’ve neatly tucked an item away, they’re not so pleased when you’ve made your own display. That’s a treasure hunt that they don’t have time for. You’re trying to be a kind citizen, great! But the staff will much prefer it if you own up and say you forgot where you found it.
Over-apologizing for Being in the Store
Running into a store right before it closes and then profusely apologizing for 20 minutes is annoying. Yes, staff might feel their heart drop when they look at the clock, but that’s not a patch on an overly apologetic customer. If the stores open, you’re allowed to shop. You do not need to apologize.
Waiting Forever to Ask for Help
Retail staff can see that you’re desperately battling with that zipper in the changing room. They can also see when you’ve circled the shop for 2 hours straight. Their experience has taught them that you will call on them. Eventually. Subsequently, they’re forced to linger. Make their life easier – ask them for help!
Helping Them Clean (With Zero Context)
Believe it or not, plenty of customers grab the store broom and start sweeping up. It’s sweet but weird. There’s a massive difference between being helpful and disruptive, and scrubbing the floor on your knees is both alarming and…strange! Leave it to them, it’s in their job remit. Plus, you might knock something valuable over!
Bringing a Return with an Epic Tale
Things happen; items have to be returned. While retail staff love a good chat with customers, they don’t need War and Peace on why it’s being returned. As long as the item is within the returnable window and in pristine condition, it’s a simple case of hitting a few buttons and issuing a full refund.
Refusing Help Out of Politeness (Then Getting Frustrated)
Retail staff aren’t solely there to sell you an item at the checkout. Their job description includes helping customers out when they’re confused, lost, or struggling with something. Tell them you’re browsing, and they’ll back off and focus on something else. Keep poking them with questions – after you’ve refused help, is plain annoying.
Leaving Coffee Cups on a Shelf
If you don’t throw litter on the street, why do you leave packaging on the display units? If the item gets knocked, and a mere drip touches an item, it could cause damage. That’s not cool. And if you leave a half-drunk coffee cup there while you browse freely, there’s an even greater risk of damage. Don’t do it.
Whispering to Not Disturb the Vibe
Certain shops can be quiet and chilled, so whispering is a good option. But in your average store, whispering makes it impossible for the retail staff to hear you. You’re not in a sacred temple or a library, you’re allowed to speak at normal volume. It makes it awkward for staff to ask you what you said several times in a row.
Saying ‘You Look Busy’ and Walking Away
Yes, they’re busy, but they’re also paid to help you. That’s literally their job. If they look busy, it’s because there are millions of things to do, but customer service will always come first. Ask them a question, and they’ll drop everything (not literally) to help you. You’re not interrupting. Ask away.
Popping In Just to Say Hi
Stores often have regulars, and while it’s great to see them, a quick pop-in for a chat can be time-consuming. If they’re knee-deep in work, they don’t have time to make small talk, despite how much they’d like to. Think of it as potentially getting them into trouble too. It doesn’t mean the love isn’t real.
Giving Fake or Backhanded Praise
You don’t need to make small talk for the sake of it, and piling on praise about their ‘fantastic’ store or ‘mind-blowing customer service’ can come across as backhanded. If you genuinely love something, be sure to share, but don’t say it for the sheer sake of it. They’re smart individuals, they know the difference.
Tidying Racks While You Shop
Yes, you’re polite. And yes, some customers can be particularly messy with their ‘rearrangement’ of clothing. But that doesn’t mean you should tidy the racks as you go. If you’ve got the down-low and you know how to stack, fold, and organize, fair enough, but it’s more likely that you’ll make it a bigger job than necessary. Leave it to the pros.
Saying Take Your Time When They’re Clearly Rushing
The intention is sweet, but it can result in internal screaming. When staff are on the checkout, folding, tidying, and smiling, being told to ‘chill’ is actually more stressful. Ever been told to just ‘chill out’ when you’re in a frenzy? Exactly. It makes you hot and flustered. Let them know what you need and leave them to it.
