The retail workers of the r/AskReddit online community recently opened up about the “dumbest things” that they’ve ever had to explain to their customers, and this is a whole other level of cluelessness. We’ve collected some of the most interesting stories to share with you. Scroll down to have a read, and don’t forget to upvote the posts that blew you away the most.
We got in touch with the person who sparked the interesting discussion, u/Fragmented-Rooster, and they were kind enough to share some thoughts about surviving in the retail world. They told us that it’s vital to remember that “no job is ruining your mental health over.” You’ll find Bored Panda’s interview with them below.
GraniteBoy , Berkeley Communications / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
“Keep your remarks until your break later and laugh at their ridiculousness over a coffee,” they suggested.
BetaOscarBeta , cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
TEAMTINU , Paul Wilkinson / (not the actual photo) Report
They added that it’s always worthwhile to make some friends with the staff. “Always remember no job is worth ruining your mental health over. Stay chill and talk to someone about it. If it’s not for you, then it’s okay to quit,” they advised.
According to the OP, they were inspired to start the discussion after having a conversation with a friend about the very worst customers they both had ever dealt with. Even though u/Fragmented-Rooster hoped the thread would get attention, they never expected the question to get so much traction.
pajmage , Christiann Koepke / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
itsfroggyout , Afra Ramió / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
LadyCiani , Ben Moreland / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
One important thing for retail workers to do is to try to figure out whether their problematic customer is simply having a bad day or if rudeness and entitlement are part of their character. To put it bluntly, after a bout of bad luck, many of us have probably snapped at a stranger when we didn’t mean to. An insightful employee who’s well-versed in empathy is going to be able to recognize that.
EntityManiac , Matthias Haltenhof / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
all4whatnot , pexels (not the actual photo) Report
anon Report
In real life, your customers can throw you some curveballs and behave in completely unexpected ways. They might be unwilling to hear you out, even if you’ve got the solution and you’re trying to help them. If the situation is getting out of hand and it’s too much to handle, there’s no shame in asking for some help from a senior employee or your supervisor. They likely have more experience with handling these super-niche scenarios with problematic customers.
Witty_Commentator , Jack Sparrow / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
JnyBlkLabel Report
vagabondsean , Kyle Mackie / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
Politeness can be a very powerful tool in your arsenal, especially when facing overwhelming rudeness. You have to try to resist the impulse to raise your voice and insult the customer. That being said, if they are being abusive, you do not have to tolerate their behavior: you or your manager can ask them to leave. Good companies will have protocols in place to protect their staff in these scenarios.
Fragmented-Rooster , Wonderlane / flickr (not the actual photo) Report
Chaoticist523 , Federico Arnaboldi / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
bunbeck13 , Kelly Sikkema / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
de_nominator , John Matychuk / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
Doc_Of_Chaos , ready made / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
Ramiren , Dan Burton / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
NecroJoe , Josiel Araujo / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
chevy1500 , Caique Morais / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
starkpaella , Uriel Mont / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
gbosnorthend , Safa Hovinen / flickr (not the actual photo) Report
Skr000 Report
MNJayW , FilterGrade / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
andsusie , Robin Britt / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
HawaiianShirtsOR , Tranmautritam/ pexels (not the actual photo) Report
Hydraulis , Erich Ferdinand / flickr (not the actual photo) Report
SeeMarkFly Report
Internet_Ugly Report
aliaaenor Report
Flatulatio Report
Le_Gazzo_Ladro , Paul Swansen / flickr (not the actual photo) Report
Valhalloween , Bruno Martins / unsplash (not the actual photo) Report
g00d_rat Report
RosesUnderCypresses , Br3nda / flikr (not the actual photo) Report
throwaway133245617 Report
retailguy_again Report
burner46 , Pavel Danilyuk / pexels (not the actual photo) Report
QueenOfCaffeine842 , Jopwell / pexels(not the actual photo) Report
Viazon Report
jennyrob669 Report
Used_Soft_9177 Report
DannyC990 , Mike Mozart / flickr (not the actual photo) Report
Kitraofthecrackedegg Report
Tedsallis Report
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