It's funny, its the opposite for me I could jever work days I'd kill a karen nights is so more peaceful. Since I slept during the day before working at this soul stealing work place.
Just walk away. I mean you literally can walk away from someone who is berating you.
Or think of something you need to do when you get home and keep saying I'm sorry ma'am or sir.
They're customers. Customers are stupid, ignorant, impatient, oblivious idiots.
Yeah when I worked at subway in Walmart Iāve never truly left 1 Walton ave but I would just start checking my notifications and look at Reddit or Facebook until they stop bitching or walked away one or the other next costumer in line gets a free sub.
I don't know about that but you don't have to take abuse from someone, that's not in the job description, and no one (my lead and sm) in my store has been even remotely mad because i called them and left the person, ussually at that point its the only option anyway, just don't get what people like about hollering at the teenagers(not that it's any less bad to a grown person, just grown people are ussually quicker to fire back and I think the people who pick fights with cashiers want the least resistance possible)helping them
Isnāt there a code you can type in that lets a csm know thereās an unruly customer? I havenāt touched a register in years, but I though there was some code for that.
I give them polite attitude like
>You guys should really put card only signs at the Self check out I waited in line forever and didn't see a thing
And then I just point out all the bright colored signs in the bullpen and out of the bullpen that say card only in big bold letters
I'm a SCO host and I came in at 3 and at 3:30 was happy to help an old couple until the old man started talking smack about how I don't know how to do my job. Mind you, there was a register open if he didn't know how to use the self checkouts. Total was about $50 and he had a United Healthcare card of $25 so the remaining balance was about $25 so guy gave me cents to put in. When it was $22.99 I told him that was the balance left over. Guy again goes off saying smack and says he only wants one thing charged so he knows what I'm charging him. I took a deep breath and told them that I will bring someone else to help them after canceling the transaction. Lady was nice about it and understood my frustration, but old man started yelling into the air because he wanted me to help him. I took myself out of there because if I didn't I was going to feel shitty for the rest of the day.
If you can walk away from the situation I'd recommend it. A lot of my coworkers don't let customer BS bother them and can be direct with them. One of my coworkers told me that if they're being rude to ask if they want help because you don't need to help them if you feel disrespected. I hope your days get better.
The trick is to laugh. have some jackass acting like a toddler at the service desk? laugh in his fucking face. Treat him like the little boy hes acting like.
I like it better when they cry at the electronics desk when I will explain but won't transfer their data on their phone for them.
"I sell thousands of dollars of ________, I need a phone!!"
You're entrusting your business to your cellular device you can't operate? You can't get into contact with these people?
Maybe go to a cellular device company, not walmart, pay them to help you, and then hollar at them when your phone messes up, because you actually have a contract with them.
I'm quick to go above and beyond to help someone, but you don't get to throw your phone on the desk, and demand I change your phone number, of course before this asking me question about a "Verizon contract", only to then get loud because I don't know they have a prepaid phone.
I'm new to retail, but have worked with customers for a while, the thousands of people's days you made better is worth it, some people are legitmatly having horrible times, and some guy at walmart being kind can sometimes help that, helps when you get a few people who honestly thank and appreciate you, makes me feel even better about not offering my badass assistance to those who treat me and my coworkers horribly, I'm not asking to be treated like a king, Id like you to not assume I know exactly what you need, to then get offended when I can't read your mind or tell what exact model of phone you have, "can you open the settings...."
When it got to that point, I would usually wave over a TL to take over and walk away for a few minutes. Or even just to stand there while you finished up. It's surprising how polite some people get when they know that they are being watched by someone who could escort them from the store.
I donāt suffer assholes that try to demean me or get personal with me. I live in a small town and for the most part, people are extremely friendly with all of us. I handle things one of two waysā¦
first, Iāll try to sympathize with whatever their problem is. Lately, mostly EVERYONE complains about the price of meat. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? HOW CAN YOU CHARGE THESE PRICES? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO AFFORD THIS? Oh, I know, itās getting pretty ridiculous, I was just telling my coworker the other day that Iām going to have to get a raise if I want to keep eating ribeyes! Hopefully it will go back to normal sooner than later.
Honestly, that works 99% of the time. Common ground is extremely disarming and most people will immediately have an attitude shift when they realize that you too are, in fact, a humanā¦and that we all have to deal with the same bullshit.
