an annoyed writer said:
When I worked in retail I always got bitched at for not doing that fake-ass smile that's "scientifically proven to make you happier and healthier!" even though I had a pretty damn good track record for helping customers whenever they wanted it. My managers seemed to think that every customer was this extreme introvert that needed to be reached out to, even though most people are are content to go about their business and ask for help when they need it. I mean for fuck's sake, I already lie about a shit ton of stuff, the least you could do is not make me lie about my feelings that day. And I'll tell you that when you're forced to listen to the same bunch of trendy "easy listening" songs day in, day out, you're not going to be happy.
This fucking infuriates me because youre right except for like 5% of the time.
And that fucking 5%... screw those people.
I usually just wander around cleaning and dusting the shoe shop, and wait for someone to either try something on or grab my attention before i talk. And when my manager has a go at me about it i point out many are happy with this system. But, inevitably, a customer will come in with a friend. He will go to the nearest product care item we sell. He will look confused. He will ask his friend what it does. Im standing a mere meter away and he will ignore me utterly in favor of being super confused about what the item does. This alone is alright. But then my manager, being ALWAYS present and within eyesight in our small shoe shop will glare at me. And i have to go over.
"Hi, you guys need any help there?"
"Nope we are fine thanks"
So i wander off. Immediately I hear them say their problem again in sad tone, as if they want to be helped, the problem solved DIRECTLY by what is in their hands. They continue to puzzle over what they are holding does and almost wander off before i catch them and say "You know X does actually solve the problem i couldnt help but over hear you talking about" at which point "Oh yeah we should get this then". Some people seem so nervous or shy or stupid that i NEED to thrust my knowledge in their face to get them to ask me basic questions like "What does this do". So my manager will constantly quote these situations to force me to harass normal regular people.
Some people too will stare at shoes VERY nonchalontly and apathetically for a LONG period of time, making no motion to me or the shoe or anything. Just standing and staring. The MOMENT i ask "Need anything there sir?" suddenly they are ultra enthusiastic and ask for like 20 pairs of shoes and product care and advice and such and have very specific problems they NEEDED me to help.
It angers me because i HATE harassing people I can SEE dont need my help. But the fact like 5% of people are unable to do anything without me forcing myself apon them makes it totally necessary. I have a forced sales target. I cant afford to let them walk away without being CERTAIN they dont need anything or else i might not sell enough or be yelled at. I hate it and its awkward but these damn people make it weird for 95% of everyone else.
