Impolite employees

[freak]

Hello to all the TBBSers! I try to keep some of my personal problems on the down low, but I feel that I should voice my opinion about impolite employees cause this afternoon, I encountered a very impolite employee at Kroger's.

Let me set the scene for ya: I was basically going for some diet soda, kitty litter, and some half and half..I get in the self-checkout lane basically because it is faster and I get out in a timely manner.
So I precede to put in my quarters in the coin dispenser when all of a sudden the employee in question comes by(who is usually very nice to me) cause I was having a little trouble with the coin dispenser taking quarters and says that: oh that machine doesn't take quarters. Well, I nonchalantly ask her: oh really? Why is that I wonder? Then she starts yelling at me saying something really unneccesary like: I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T HAVE AN EASY ANSWER FOR YOU! IT JUST DOES! Like: GET A LIFE OR GET OVER IT. I felt like telling her: well, next time, I'll go to another checkout lane that DOES accept quarters or something else like: what side of the bed did YOU get off of this morning?! Or maybe something like, well fuck you then and thanks for nothing, bitch! Suffice to say,

I came home crying because No. 1: I was having a not so great Sunday to begin with and No. 2: she ruined what smallchance I had in having a good day to begin with! And it was not only me that she fussed at..she fussed at another lady checking out for asking a question..the employee responded by saying something like: uh, YEAH! -->in that manner, like: you stupid moron! If you're that ignorant... I couldn't believe this woman! She is usually very nice to me and today she was behaving like a raven shrew!

Here's my philosophy on impolite employees...Look, I understand having a bad day at home and all cause we all have an off day from time to time..butthere's a line between that and working and dealing with customers everyday, so leave your personal problems at HOME and come into work with a damn smile on your face..no one likes to be fussed at for merely asking a simple question. And don't treat your customers like meat either. They can't read minds and don't realize that you are having either family problems or other problems at home. Frankly, I could care less about your personal problems anyway..you should always remember to treat the customer fairly and in a polite way. I really felt like reporting this lady to the manager, but didn't cause I realized that she might have just been having an off day. But it hurts me and shames me that this world has become more and more bitchy since the crash of the economy.Why can't we all live like it was on Star Trek? I guess because Star Trek is not reality..it's a fictional show! Or at least that's what some people think..not everyone though!

At least this woman DOES have SOME type of income coming in and is not struggling like I am! Apparantly, she doesn't know what I go through every single day with my family. She needs to be thankful that she has a job and needs to stick a foot or a shoe in her mouth before her ass gets fired!
What I want to know from everyone is have you ever had an impolite employee(I'm sure everyone has from time to time though) that you have dealt with and HOW have you dealt with this particular person? It would be interesting if we could have a small discussion about this cause this has been really knawing at me since this afternoon! Thanks for reading.

Freak

 

[Gary Mitchell]

I went to a Little Caesar's to pick up a pizza. I had ordered extra cheese and italian sausage. I got to the car and opened the box to check it out and the pizza had pepperoni and onions on it. I went back into the store and told the employee behind the counter that my order was wrong and what the pizza was supposed to have. He (I think it was a he - it was hard to tell since he had bright pink hair) said "Yeah, and...." and just stared at me. The manager overheard this and disliked the employee's response almost as much as I did. He apologized and gave me a free drink.

 

[CorporalClegg]

It's been my observation that, in one single generation, costumer service has completely fallen apart.

It's been over six years since I worked retail, but when I started there was a standard set of ground rules that everyone followed. I don't think they exist anymore.

 

[Amaris]

Hello to all the TBBSers! I try to keep some of my personal problems on the down low, but I feel that I should voice my opinion about impolite employees cause this afternoon, I encountered a very impolite employee at Kroger's. Let me set the scene for ya: I was basically going for some diet soda, kitty litter, and some half and half..I get in the self-checkout lane basically because it is faster and I get out in a timely manner.

So I precede to put in my quarters in the coin dispenser when all of a sudden the employee in question comes by(who is usually very nice to me) cause I was having a little trouble with the coin dispenser taking quarters and says that: oh that machine doesn't take quarters. Well, I nonchalantly ask her: oh really? Why is that I wonder? Then she starts yelling at me saying something really unneccesary like: I DON'T KNOW! I DON'T HAVE AN EASY ANSWER FOR YOU! IT JUST DOES! Like: GET A LIFE OR GET OVER IT. I felt like telling her: well, next time, I'll go to another checkout lane that DOES accept quarters or something else like: what side of the bed did YOU get off of this morning?! Or maybe something like, well fuck you then and thanks for nothing, bitch!

Suffice to say, I came home crying because No. 1: I was having a not so great Sunday to begin with and No. 2: she ruined what smallchance I had in having a good day to begin with! And it was not only me that she fussed at..she fussed at another lady checking out for asking a question..the employee responded by saying something like: uh, YEAH! -->in that manner, like: you stupid moron! If you're that ignorant... I couldn't believe this woman! She is usually very nice to me and today she was behaving like a raven shrew!