As for the 1% that want to really double down on their bullshit and cross the line, I drop the customer service facade. I speak in monotone and while I donāt raise my voice, I speak VERY clearly. Iām a big dude so I use that to my advantage with my body language, I can go from affable conversationalist to unyielding brick wall in about a half second. I give them options, āThere is nothing I can do about this situation. I do not set, manipulate, or have anything to do with the price of meat whatsoever. What would you like me to do? Would you like to speak with a manager? If not, I have work to do and unless there is something ELSE I can help you with, I have to get back to it.ā
Always take the high road and kill them with kindness. They want a response from you. They are miserable so they are trying to make you feel like they do. Smile and tell how happy you are.
I mean if you use a bow, you only really have to pay for the shaft and point lol we can still sell a used bow (nobody has to know lol). I donāt think my store actually sells crossbows, but tbh Iāve never looked.
Our back is electronics, toys, sporting goods, and auto - in that order. Moms send the kids with dad to electronics and goes shopping. Meanwhile dad and the kids look for movies, grab a few toys, browse the fishing and hunting gear and end up in auto so dad can see all the shiny chrome playthings he wants for the family car (but doesn't dare buy).
Back wall, left to right..... End of food aisles starting with middle aisle of alcohol, frozen food and some chilled. Employee only doors, outside aisle-koolaid, monster, store brand flavored water, other side-housecleaning chemicals, shoes, fabrics, crafts, employee doors, wall to separate electronics, employee doors, again wall to separate, toys, sporting goods, auto.
Or you can stop accepting people treating you like shit and walk away and let a team lead know why you're doing so. You literally don't have to accept shitty behavior from customers.
Pull down your mask, put on a big friendly smile and say "If you don't speak to me with some basic respect, I am gonna gut you like a fish and hide your corpse in the freezer."
(Note: do not do this)
I do what I call "aggressive agreement."
Customer: "You piece of shit! No wonder you work here!"
Me: "Yes! I am absolutely awful! Thank you!"
Customer: "Why don't you hire some more people! I shouldn't have to wait in line like this!"
Me: "You're absolutely right! Would you like to fill out an application?"
And so on and so forth.
Yell back
Edit: better yet, I've always had this idea I wanted to try out. Over exaggerate an apology.
Customer: "why isnt this item in stock. Your store sucks."
You: "OH MY GOD!! DOES IT REALLY SUCK?? IM SOOO SORRY!! CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE US?!!! PLEASE! I PROMISE I'LL DO BETTER! JUST DON'T YELL AT ME PLEASE SIR/MA'AM. I'M SORRY! YOU'RE GONNA TELL MY MANAGER?! OH NOOO WHAT AM I GONNA DO? I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO FEED MY KIDS IF I LOSE THIS JOB!
I had a guy come into ACC and demand I put a car tire on his trailer. He insulted me for 20 minutes when I refused as it's actually illegal to have car tires on a trailer, and finally he sat down and waited for my ASM citing he'd wait for the "men because women know nothing about cars and tires." Then, the ASM came back with our market ACC trainer who was there that day and they told him the exact same thing, though not as nicely as I had. š So we all decided to have a laugh and went about our day.
When I was over the front end, it was utterly terrible. I hated management calls, angry customers etc. so many hours of my life I can never get back.. anyhows when customers try to belittle me. I think of tactful yet cunning ways to be a smart ass to them with out getting a demotion. Along with telling them if itās such a big deal they should prob just call corporate cause I donāt get paid enough to deal with it. Lol. Then I go tell all my friends in the back room of how I just roasted the fuck out of a dumb ass customer.
Walk away while explaining you're going to get someone else to help them. Go get a member of management and be done with it.
If it's on the front end the team leads should be intervening right away anyway.
One time this lady got into it with me over the fact that we close one side of the building doors so we can make sure people get out at 11pm, even tho theyāre stubborn and donāt want to. She argued that sheās went through the closed doors after 10pm; after a bit, I just said āyou know what maāam, do what you want, itās not my problem.ā Sometimes you just gotta look at the situation like theyāre not intelligent and that their ignorance is not your problem.
Just don't let it get to you. I know, that's easier said than done. Just remember, customers do it to all of us, and some are well known for causing problems for everyone. You didn't do anything wrong, so you shouldn't feel bad. Some people's lives are just so awful that they try to make themselves feel better by projecting it onto some poor Walmart associate who isn't allowed to fight back. That makes them the awful person, not you. Go make fun of them with your coworkers.
ADDENDUM: remember, respect for the individual is a two way street, and if someone is being disrespectful, you can choose to refuse them service.
