Working in retail for the past two years, I’ve learned how to bite my tongue when it comes to rude customers. Because of personal experience, i understand and empathize with others who, like myself, are forced to smile and nod when a customer is blatantly verbally abusing them while at work. While the phrase “the customer is always right” stands true, respect should always be used between both the customer and the employee to ultimately reach the desired solution. However, there are always a few thoughts of my own that stay well hidden when it comes to dealing with ignorant, rude and downright nasty customers. Here are ten of them:

1. “You don’t have this product? Well then you don’t have my business!” Oh, no. Well this is a shame as I’m sure this billion dollar company will file for bankruptcy because they didn’t receive your twenty dollar purchase!

2. “Well since you’re out AGAIN, I’ll just go to your competitor.” Would you like me to draw you a map with directions?

3. “Is there anyone else here that can help me? I don’t feel like waiting any longer.” Yes, I’ll drop everything I’m doing and tell my customers they simply aren’t important.

4. “Are you sure you know what you’re talking about?” Actually no, i don’t have a clue what I’m talking about. Why don’t you go ask someone else who does.

5. “WHY ARE YOU OUT OF THIS PRODUCT AGAIN? THIS IS RIDICULOUS!” Hold on, let me go magically zap the product in for you. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.

6. (I’m standing by the fish) Excuse me, do you know anything about dogs?”. Yes, that is exactly why I’m on the opposite side of the store from that department and why I’m standing next to numerous fish tanks.

7. “You don’t know the answer to my question? Why do you even work in this department?” I’m sorry, I forgot for a few minutes that I am supposed to know the answer to every single question anyone will ever ask me.

8. Screaming loudly: “You have a dead fish in here! You have a dead fish in here!” Okay, would you like to me go get one of our phones so you can make the whole store aware of this?

9. (completely unaware of this customers presence.) “EXCUSE ME? Could I PLEASE get some help over here?” Sure! Sorry I wasn’t magically aware of your presence.

10. After returning fifteen dead fish, the customer asks me to replace them for her. When I refuse, she screams “I WANT TO SPEAK WITH YOUR MANAGER. RIGHT NOW!”. Thank GOD because I cannot deal with your idiocy any longer!

It seems that customers conveniently forget that we’re working to make a living, not to upset them or make them mad. Why would an employee want to go out of their way to help a customer when they’re screaming and cursing at them? Respect goes a long way; however, it must always revolve both parties. Kindness has it’s own rewards and they are evident when intelligence and patience are shown when dealing with a customer problem. Until customers learn to behave themselves while at the store, I guess I’ll just to have keep quiet and keep smiling!