Customer facing jobs, what winds you up?

[BigPinkBall]

I just need a bit of a rant

I work in a call centre and part of my job is to ask for customers sort code and account number, and 99 our of 100 people will give me it in that order, but there’s always one who says the account number first without giving me time to move to the box further down the page where that goes, and says the number really fast then gets annoyed when you ask them to repeat it.

Also the people who fail the security questions and say well what have you got for my address/date of birth? It wouldn’t be very secure if I told you, would it?

I was chatting to my hairdresser the other day and she told me about an experience her co hairdresser had. A man came in, had his haircut and he asked her if she did 'extras' ! Errr no fuck off.

I hate the ones who come in, drag stuff out (I sell clothes) leave garments sticking out, or knock them on the floor and leave them there, ignore my verbal greeting and then go on loudly about how shit the stock is. They then give you a triumphant sideways glance as they leave, still saying they think you sell shit. I always give them a cheery smile.

Likewise the ones who come in and complain about the prices. Well, I don't set the prices, so fuck off back to Primark or wherever to buy things cheaper. Or the ones who say we shouldn't try to be like M&S. Oddly enough, we aren't trying to be M&S. Or want bigger sizes - I don't choose the size range, I just work here.

Or the one lady who came in asking if we were doing quilted jackets again this year. We didn't know, so found out for her and when the answer was no, she said 'well, I'm sure if they knew that I want to buy three in these specific colours, they would get some in just for me'. Yeah, because the fact you bought from us once, last year, and never again since is going to convince the company to produce said jackets just for you.

Or the ones who say 'I bought this last week'. No, no you didn't, because I have never seen that before and I have been in this job 5 months. We have a tiny shop and I know everything that is in it and that is not something you bought last week, so no, I am not giving you a refund because it is not faulty, it is just worn out!

I also like the ones who say 'oh what happened to the lady that used to work here?' She left, I say. Then they want to know why and where she works now. I don't know the answer to that, I never met her.

Love the non lapdancing fleece and my signature? I'd also like to know how they decide to give you a token or not!

Wow TroysMammy, have you ever thought you might be in the wrong job?

Not at all but this thread is about what winds you up in a customer facing role so I think I'm justified in adding my gripe.

When appointments can be potentially not filled because no one wants an early appointment is that ok too?

I'm a GP. Fairly frequent conversation as a patient comes in:-

Me - hello, come in, have a seat, what can I do for you?

Patient - I don't know, that's why I've come to see you

Me - OK, well what seems to be the problem?

Patient - I don't know, you're the doctor, you tell me

Argh!!

Also:-
Patient - I've got a painful toe
Me - how long has it been painful?
Patient - a long time
Me - roughly how long?
Patient - it was round the time of Mary's wedding
Me - and when was that?
Patient - it was before we went to Spain
Me - and when was that?
Patient - ooh ages, anyway, it really really hurts

Skiiltan every customer is supposed to receive one token, although I give young children two or three usually as they love putting it in the box. But i offer one to everyone - some people refuse or don't want one. When the pots are empty they should be refilled, when it's busy we can't do that so can't give any out. I like giving out the tokens, but some cashiers don't, and don't give them out (and get told off by management). If You See a pot of tokens and you've not been offered one after you've paid, don't be afraid to ask.

I had someone wanting to pay her account over the phone with a credit card.

No problem at all. Can I start with the name on the card, please.

‘Mrs Cunty McCuntface’

Thank you. And the card number, please.

Beeping noises as if someone is pressing the keys on their phone.

Can I just get your card number, please?

‘I’m entering it into my phone.’

That doesn’t work, I need you tell me the card number

‘Can’t I just enter it with my phone?’

No, you can’t. I can’t tell what numbers you’re pressing.

‘That’s how I do it on an automatic card payment line’

Yes, an automatic card payment line works like that, but if you want me to process the payment for you, you will have to tell me the number on your card

‘I’ll try it again, it might work’

It won’t.

‘Why not?’

Because I am a person, not a computer. Can I just get you credit card number?

‘So you’re telling me I have to say the numbers?’

Yes, you have to say the numbers.

‘1234 1234 1234 1234’

Thank you. And the expiry date?