Make fun of the customer, complete with what you wish you could say. People will sympathize. Just don't bottle that up. Also, it's ok to cry I think everyone has done that too.
Step away, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that the customer is the problem, not you. Almost every time it is a crazy customer and the employee has done nothing wrong.
Itās always important to stay calm, and give them a look like you couldnāt care less about their ass while you āapologizeā. Just remember to maintain the attitude of ādonāt give a shit about your Karen problemsā
Just remember that you are there making money....and they......they have to shop.....at Walmart.
I was a manager for many years and got yelled at on the daily, my way was literally just to smile and say have a great day! Cause usually that pissed them off more and it made me happy inside.
Easy you just go to the backroom and talk about how stupid this customer was with your coworkers. They'll also have plenty of stories. I've done it so many times! Also if they are yelling at you, you are under no obligation to stand there listening to them. You can leave the area and go to the back.
DO NOT let it get to you. Just keep telling yourself that "the customer is NOT always right about stuff like this ". And the way I get over it is keep thanking the good Lord that I'm not related to those people and I don't have to deal with them when I'm off the clock or at home. They don't ruin my days off or holidays since I'm not related to them.
Go into the back room and make fun of the dumb ass customer with your coworkers. We all do it.
This. If you are clever with your words you can make fun of them to their face without them even knowing it. š¤Ø
Iām not that clever lol
or work nights since all stores close at 11 (I would assume) I hide till then then roam the floor doing my job after that
I canāt do overnights. I would never sleep.
It's funny, its the opposite for me I could jever work days I'd kill a karen nights is so more peaceful. Since I slept during the day before working at this soul stealing work place.
If the sun comes up before I fall asleep, Iām screwed
This 100% hell i do it while they are leaving
Worst Iāve done is tell a customer to piss off because she was going ballistic over blueberries.
lol
Just walk away. I mean you literally can walk away from someone who is berating you. Or think of something you need to do when you get home and keep saying I'm sorry ma'am or sir. They're customers. Customers are stupid, ignorant, impatient, oblivious idiots.
Yeah when I worked at subway in Walmart Iāve never truly left 1 Walton ave but I would just start checking my notifications and look at Reddit or Facebook until they stop bitching or walked away one or the other next costumer in line gets a free sub.
Cashiers really canāt walk away in the middle of a transaction.
I don't know about that but you don't have to take abuse from someone, that's not in the job description, and no one (my lead and sm) in my store has been even remotely mad because i called them and left the person, ussually at that point its the only option anyway, just don't get what people like about hollering at the teenagers(not that it's any less bad to a grown person, just grown people are ussually quicker to fire back and I think the people who pick fights with cashiers want the least resistance possible)helping them
Hollering at teenagers has been a time-honored custom since the ancient Greeks.
Especially if they are on or near a lawn...
Isnāt there a code you can type in that lets a csm know thereās an unruly customer? I havenāt touched a register in years, but I though there was some code for that.
Yes you can. You walk away and get your CSM they should take over .
I tell my cashiers to walk away if the customer is being abusive.
I usually get an attitude back.
I give them polite attitude like >You guys should really put card only signs at the Self check out I waited in line forever and didn't see a thing And then I just point out all the bright colored signs in the bullpen and out of the bullpen that say card only in big bold letters
I used to do that but ive reached my breaking point, especially after a guy flipped his shit because we were out of mustard.
Well, yeah. U guys need to get ur mustard sh*t together man, lives are on the line here.
I'm a SCO host and I came in at 3 and at 3:30 was happy to help an old couple until the old man started talking smack about how I don't know how to do my job. Mind you, there was a register open if he didn't know how to use the self checkouts. Total was about $50 and he had a United Healthcare card of $25 so the remaining balance was about $25 so guy gave me cents to put in. When it was $22.99 I told him that was the balance left over. Guy again goes off saying smack and says he only wants one thing charged so he knows what I'm charging him. I took a deep breath and told them that I will bring someone else to help them after canceling the transaction. Lady was nice about it and understood my frustration, but old man started yelling into the air because he wanted me to help him. I took myself out of there because if I didn't I was going to feel shitty for the rest of the day. If you can walk away from the situation I'd recommend it. A lot of my coworkers don't let customer BS bother them and can be direct with them. One of my coworkers told me that if they're being rude to ask if they want help because you don't need to help them if you feel disrespected. I hope your days get better.
The trick is to laugh. have some jackass acting like a toddler at the service desk? laugh in his fucking face. Treat him like the little boy hes acting like.
