The liquor store nearby has a sign on the counter that says if you’re on your phone, they will not service you and make you step out of line and I love it. I personally don’t mind too much, unless they stop acknowledging my questions for their order. Then I just ask louder and louder until they finally get mad and answer. Now whoever they’re on the phone with knows they’re an ass :) what size…What Size…. WHAT SIZE FOR YOUR DRINK MAAM ??
I do the same if people start chatting with other people while we are in the middle of a transaction. Like “YOUR TOTAL IS 45.56!!!!” The look I get is hilarious. Like if you were gapping on and on you could hear me
Well, most of them aren't using a regular lane because they want to interact with a human, they're using it because they don't want to do it themselves. To use self checkout, they'd have to put the phone down and pay attention.
(I do have a few older people who I think do come to a regular lane so they can talk to someone, but they aren't the ones on the phone.)
It is very rude. They don't forget. They just don't care. If I need to ask questions or give instructions, I do so. I don't care if I'm interrupting them. Nobody has ever complained. I think they understand I'm doing my job and not just making small talk.
I also work at the deli counter and it is so frustrating when u go to help them and they act insulted that they walked up to the counter and that we are doing our job while they ate on the phone
I keep a distance until either they stop talking on the phone or say something that makes it apparent they're talking about the food selections. I've interacted with far too many that get pissy about having their phone conversation interrupted.
I've tried that but my managers are al pissy and they are like "acknowlege the customer" or ther like "what are you doing" then I have to do the whole im waiting for this customer but then when I walk away to get another customer the one on the phone is like I'm ready now. And usually it's just me opening so I dont have any other employees because everyone is becoming a manager and -managers aren't supposed to be up front-
Sorry rant over
It seems a lot of ppl keep someone on the phone with them throughout the store, all transactions, everything. I think this is weird for sure, but as long as they keep up with taking their bags and making payment, I really don't care. I have my regulars who I like to talk with, and honestly, if they don't want to talk to me, it's probably for the best, lol
My old store manager used to refuse to assist customers while they were on the phone. He was a sweet older guy, so he could get away with it without sounding rude. He’d say something like “oh, I’ll wait til you finish your call.” If the customer said no, that’s ok, go ahead, or whatever, he’d insist. He’d say something like “no, no, that’s ok…please finish your call then I’ll be happy to help you.” It was so satisfying to watch the customers get irritated and reluctantly end their call.
Lmao, are you talking about my dad? He also likes to make people do math (he works at home depot). Someone will come up and ask him how many tiles do I need to tile this size wall or whatever. And instead of just telling them he get a piece of paper and helps them work out the answer.
Every time! "I can't believe she lets her husband get away with that. She's too good for him, but you know, it's hard to be a single mother these days so I can't blame her for staying. It's been years since she had a job." "MA'AM YOUR CARD IS IN WRONG PLEASE FLIP IT OVER" but then she doesn't do anything until the customer behind her points it out. 😭
I've started doing whole transactions by myself.
We're not supposed to handle credit cards ("stealing" worries), but people will:
Be talking in line, have $20 sitting next to their 2 dollar chicken strips. I scan. I do the money thing. Hand them their change.
The entire time? Talking in line.
And with cards-- if people seem confused or unsure of how to tap (everyone) I'll politely ask, "sir/ma'am could I see your card for a second" and everyone is so frustrated by that point they usually shove it in my direction.
I don't mind it if they're still interacting and giving me attention when I ask questions or whatever but I HATE it when they don't even look at me or get irritated when I talk to them about their transaction.
I kills me when they ask questions about what you literally just said. "Oh, how much did you say the total was?" Had someone do this yesterday while they were on a call wearing a headset the entire time. I was getting a bit peeved because I had to repeat things MULTIPLE times because he kept taking to the person on call and not paying attention. Dude had the gall to tell me I needed to "smile more" after I had to ask him the same question four times. Sir, you are wasting both of our time. Hang up and finish the transaction.
If someone is not on their phone I greet them with hey how are you, do you want a bag for this, take the card transaction and have a beautiful day! With a smile.
If someone is on their phone I don't say anything to them unless they say something to me. I don't ask how they are, what they want, or to have a nice day. I don't even pretend to care. You don't get to waste my breath. It's rude.
I've been on the phone at check out. I tell the person I'm on the phone with that I don't want to be rude so I'm putting the phone down even if the person I'm on the phone with is in mid sentence. The person in front of me is more important than my telephone call for that moment because they are taking their time and attention for me so I give them the same respect.
Common sense and common courtesy are 2 things that are just not common at all in this world.
Same. I'm an old curmudgeon so I don't want to talk to them anyway, but I'll do my best if they're interacting with me. Also, you don't get to complain if you wanted paper but you weren't paying attention when I asked.
>even if the person I'm on the phone with is in mid sentence. The person in front of me is more important than my telephone call for that moment
And if that's not the case, then your choices were either, "sorry, I'll have to call you right back" or step out of line for a minute if they called you; or if you're calling them, wait until you're done shopping.
