Sunday, February 19, 2012

Retail Manners

I have worked off and on in the retail industry for around 15 years. It's never been a full-time thing; always a way to make a little bit of spending dough at my favorite clothing stores....and get a discount in the process.

One thing is true about retail - people will do exactly as they have been taught to do. So I thought I would put a list together of retail 'manners' for those out there who apparently have NEVER been taught anything of the sort.

1. If a store looks clean and tidy, it didn't get that way by magic fairies. I promise. The people walking around the store while you meticulously pull apart that well organized jean wall are those who will have to pick it all up....and do it again....after the store closes. RULE: if you can't find a size or aren't good at folding and placing things back neatly in place, ask for help.



2. Though you may think that the person behind the counter ringing up your purchase is just an extension of the computer they are working on, they are, in fact, human beings who would appreciate your attention while they take your money. RULE: get off your phone! You are more likely to get better service and catch anything wrong in your purchase if you aren't distracted. And PS: it is rude.



3. Everyone has a time in their life when they need something last minute and have to quickly run to a store to get it. Retail professionals get that. What boggles their mind is the person who comes into a store 30 minutes before closing time and proceeds to shop like time doesn't matter. Usually said person also manages to destroy an already clean store (see RULE #1) in the process. RULE: don't come into a store to do your leisure shopping 30 minutes (or even an hour) before the store closes. The bigger mess you leave, the longer the staff has to stay after closing to clean up - and having been on their feet ALL DAY, it's annoying.



4. Well-behaved children encompass the following characteristics: courteous, quiet, self-entertaining, potty-trained, able to stay next to their parents, don't whine often, and are able to use a kleenex properly (not un-purchased merchandise). RULE: if your child cannot behave themselves at home, what makes you think they can do it in a store? DO NOT BRING THEM. The retail professionals are NOT babysitters, romper room specialists, hazardous waste removers, or medical professionals. If your child gets hurt, gets yelled at, or poops on the floor it's YOUR problem, not theirs.



5. When a store is busy, especially during big sale weekends, monopolizing a retail professional's time is inconsiderate. Quite honestly, they don't really have time to care if you can't make up your mind over which sweater your grandma, whom they've never met, will like. They are more worried about the idiot who has let their child climb in a clothing rack and swing around like a baboon (see RULE #4). RULE: everyone can have an indecisive moment, but please be understanding that your universe is not the only one that has entered the store.

6. Returns. C'mon people....returning items on the busiest days of the year is just plain hateful. Nothing kills the ebb and flow of the retail dance better than the person who brings in their 15-piece purchase to return. Obviously, if things don't fit, don't look right, or are defective need to come back to the store. And retail professions are more than happy to help you get what you want. They do not, however, have time to do that on black Friday. RULE: save your returns for off-peak days and hours. It will make your experience more enjoyable as well as not cause headaches for those who are trying to help you.

7. Dressing rooms are a tricky thing. Do you put the clothes back yourself? Or do you leave them in the room? Or do you hand them to a retail professional to put back? Actually, all three are great options if approached correctly. You can put the clothes back yourself, but please, in the correct place and following RULE #1. If you choose to leave them in the fitting room, please hang them up and fold them. Same goes with handing them off. At the very least, hang them up. RULE: the dressing room is not an extension of your bedroom. The items you are trying on are NOT YOUR CLOTHES until you buy them, so treat them respectfully.



8. Bathrooms are a courtesy provided by a store. The same people that are helping you pick out your clothes and ring up your purchase are the same people who have to clean the entire store every night after the store closes. This INCLUDES the bathroom. Nothing angers a retail professional more than having to clean up someone else's fecal matter or toilet paper left on the ground. If it wasn't there before you got there, it shouldn't be there after you leave. RULE: clean up after yourselves you filthy animals.



9. Contrary to popular belief, those who work in the retail profession are smart, educated and talented people. It takes a lot of work to make things look pretty and polished.....especially those who walk in looking like a mess :-). So please keep that in mind. A lot of retail professionals have a college education or have been working as a retail professional for a long time and have either chosen this as their profession or are working part-time to supplement another occupation or are stay-at-home moms that need a little adult time. They ARE NOT people without brains. RULE: treat others as you would wish to be treated. Like equals. The service will be much better....oh, and don't assume that just because someone looks like they are 16 that they are actually 16. They could, very well, be 28.

10. Act like civilized human beings. They are just clothes, tvs, toys, or whatever. Material objects are silly things to get your panties in a wad about. You cannot take them with you when you die and you/your child/your husband/etc will learn to live without the item if you don't get it. PERSPECTIVE PEOPLE!!! RULE: act like adults. PLEASE.





Just a little thought for the day. This is dedicated to those retail professionals who have not been charged with murder......yet.....