Wednesday, December 3, 2008

'Tis the Season


I used to love the Christmas season, picking out gifts for my loved ones, the lights, scents and music. I bought into the hype that people are happy and fun to be with.

This is my 5th year working retail and every year I become more disillusioned. People are mean and rude. I know that no one has much money to spend this year, please don't take your frustrations out on the cashier, we don't have any more than you do. When you yell at us because you spent more than you anticipated, or because an item didn't get put into the system at the price it has been marked down to (not our fault, by the way), because you are on a tight budget, or any other number of reasons, that can ruin our whole day. We are there to do a job, just like you do at your place of work.

How would feel if someone that you don't even know came into your office and started screaming and cussing (yes, in some instances there has been cussing) at you for something that wasn't your fault? How would the rest of your day go? Would you be able to keep on smiling and being pleasant all day? Now, how about if it happened over and over again?

We are aware that we are short handed, and we are trying to get you through the line and out the door as quickly as possible. We do not do the hiring, nor do we make the work schedule.

I have had cashiers call me over because a customer was yelling at them because their credit card, debit card, or check was declined. I know that this is embarrassing for you, however, it is not or fault. Debit cards and checks are declined if there isn't enough money in the account to cover them, our checks are automatically deducted just like a debit card. Checks are also declined if you have a returned check somewhere that uses the same check system that we do. With credit cards, the most common reason is that the card issuer denies the charge. We really wish that we could help you, but there isn't anything that we can do in any of these cases, so please, don't take it out on us.

I am asking you to please, let those of us that work in retail enjoy the season too. Please remember that we have to deal with the same frustrations as you. We also have families that we need to shop for, we have to wait in the same lines. We may look like someone to take it all out on because we are just a face at the register but we are human, we have feelings.

Don't get me wrong, there are some real nice and pleasant people out there. They are a joy to wait on, and when a cashier is lucky enough to get one it really helps them get through the day. So I thank those of you are nice to the cashiers, your friendly smile and kind words helped someone more than you know.

For everyone, please take into your mind and hearts, 'Tis the Season to be Jolly.

7 comments:

Feisty Crone said...

I worked in retail a number of years ago. It was the most difficult work I have ever done, especially at Christmas. Take good care of yourself, Tammy.

Tammy said...

Most of the time I love my job, just not during the holidays.

Paula said...

I don't work in retail but I do think that for the most part people just get nastier at this time of the year...too bad. Sure not what Christmas is all about...Have a great day!

Avril Brand said...

My hubby works in retail so I understand your frustrations... when he comes home and tells me about how rude people are, I sometimes despair. But! It is good to share this knowledge because those of us who know will hopefully be even more kind and considerate to the people who work in retail.

Thank you for so eloquently writing about this.

Avril

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your tree with me and it is sad that so many people are rude this time of the year. Hugs Tammy.

Ching Ya said...

It's a nice tree. After some decos any artificial tree could look as real and pretty.

True, it's a hard time for everyone. We just need to be more considerate, and hoping others would do the same. Don't worry Tammy, your patience and working ethics are recognized. Especially from all of us. =)

Tammy said...

Thanks all for reading this post and sympathizing.

 
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