Okay, so I've noticed a few web-articles dealing expressly with how people are annoyed by retail and customer service employees. I really think it's unfair that no one else discusses the other side of the issue, which is how many consumers annoy the hell out of those who work in the service and retail industries. So, in an attempt to even out the scale, here goes my rant.

1. Mean customers SUCK! Honestly, if you treat everyone the way you've just treated me, then I'm amazed someone hasn't hauled off and KO'ed you yet. You play nice, and I'll play nice. It's that simple.

2. Don't act like I'm beneath you, and assume I'm stupid. You don't know my story, don't know why I'm working at a retail/service job. If you want to act like you're better than me/ more educated/ higher class, etc... then don't expect to be dazzled by my level of service. Again, courtesy and respect are two way streets.

3. Yelling at me gets you NOWHERE, fast! To be honest, it may delay whatever I'm doing for you. Make me mad, I work slower, take up more of your time, charge you for every little thing you're getting done.... There are ways in which we, the CSA's of the world exact our revenge (but only on the idiots who deserve it).

4. NEVER, ever tell me how to do my job! I'm the one who has trained for several years to be able to provide you with the BEST service I can provide. Unless you think you can do my job better, then I suggest you keep your mouth shut and respect my judgement. Also falling under this category is automatically assuming that a Male CSA, even if they're not in my department, knows more about my job than I do. WRONG! I'm specialized, and highly intelligent. Trust me to know how to fulfill the requirements of your order. Obviously if I didn't know what I was doing, I wouldn't be working in that department!

5. Please, don't make absurd or outlandish requests that you know would be impossible, such as discounts on merchandise and services just because you don't want to pay full price. I can understand if you're buying huge amounts of one product, or if you're requesting a donation for a non-profit organization, but keep in mind, companies do have a bottom line to meet too. Asking for a huge discount on every item you buy is stupid on your part... this just makes us angry because you don't value our products and services, and makes you look cheap.

These are just a few of the annoyances I've encountered during my 10+ years of working as a Customer Service/Sales Associate. Treat me how you want to be treated is all I ask. Value me, because I value you. Without your patronage, my job wouldn't exist. If I or anyone else from my team has done something that totally rocks your socks, then let our manager(s) know.... climb the highest mountain and yell it for all to hear! It's nice to hear good things from our customers!

That said, if you're courteous to an associate and they're just downright apathetic or rude, then yes, by all means, also let their manager know. Obviously they need an attitude adjustment, sometimes in the form of a pink slip. If the manager doesn't do anything, there are avenues such as the Head Office that will do something about it. Believe me, in a competitive market, every company needs to do whatever it can (within reason) to retain you, the customer. If they're not willing, they obviously don't deserve your business.

Okay, that's all I have for now... I'm sure something else will come to mind later.