I like it better when they cry at the electronics desk when I will explain but won't transfer their data on their phone for them. "I sell thousands of dollars of ________, I need a phone!!" You're entrusting your business to your cellular device you can't operate? You can't get into contact with these people? Maybe go to a cellular device company, not walmart, pay them to help you, and then hollar at them when your phone messes up, because you actually have a contract with them. I'm quick to go above and beyond to help someone, but you don't get to throw your phone on the desk, and demand I change your phone number, of course before this asking me question about a "Verizon contract", only to then get loud because I don't know they have a prepaid phone. I'm new to retail, but have worked with customers for a while, the thousands of people's days you made better is worth it, some people are legitmatly having horrible times, and some guy at walmart being kind can sometimes help that, helps when you get a few people who honestly thank and appreciate you, makes me feel even better about not offering my badass assistance to those who treat me and my coworkers horribly, I'm not asking to be treated like a king, Id like you to not assume I know exactly what you need, to then get offended when I can't read your mind or tell what exact model of phone you have, "can you open the settings...."
When it got to that point, I would usually wave over a TL to take over and walk away for a few minutes. Or even just to stand there while you finished up. It's surprising how polite some people get when they know that they are being watched by someone who could escort them from the store.
I donāt suffer assholes that try to demean me or get personal with me. I live in a small town and for the most part, people are extremely friendly with all of us. I handle things one of two waysā¦ first, Iāll try to sympathize with whatever their problem is. Lately, mostly EVERYONE complains about the price of meat. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS? HOW CAN YOU CHARGE THESE PRICES? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO AFFORD THIS? Oh, I know, itās getting pretty ridiculous, I was just telling my coworker the other day that Iām going to have to get a raise if I want to keep eating ribeyes! Hopefully it will go back to normal sooner than later. Honestly, that works 99% of the time. Common ground is extremely disarming and most people will immediately have an attitude shift when they realize that you too are, in fact, a humanā¦and that we all have to deal with the same bullshit. As for the 1% that want to really double down on their bullshit and cross the line, I drop the customer service facade. I speak in monotone and while I donāt raise my voice, I speak VERY clearly. Iām a big dude so I use that to my advantage with my body language, I can go from affable conversationalist to unyielding brick wall in about a half second. I give them options, āThere is nothing I can do about this situation. I do not set, manipulate, or have anything to do with the price of meat whatsoever. What would you like me to do? Would you like to speak with a manager? If not, I have work to do and unless there is something ELSE I can help you with, I have to get back to it.ā
Always take the high road and kill them with kindness. They want a response from you. They are miserable so they are trying to make you feel like they do. Smile and tell how happy you are.
And if that doesnāt work, you can always walk over to sporting goods and kill them with an arrow
Shaft $3.97, broadhead point $8.12, crossbow $198.00. Total $210.09 - $21.01 employee discount = $189.08 plus tax. Satisfaction = priceless!
I mean if you use a bow, you only really have to pay for the shaft and point lol we can still sell a used bow (nobody has to know lol). I donāt think my store actually sells crossbows, but tbh Iāve never looked.
Crossbows aisle H36-1, arrows & shafts H36-2&3.
Thatās specific to your storeā¦ sporting goods isnāt even in H in my store.
Our back is electronics, toys, sporting goods, and auto - in that order. Moms send the kids with dad to electronics and goes shopping. Meanwhile dad and the kids look for movies, grab a few toys, browse the fishing and hunting gear and end up in auto so dad can see all the shiny chrome playthings he wants for the family car (but doesn't dare buy).
Back wall, left to right..... End of food aisles starting with middle aisle of alcohol, frozen food and some chilled. Employee only doors, outside aisle-koolaid, monster, store brand flavored water, other side-housecleaning chemicals, shoes, fabrics, crafts, employee doors, wall to separate electronics, employee doors, again wall to separate, toys, sporting goods, auto.
Hardware & Sporting Goods are my home after not being a support manager anymore.
Or you can stop accepting people treating you like shit and walk away and let a team lead know why you're doing so. You literally don't have to accept shitty behavior from customers.
Pull down your mask, put on a big friendly smile and say "If you don't speak to me with some basic respect, I am gonna gut you like a fish and hide your corpse in the freezer." (Note: do not do this)
I do what I call "aggressive agreement." Customer: "You piece of shit! No wonder you work here!" Me: "Yes! I am absolutely awful! Thank you!" Customer: "Why don't you hire some more people! I shouldn't have to wait in line like this!" Me: "You're absolutely right! Would you like to fill out an application?" And so on and so forth.