Here's my philosophy on impolite employees...Look, I understand having a bad day at home and all cause we all have an off day from time to time..butthere's a line between that and working and dealing with customers everyday, so leave your personal problems at HOME and come into work with a damn smile on your face..no one likes to be fussed at for merely asking a simple question. And don't treat your customers like meat either. They can't read minds and don't realize that you are having either family problems or other problems at home. Frankly, I could care less about your personal problems anyway..you should always remember to treat the customer fairly and in a polite way. I really felt like reporting this lady to the manager, but didn't cause I realized that she might have just been having an off day. But it hurts me and shames me that this world has become more and more bitchy since the crash of the economy.Why can't we all live like it was on Star Trek? I guess because Star Trek is not reality..it's a fictional show! Or at least that's what some people think..not everyone though!

At least this woman DOES have SOME type of income coming in and is not struggling like I am! Apparantly, she doesn't know what I go through every single day with my family. She needs to be thankful that she has a job and needs to stick a foot or a shoe in her mouth before her ass gets fired!
What I want to know from everyone is have you ever had an impolite employee(I'm sure everyone has from time to time though) that you have dealt with and HOW have you dealt with this particular person? It would be interesting if we could have a small discussion about this cause this has been really knawing at me since this afternoon! Thanks for reading.

Freak

I know how you feel, but maybe she was just having a terrible day. We all get them and you may have been the outlet of her mounting frustration. That doesn't make it right for her to treat you like that, though. No call for that from her.

J.

 

[Aragorn]

It's the whole life, liberty and the ENTITLEMENT to happiness that seems to be getting a little stronger with each generation (and I'm in one of those generations). These days there are a lot of employees who feel like their jobs are beneath them and therefore the customers are also beneath them.

And they shouldn't have to apply for work. The work offers should come to them. Because after all, a 2.2 high school GPA and no special skills whatsoever is just what a fortune 500 company is looking for.

 

[romulus]

Yeah I much prefer the racism and bigotry of the previous generation(s) to failings of mine.

I think I have usually been able to keep my personal problems personal and away from work. I have not done so good this last year. It was not a good year sure but I can do better. Like some one said others have it just as hard or even harder and still manage to go around with a smile on their face and treat people with respect. I'm trying..

 

[Maestro]

While I am the first one to jump up and kick ass when I have to deal with poor service or rude employees, I am also the first recognize outstanding service too. Many times I've spoken with the manager about an employee who went above and beyond, and many times I've way overtipped too.

And to tell a story, I was out for breakfast with my folks and my grandmothers a few weeks ago. Breakfast is such a shitty meal to have to be waitstaff for because the prices are so low. A 20% breakfast tip is worse than pocketchange.

So the gal does a great job for us, coffee stays refilled, prompt service, even making my grandmother's side of fruit into a major work of art -- she used a fancy glass cappuccino mug and so forth.

So we chip in our part of the bill, and as we're leaving, I look at the tip on the table. I toss a $5 to add to it. My mother asks what I'm doing. "Didn't you think Grandma's fruit cup was a little above and beyond? You even complimented her on it when you saw someone else in the kitchen dishing up fruit in just a bowl. Don't you think she deserves a bit more than 15% at breakfast?"

My Mom just shrugged.

 

[freak]

Thank you to all the responses thus far. Yes, I guess the woman was having an off day, but that does not necessarily make it right for her to take it out on me. I wasn't the cause of her troubles! And I do agree..customer service has gone down the tubes since the economy went to hell and a handbasket! I really don't care what kind of job I have though, whether it be a janitor, custodian, or cashier..I would try my HARDEST to keep my personal problems OUT OF THE WORKPLACE.
I remember one of my professors at college talking about that one time. He worked as a Human Resource Manager in a big company and was constantly getting bitched at about anything and everything. He said that one person was taking his personal problems out on him and that it wasn't right! He also stated that employees should leave their personal problems outside of the work environment and to remember that the customer is always right! He was a great guy and didn't deserve to be treated like a doormat at his job. He actually had to cancel class one time because of it!

 

[The Grim Ghost]

Hey Freak, I'm interested in what you have to say but that wall of text really hurts my brain. Any possibility you could put a few spaces every 6 or 7 sentences or something like that in the future?

I'm not trying to be one of those grammar freaks or anything like that..I just get a headache trying to read through text walls and I would like to be able to read your messages without dealing with eyestrain/migraines!

Thanks in advance!

 

[freak]

Oh I'm sorry, destro. If you would like, I could edit it so you could read it better! Sorry about that.

 

[KiraDax]

I think there are a couple of things customers need to be educated about and attempt to remember when dealing with impolite workers (at least in the retail sector).

