5 Experiences with customers

Well I never intended to work on supermarkets since I had obtained university degree in another area of study to be able to work in administration of any office. However, to support my study and living, I started working in customer service and I ended up working in retail. As I am also a customer, I have no negative feelings to anybody and my experiences are entirely based upon incidents. Though I never intended, I am in love with this job and would like to share my few experiences with people.

1. Customers with kids

It is not that I hate kids; I am also a mother of a toddler. Customers who come with kids really struggle to control them. Even as a customer in the supermarket, I have dragged my son on the floor for several times. Toddlers wonder for every new things they see and experience and are impatient to stay in one place. While scanning items, some parents try to keep busy their child by talking to their child and some parents turn their face red being worried when they see their child screaming on the trolley seats. It reminds me of my child and makes me laugh since I also have to face the similar scenarios, but I just control myself from laughing out loud as they might not understand me and it will not be a respectful behaviour towards them.

2. Shoplifting customers

Well, not every customer shoplifts and not everyone intends to do it. I totally understand that some people forget to scan the items or tell the cashier about the items that they have in their trolleys. However there are few people whom I have experience that they try to keep the cashier busy on conversations and do not mention about the items on trolleys. Some customers try to try not scan the new shopping bags of the store. Some customers do not scan the bulk items and as part of the jobs or let’s say to not to be fired, when checking receipts, the answers would be “Sorry I forgot to scan! Can I pay now?” Those times, normally do not have any options rather than behaving normally not only to avoid arguments but also to save myself from physical harm. I even have experienced that one customer trying to get out of the self checkout with a bag full of stores items and when stopped, had answered that she had purchased somewhere else. I then asked for the proof of purchase and she started saying that she might have forgotten to pay and asked if she could pay there instead.

3. Aggressive customers

Most of the customers are loving, caring and kind hearted. But once in a blue moon, I have to deal with aggressive customers. As I said earlier, my only option would be to serve them politely to protect myself from bodily harm. I try to be as courteous as possible though my mind keeps me telling different to make a different story.

4. Fussy customers

As part of the service, the bags of the customers are packed by cashier in the supermarket. Some customers do not like the way the bags are packed though attempts are made to separate cold items, non-cold items and cleaning products. I have been even told “You haven’t learned how to pack bags yet” and started to pack on her own. Well! I can only say that thanks for teaching me how to pack bags. Reason: Customers are always right!

5. Funny customers

I find some customers funny not because of their appearance or backgrounds, but these customers really make my day. They just joke about everyday life and share their funny stories. Thanks to them that I forget and tolerate my workmates or supervisors.

Well, I have no idea how I am perceived in the supermarket. I could definitely fall under one of the above and will try to shop decently.