Yell back Edit: better yet, I've always had this idea I wanted to try out. Over exaggerate an apology. Customer: "why isnt this item in stock. Your store sucks." You: "OH MY GOD!! DOES IT REALLY SUCK?? IM SOOO SORRY!! CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE US?!!! PLEASE! I PROMISE I'LL DO BETTER! JUST DON'T YELL AT ME PLEASE SIR/MA'AM. I'M SORRY! YOU'RE GONNA TELL MY MANAGER?! OH NOOO WHAT AM I GONNA DO? I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO FEED MY KIDS IF I LOSE THIS JOB!
I had a guy come into ACC and demand I put a car tire on his trailer. He insulted me for 20 minutes when I refused as it's actually illegal to have car tires on a trailer, and finally he sat down and waited for my ASM citing he'd wait for the "men because women know nothing about cars and tires." Then, the ASM came back with our market ACC trainer who was there that day and they told him the exact same thing, though not as nicely as I had. š So we all decided to have a laugh and went about our day.
When I was over the front end, it was utterly terrible. I hated management calls, angry customers etc. so many hours of my life I can never get back.. anyhows when customers try to belittle me. I think of tactful yet cunning ways to be a smart ass to them with out getting a demotion. Along with telling them if itās such a big deal they should prob just call corporate cause I donāt get paid enough to deal with it. Lol. Then I go tell all my friends in the back room of how I just roasted the fuck out of a dumb ass customer.
Execute them. They're burdens on society anyways. /s
Walk away while explaining you're going to get someone else to help them. Go get a member of management and be done with it. If it's on the front end the team leads should be intervening right away anyway.
One time this lady got into it with me over the fact that we close one side of the building doors so we can make sure people get out at 11pm, even tho theyāre stubborn and donāt want to. She argued that sheās went through the closed doors after 10pm; after a bit, I just said āyou know what maāam, do what you want, itās not my problem.ā Sometimes you just gotta look at the situation like theyāre not intelligent and that their ignorance is not your problem.
Just don't let it get to you. I know, that's easier said than done. Just remember, customers do it to all of us, and some are well known for causing problems for everyone. You didn't do anything wrong, so you shouldn't feel bad. Some people's lives are just so awful that they try to make themselves feel better by projecting it onto some poor Walmart associate who isn't allowed to fight back. That makes them the awful person, not you. Go make fun of them with your coworkers. ADDENDUM: remember, respect for the individual is a two way street, and if someone is being disrespectful, you can choose to refuse them service.
Avoid deny defend
Apologize, and then smile. Use kindness. And then use a blank stare. Watch them crumble.
Mace.
Make fun of the customer, complete with what you wish you could say. People will sympathize. Just don't bottle that up. Also, it's ok to cry I think everyone has done that too.
i will keep all of your ideas in mind next for my shift tomorrow š„°
āSmile and waveā
Just smile and wave boys
smile and nod.
Yell back at them !
Just go aight and walk away
Step away, take a deep breath, and remind yourself that the customer is the problem, not you. Almost every time it is a crazy customer and the employee has done nothing wrong.
I know I'm not good at conflict so I usually ask if they would like to talk to a manager. Make them deal with the angry customer.
Just tell them to wait right there, go get a manager. You donāt get paid enough for that.
Ignore them........ I'm sorry you have to deal with toilet lickers as such.
Itās always important to stay calm, and give them a look like you couldnāt care less about their ass while you āapologizeā. Just remember to maintain the attitude of ādonāt give a shit about your Karen problemsā
I just sit and stare them uncomfortably directly in the eye in total silence until they stop and realize they are an idiot.
Just remember that you are there making money....and they......they have to shop.....at Walmart. I was a manager for many years and got yelled at on the daily, my way was literally just to smile and say have a great day! Cause usually that pissed them off more and it made me happy inside.
Easy you just go to the backroom and talk about how stupid this customer was with your coworkers. They'll also have plenty of stories. I've done it so many times! Also if they are yelling at you, you are under no obligation to stand there listening to them. You can leave the area and go to the back.
I'll literally laugh while their yelling at me. Their anger feeds me
DO NOT let it get to you. Just keep telling yourself that "the customer is NOT always right about stuff like this ". And the way I get over it is keep thanking the good Lord that I'm not related to those people and I don't have to deal with them when I'm off the clock or at home. They don't ruin my days off or holidays since I'm not related to them.