Surviving Holiday Shopping
Tips for proper etiquette when you have to talk to people.
Run! Get out while you still can. Pack those bags and book a trip to the Bermuda Triangle until mid-January at least!
Ideally, that’s what I would do, but since it is highly unrealistic for most people to drop everything and hibernate for the holiday season, here are a few gentle reminders for while you are out and about preparing for the upcoming festivities.
For the customer:
1. Everyone is not out to get you.
The poor cashier at the local big box store is not out to ruin your day by hoarding the last super awesome toy of the season that your kid simply can’t live without. The bigger the hype, the faster they go. In this case, the saying is true: “The early bird gets the worm.” So, cool those jets momma, and plan with an alternative because they can’t give you what they don’t have.
2. It is not the employees’ fault.
The employee is not to blame for your lack of planning. If you procrastinated and waited until the last minute to find that special gift for that dreadful relative no one likes? Get them a fruit cake. It’s easily one of the most hated gifts to be on the receiving end of at Christmas. I think they’ll get the picture.
3. Don’t forget your manners.
Yes, I said it. We all have been taught to be respectful of others since we were young, and just because it is busy, does not give you the green light to be rude to those around you. Please understand that you chose to shop during this crazy time, so acting like a toddler on a power trip is a no. Use please and thank you and wait your turn.
For the employee:
1. Treat the customer how you would like to be treated.
Yes, it is busy, and you are doing the best you can to help everyone in a timely and efficient manner. Karen just lost her shit because the store is out of the canned ham she wanted. Christmas is ruined and somehow, it’s your fault. Keep your chin up and smile, you’re doing great. Maybe offer to show her where that fruitcake is…
2. Be sympathetic and actively listen to what the customer is saying.
I know your ears are probably bleeding from listening to the same Christmas songs on repeat since Halloween, but now is not the time to daydream of destroying the pa system with a baseball bat. Get back in there and be the help your customer needs. You can’t help if you don’t know what the problem is.
3. Keep your cool, remain calm, and rely on your training.
Easier said than done especially if the customer is swearing non-stop in your ear. You must resist that urge to reply in anger. It accomplishes nothing but an even angrier customer, lost time, and could cost your job. You don’t have to stand there and take it either though. Walk away if you need to, but try to find a middle ground that allows for both parties to be satisfied.
At the end of the day, regardless of which side of the register you are on, let’s try to remember we all put our pants on the same way. One leg at a time. Unless you get off on truly being not nice to people, be like Elsa and let it go. Focus on what truly matters, family, love, kindness, and fruitcake.
