Don’t Be Rude – It’s Just Not Classy

By Brian Maynor

 

Shopping can be a bit challenging and frustrating, but taking it out on the sales associates is not going to make things any better. In fact, it could make them worse.

Having worked in retail and restaurants at various stages of my life, I am a huge proponent that everyone should endure a stint in both fields to understand the amount of hard work and resilience it takes to work in the service industry and thereby having proper respect and appreciation for employees whose job is to help you. There is a flip side to this theory however. Having worked on the other side, you know what good service is supposed to be, and have higher expectations.

Regardless of your work history, there are a few habits that are just rude and unnecessary when dealing with retail employees. Here are some of the most common shopping faux pas that are sure to garner you poor service out of spite:

 

1.    Talking on the phone. Chances are you didn’t make it to the store without having the phone attached to your ear, but once you leave your car, you should put your phone away. Answering your phone is a choice. If it’s an emergency by all means leave the store and deal with the situation, but if it’s just a casual conversation, again leave the store and come back in when you’re finished, or opt to call them back. Have some consideration for other shoppers and most of all associates checking you out. Purchases are business transactions and require the decorum of uninterrupted interaction.

2.    Treating sales staff as stalkers. Salespeople are there to offer help and assistance and will greet you when they see you. If you don’t need assistance just tell them, and they will let you browse in peace. Granted there are best practices that salespeople can employ, but if you feel someone is hovering simply tell them, “I’m just browsing and will ask you if I need any assistance.” That usually drives your point home eloquently and efficiently.

3.   Wearing the ‘Customer is Always Right’ Mantle. Contrary to popular belief, the customer is not always right, so don’t expect discounts simply because you ask for one, or repeatedly demand the staff scavenge the backroom for your size. Asking for extra attention or assistance is fine, but the issue comes in when shoppers assume an antagonistic view that the staff is purposely thwarting them or being difficult. Trust me their job is to facilitate successful, happy purchases and they will do everything they can to make that happen. Unfortunately they are not magicians and cannot produce something out of thin air, or provide a discount simply because you feel entitled to one.

4.   Assuming the staff is transitory and therefore incompetent. Part of the derogatory approach to sales staff stems from the view that they are temporarily working there and therefore must be uneducated, lazy or settling because they couldn’t find a ‘better’ job. Not saying there aren’t some of those out there, but if you’re shopping in quality stores chances are you’re dealing with well-educated, passionate people who are informed about their products and sincerely want to help you look and feel your best.

5.   Intentionally hanging things up in the wrong place, or the wrong way. This is just being lazy or spiteful, just like leaving your grocery cart in a parking space instead of pushing it 50 steps to the cart return. The staff may find it annoying, but they are there to keep the space neat and organized, but this behavior is also annoying to other customers.

 

Whether you love to shop or equate it to a root canal when you engage in the process, you need to follow certain standards of respect and appreciation. It’s not all about you. There are staff and fellow shoppers you should consider and moderate your attitude and behavior accordingly. If you can’t or aren’t willing to do that, shop online.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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