Silence.

Then beeping noises as if someone is pressing the keys on their phone.

Aaaaarrrrrrggghhhh.

I used to work in the hotel industry, and my pet hate was ‘What’s the Wi-fi code’ I told one customer once to look on the back of they key card. He complained about me for not telling him the code.

I have also had an old man come up to the reception area with just a sausage on a plate shouting at me saying there’s no more breakfast it’s all gone, well it’s 5 minutes past 11 what did you expect?

When I worked in retail many years ago a man said he wanted to buy a furniture item from the shop floor which was marked ‘LAST ONE’ and crossed through in red as SOLD. I pointed out it was the last one and was sold. He shouted about how I should have put sold in it . I apologised and pointed out the word. He then turned to another customer whi agreed it was terrible. The word sold was red and each letter was 8 inches high. I still can’t understand it

The old DPA thing!
So many people tell me ‘Mr X has given me permission to deal with this so you can speak to me’
Ummm nope?

I had someone last week tell me they were old enough to deal with the issue on their mothers behalf, and they were going to put a complaint in against me when I said that didn’t matter because they’re still not the named person on the order 😠

I'm not a raging politico but re the Space Invaders and the touching, I do honestly believe there's a touch of the Trump Effect - the most powerful man on the planet has said it's ok and a joke to touch women without their consent. That message filters down. (I'm in the U.K. but still see it here too). It's not the only reason obv but I've noticed it too recently. Back off asshole!!

I worked in coffee shops back in my yoof just as coffee was taking off as the new social thing. I did some mean latte art at a time when it wasn't an everyday thing. Swans, flowers, angels etc. I actually really enjoyed it and liked seeing my customers smile at the latest hand crafted creation. One day a fairly regular customer came in and proceeded to rant, shout, spittle flying, red faced for several minutes because I had given him a Christmas tree (seasonal) rather than his usual pattern.
I just waited until he ran out of steam and asked him quietly and calmly if he'd like another coffee. He did have the grace to look a little shamefaced especially as the rest of the cafe was like this at his performance.

Putting money on the counter instead of my awaiting hand...... but putting their own hand out to receive change. I plonk it on the counter.

Butting in and asking me a question when I am obviously serving another customer at the till. I pretend I haven't heard them.

'Would you like a carrier bag?' Um.... um..... um... scratches head... um....... asks husband do we need a carrier?... um It's 5p ffs!!!!!

'Shall I pop it into a paper bag? They're free.' See above! Free!!!

How much are your throws? Well... it depends which one seeing as we have (in head.... friggin' 20 designs!!)

Putting items on the counter to start transaction then wandering off to select more while the queue has to wait behind them.

Standing in said queue only to get to the front and THEN start digging in the bottom of their bag for purse as if paying has come as a surprise.

Hiding their items behind the till where it is obvious they aren't seen and standing looking at me waiting to pay. Um.... and what are we buying today I say to force them to deliver the goods to me.

How much is this? 'If you flip it over it will have a sticker.' Oh yes!! And this.....? 'Just look underneath!'

It sound like I HATE my job lol, but I actually love it!

Troysmammy yours is not a reasonable gripe. If a patient wants to stick with a GP surgery even though it is far away or they have moved away, the GPs are to be congratulated for being able to keep such a loyal patient. It is not the patient's job to fill up early appts. They are well within their rights to ask for a later one, without necessarily giving you a reason. If it cannot be accommodated that day, then so be it. But they don't have to take the first available appt. I am not sure why you think it is the patients' role to make your job easier.

I work in a pub and have done for 20 years. Its a job I love but you do get some proper plebs in. I've worked in fancy pubs and some dives but some things never change.
Some customers see you as easy pickings and try it on all the time. You have no escape from them. I have the icy death stare down.
Customer orders huge round, you till it up and they suddenly remember they want a Guinness. Order it first ffs.
Customer you know walks upto bar and you say How are you? And they respond with "Pint of Strongbow".
People who give the exact money and say keep the change. Hilarious.
People who order drinks while I'm collecting glasses/wiping tables. Get to the bar you lazy queue jumping bastards. (I don't include those who struggle physically. I'm more than happy to help those who need it).
People complaining theyve been given a short measure because they're pissed and can no longer taste the alcohol.
Being begged and even threatened with violence for not serving drinks after last orders.
Selective hearing. So many pretend not to hear the last orders bell.
Being asked for cigarettes, my phone charger, my phone and even money on occasion. I'm working a minimum wage job. Sort yourself out you cheap twat.

rose or people who stand at the bar waving a £20 note like that’s going to get them served quicker.