Firstly, it isn't possible to leave your problems at home. That's an incredibly stupid thing to say. Stresses and worries don't come with an off switch and magically disappear come clock-in times. In relation-there is no 'take it home'. "I think I need a sick day, I'm stressed and afraid I'm taking it out on the wrong people." translates roughly into "I'm incompetent and dragging the company down and you need to fire me as soon as possible." to management. Therefore, most workers have no choice but to stay at work in less than amiable states of mind.

Secondly, if an employee magically became annoyed after you asked a question or made a smart (you probably thought it was humorous) remark about something, it's probably because they've already heard the same question or remark a few dozen times already that day, and honestly, patience only extends so far. If it's a valid question, take the answer, say 'Thank you' to remind them you weren't in the wrong, and leave. If it's a smart remark, think twice before making another. The fact that someone is wearing a name badge doesn't mean they should be driven insane for your entertainment. You might feel chirpy and witty, but chances are the worker you've targeted is tired and steadily losing their sense of humor.

And finally...I can promise you that nobody in the retail sector is paid enough to honestly be expected to deal with all the bullshit thrown their way by customers and corporate, especially in these trying economic times, when coworkers are being fired and workload tripled.

Get your crap and go, and be thankful you're off the clock.

 

[ancientone51]

Kira Dax the comments you have described are part of the problem.

No one has said you CAN leave personal problems at home, but an effort must be made.
Work/personal ARE two different components of a life. And like diferent componants in anything, they need to be dealt with appropriately. There is nothing to say that an employee who is having a bad day can't appologize for being out of sorts...ie..."Sorry, give me a moment, busy day. The take a breath and ask, How may I help you?

As to taking a mental health day...If you can't take them learn to deal with the problem. Learn meditation or anger control and deal if you can't take off.

As for the wit of the customer, so you've heard it a thousand times...deal with it. If you deal with different people all the time you need to realize, it's new to them. Talk to a stage actor about making the same jokes new to them onstage, or doing the 10th performance of the show in the week. Sorry it is part of your job.

YES, times are tough and you have to work harder. Get over your crap and be glad you are ON the clock.

 

[Chekov's Phaser]

I think there are a couple of things customers need to be educated about and attempt to remember when dealing with impolite workers (at least in the retail sector).

Firstly, it isn't possible to leave your problems at home. That's an incredibly stupid thing to say. Stresses and worries don't come with an off switch and magically disappear come clock-in times. In relation-there is no 'take it home'. "I think I need a sick day, I'm stressed and afraid I'm taking it out on the wrong people." translates roughly into "I'm incompetent and dragging the company down and you need to fire me as soon as possible." to management. Therefore, most workers have no choice but to stay at work in less than amiable states of mind.

Secondly, if an employee magically became annoyed after you asked a question or made a smart (you probably thought it was humorous) remark about something, it's probably because they've already heard the same question or remark a few dozen times already that day, and honestly, patience only extends so far. If it's a valid question, take the answer, say 'Thank you' to remind them you weren't in the wrong, and leave. If it's a smart remark, think twice before making another. The fact that someone is wearing a name badge doesn't mean they should be driven insane for your entertainment. You might feel chirpy and witty, but chances are the worker you've targeted is tired and steadily losing their sense of humor.

And finally...I can promise you that nobody in the retail sector is paid enough to honestly be expected to deal with all the bullshit thrown their way by customers and corporate, especially in these trying economic times, when coworkers are being fired and workload tripled.

Get your crap and go, and be thankful you're off the clock.

Bullshit. I've worked a lot of shitty jobs that paid next to nothing. I've worked the type of jobs were people were extremely rude to me, and at times I was dealing with a lot of stress. But you know what, that didn't give me the right to be a totally douche to someone else. Especially considering what the OP was talking about. The question she asked seemed to be harmless enough, and it's not her problem that the employee was having a bad day. I've had my share of bad days, but I don't let it interfere with my work. If someone is, maybe they should look into getting some help.

As the poster above said, I was thankful I had a job at all. Does that mean customers have the right to be asses. No. Now if someone is deliberatelytrying to provoke you, that's a different story. I hated when customers were assholes, but that doesn't mean I took it out on every customer I saw.

 

[TheLonelySquire]

It's the whole life, liberty and the ENTITLEMENT to happiness that seems to be getting a little stronger with each generation (and I'm in one of those generations). These days there are a lot of employees who feel like their jobs are beneath them and therefore the customers are also beneath them.

And they shouldn't have to apply for work. The work offers should come to them. Because after all, a 2.2 high school GPA and no special skills whatsoever is just what a fortune 500 company is looking for.

God bless you!

 

[Mallory]

I think there are a couple of things customers need to be educated about and attempt to remember when dealing with impolite workers (at least in the retail sector).