Waitress here.
When someone has a easily resolved problem with their food or drink and tell you in a really aggressive and confrontational way, like they just assume you will argue with them. Erm no I don't expect you to pay for something sub-standard or wrong, of course I will change it for you but there is no need to be rude about it.
When people complain to me about the prices of things or if there has been a menu change and something they like isn't on the menu anymore. I have absolutely no control over these things (I work for a huge chain restaurant) and there is nothing I can do about it.
When people don't read the menu properly and then complain about what they have ordered because it wasn't what they were expecting. I once had a woman order a chicken ceaser salad and then a few minutes after serving it to her her husband started shouting at me that it had anchovies in it and his wife was allergic to fish. It said in the menu that there was anchovies in the salad, don't shout at me!
And yeah just general rudeness and swearing etc. People don't realise that if there is a problem and you are polite about it then we will bend over backwards to fix it and do our best to make sure you enjoy the rest of your meal. But if you are rude then trust me we are going to do the bare minimum to sort it out in the hopes that you won't come back.

Yes Mighty. Also when a customer tells you the person stood beside them is next. They are only next if its their turn.

@SecretNutellaFix I flipping hate the public touching me in my job! Used to get a lot of older men touching (used to work in a small shop), because they were regular they thought it was ok.

My absolute worst was when I was about 7/8 months pregnant and nearly going on mat leave, a regular old man (who I used to avoid like the plague if I could because he would talk for absolutely ages and gets in your personal space) actually reached over the counter when I was serving him and rubbed my belly! I was fuming. The only people I allowed to touch my belly were myself and my husband! Still feel sick to my stomach about it

I do understand what troysmammy is saying. I also make appointments for a living. You can only offer the free appointments that are there. Of course you try to accommodate as much as possible, but there are folk who demand to be seen at eg Wednesday at 3pm and if you don't have that exact slot you are the worst in the world - even if you have offered 10 other times they can be seen that week. It get very frustrating when someone says they need to be seen asap but refuses all your offers, and then shouts at you how disgraceful it is they have to wait until whenever the one they finally accept is.

But that’s not what troysmammy was saying. She was angry that people don’t accept the first time she offered. It wasn’t people asking for a specific time, just a bit later on.

Mightmucks welcome to MN.
Did I say I refused them? Did I let them know I was "angry"? No.

Why decide to pick me up on my gripe when there are many more posters who have posted about their gripes? Is it because of the job I do?

The staff in my local Tesco are great. Every time ds4 is with me he asks nicely if he can have a blue coin and they give him a handful. You'd think he had won the lottery, he bloody loves it.

Forced to work Christmas for a few years in the UK (don't miss it where we are now!) as was Dh (me, waitress, him, chef).
almost every customer would say one of the following.
"Wow, can't believe you're open on Christmas. I'd rather be at home than at work!"
"Don't you have family to be with"
"I don't like that all these places are open on Christmas now". Erm, if you weren't willing to come in it wouldn't be feasible to open, therefore I'm literally here because of the customers.
And slightly unreasonably "I'd hate to work Christmas, bet you're taking triple time!" Er, no. I don't get paid anymore. I never told them though, just smile and no response (not v professional to answer Imo)
I know it's not a customers fault I was always strongarmed into doing christmas* but at least have the good grace to not rub it in anyone's face and just say "merry Christmas" for fucks sake.

*i didn't have to work Christmas, just at least 3 special occasions a year. Includes valentines, Boxing Day, New Years and NYE, Easter, Halloween and bonfire night. But most of the above I'd be strong armed into doing by management because "so and so has kids/a baby/3 dogs and some chickens" which gets annoying after the first 3 years of working everything barring maybe the occasional bonfire night...