Firstly, it isn't possible to leave your problems at home. That's an incredibly stupid thing to say. Stresses and worries don't come with an off switch and magically disappear come clock-in times. In relation-there is no 'take it home'. "I think I need a sick day, I'm stressed and afraid I'm taking it out on the wrong people." translates roughly into "I'm incompetent and dragging the company down and you need to fire me as soon as possible." to management. Therefore, most workers have no choice but to stay at work in less than amiable states of mind.

Secondly, if an employee magically became annoyed after you asked a question or made a smart (you probably thought it was humorous) remark about something, it's probably because they've already heard the same question or remark a few dozen times already that day, and honestly, patience only extends so far. If it's a valid question, take the answer, say 'Thank you' to remind them you weren't in the wrong, and leave. If it's a smart remark, think twice before making another. The fact that someone is wearing a name badge doesn't mean they should be driven insane for your entertainment. You might feel chirpy and witty, but chances are the worker you've targeted is tired and steadily losing their sense of humor.

And finally...I can promise you that nobody in the retail sector is paid enough to honestly be expected to deal with all the bullshit thrown their way by customers and corporate, especially in these trying economic times, when coworkers are being fired and workload tripled.

Get your crap and go, and be thankful you're off the clock.

Wow. Just wow. Good luck working for the next 40 years or so with an attitude like that. I agree with Admiral Jarok.

 

[Maestro]

Unfortunately, in today's economy, that kind of attitude is exactly the kind that is going to cause managers to fire you.

 

[The Grim Ghost]

Oh I'm sorry, destro. If you would like, I could edit it so you could read it better! Sorry about that.

No problem pal! Thanks for the edit! Sorry you had such a bad time.

 

[Shatmandu]

What I want to know from everyone is have you ever had an impolite employee(I'm sure everyone has from time to time though) that you have dealt with and HOW have you dealt with this particular person?

I've done this before, and it works perfectly: I would have calmly asked to speak to the manager. When he/she came over, I would ask the cashier to repeat the words and the tone she used with me and the other lady you mentioned.

Even if she refuses or lies about it, you've let the manager know that there is a problem with his employee. She was doing it because she was getting away with it.

If you don't stand up for yourself, you're the world's toilet paper.

Joe, employees must wash hands

 

[Shatmandu]

I think there are a couple of things customers need to be educated about and attempt to remember when dealing with impolite workers (at least in the retail sector).

Firstly, it isn't possible to leave your problems at home. That's an incredibly stupid thing to say. Stresses and worries don't come with an off switch and magically disappear come clock-in times. In relation-there is no 'take it home'. "I think I need a sick day, I'm stressed and afraid I'm taking it out on the wrong people." translates roughly into "I'm incompetent and dragging the company down and you need to fire me as soon as possible." to management. Therefore, most workers have no choice but to stay at work in less than amiable states of mind.

Secondly, if an employee magically became annoyed after you asked a question or made a smart (you probably thought it was humorous) remark about something, it's probably because they've already heard the same question or remark a few dozen times already that day, and honestly, patience only extends so far. If it's a valid question, take the answer, say 'Thank you' to remind them you weren't in the wrong, and leave. If it's a smart remark, think twice before making another. The fact that someone is wearing a name badge doesn't mean they should be driven insane for your entertainment. You might feel chirpy and witty, but chances are the worker you've targeted is tired and steadily losing their sense of humor.

And finally...I can promise you that nobody in the retail sector is paid enough to honestly be expected to deal with all the bullshit thrown their way by customers and corporate, especially in these trying economic times, when coworkers are being fired and workload tripled.

Get your crap and go, and be thankful you're off the clock.

What a pathetic crock. The ever-present chant of the failed.

Retail workers are getting paid to do what their bosses tell them to do.

If their bosses were paying them to paint clown portraits, they'd paint clown portraits. If they don't like it, they should take their big, big brain and get another job where they don't have to paint clown portraits.

Instead, they're getting paid to deal with customers, to help people who may or may not act like assholes.

If they don't like it, then they should take their big, big brain and get another job where they don't have to deal with people. I did.

Nothing stupider than a worker with an attitude, whether it's a doctor or a retail queen.

Joe, paid

 

[Aragorn]

I went to a Little Caesar's to pick up a pizza. I had ordered extra cheese and italian sausage. I got to the car and opened the box to check it out and the pizza had pepperoni and onions on it. I went back into the store and told the employee behind the counter that my order was wrong and what the pizza was supposed to have. He (I think it was a he - it was hard to tell since he had bright pink hair) said "Yeah, and...." and just stared at me. The manager overheard this and disliked the employee's response almost as much as I did. He apologized and gave me a free drink.

I heard this story like second or third hand, but someone ordered a pizza for carry out and when he got it, there was a slice missing. As in one of the employees ATE IT. When the customer pointed it out, the employee simply moved the loose toppings into that empty spot.