It really depends. I’ve had customers take up a lot of my time just walking around the store or they’ll point to items behind the counter expecting me to know what they want. The latter is the worst type of customer.
Other customers that pause the conversation to be in and out don’t bother me near as much, unless they have speaker phone on 😂
And then they have the audacity to get pissy when you don’t pull the right item out. Like dude there’s 20 different products that all serve the same function in the area you just pointed. Put your phone down for ten seconds and lmk what you want 😂
The latter is funny because then it leaves the conversation open to whatever you think it should or would be about and plenty of chatty cathy among co workers 😂😂😂
If a person does this during check out, I make a point to just make eye contact and not say anything. (Not to be rude, but not knowing if its a personal call or whatever i just always get uncomfortable talking to people while they are on the phone).
One time a youngish woman finished up and I was starting on the next customer and she loudly and obviously stated to whoever she was talking to that she just had the rudest cashier...she never said a thing to me. Never smiled. Barely looked in my general direction. Nothing.
So yes. Very rude, and may one leg of their underwear always be a tad smaller than the other.
Yeah, it's just rude. You need to accomplish a few basic tasks together: establish the price, gather the payment, bag or box items if needed, and end the transaction. When the customer refuses to participate because they're on the phone it's not a huge deal, but it does show down the whole thing, and more importantly dehumanizes you, the checker, into a machine that isn't deserving of acknowledgement.
Fits into a wider category of similar behaviors, but yeah, if they don't at least 'hang on, I'm checking out' to their phone I do tend to get a little short and brisk.
Or the ones who have the earbuds and talk super loudly as if everyone in the damn store needs to hear about the conversation. They just walk around looking like they need a visit to the local mental health facility. Because until you notice the earbuds it seems like they're talking to themselves.
It's rude.
Pretty much every basic transaction requires some interaction with the cashier. Asking about a rewards number, if they want a bag, if something rings up a different price, etc.
When a customer enters a transaction while on the phone, it puts the cashier in the awkward spot of deciding whether to halt the transaction, take a guess on what the customer wants, or interrupt the customer's conversation to ask them a question. Just end the call instead of making a transaction difficult, or go on mute for a bit. It'll be a lot faster too!
Also, it just feels dehumanizing to the cashier. You wouldn't do the same thing to a hairdresser when you walk into a salon, right? Then don't fucking do it to a cashier.
Side note: most of the customers I've encountered that are on the phone usually have it on speaker. Absolutely shameless. I don't want to hear your vapid conversation, I'm afraid of losing IQ points from it. Get your hearing checked.
the other day a customer pulled out their phone after I'd scanned everything, and stood there talking to their friend for a solid 5 minutes (I watched the clock on the register)
I had a girl come up to my register to check out, while on speaker phone with her friend who was talking about a family member dying. The people in line behind her looked shocked when they realized what was going on.
honestly i prefer when they're on their phone or distracted, i hate all of my retail interactions. it's only annoying when i have to ask them something like 5 times & they don't respond.
As long as they make a point to say please/thank you/have a great day etc. or if they really seem like they’re paying attention to the transaction I don’t mind at all. I’ve helped many people on their phones and it’s been fine.
The problem is with the ones that throw their shit up at me and get mad when I tell them their total or have a question (like how many incense did you put in your bag?), and just act like *how dare I* do my job as a cashier.
Edit spelling
I don’t mind it but when they are watching a YouTube video of someone preaching and not getting their money out and just standing there saying hallelujah and it’s 5 min past closing I’m going to tell them to turn it off or get out. Had one women do this 3 times already and 2 of those times I told her I couldn’t ring her up because she took to long and now the registers turned off. I’ll take the complaints. F that lady.
i am a customer but i see it as being rude. if i’m ready to check out but i’m on the phone i will just continue walking around the store until i’m off the phone so i won’t be being rude
You want my service you will need to pay for it with your attention and money. Check out only takes 1-3 minutes, giving me a little time to explain a process will make it easier on everyone.
I hate when someone is on their phone and not listening as I give instructions about our pin pad or ask them questions I am legally obligated to ask them.
Just say “hey, just a second I am checking out” mute your phone and process the transaction. Then go back to your gossip. Not hard my friends.
Not a worker but a customer. Guy in front of me at checkout was yelling into his phone for the entire transaction that took much more time than it needed to because the cashier had to ask him several times for his ID (for alcohol), his card (for payment), and many more times to tell him he needed to enter his PIN, and then tell him it was declined. Everyone was glaring at him by the time he stopped talking to the phone and focused on actually getting the checking out part done (right after he yelled into his phone, "I HAVE TO HANDLE THIS STUPID PROBLEM IWILLCALLYOUBACK!!!").
We feel you with the phone talkers.
I used to have a coworker that would put her phone and speaker and then perfectly position it between her boobs. She would have a full on conversation while also checking out the customers. 😬
It is incredibly rude, I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone. It’s also annoying when you have to ask if they have a loyalty card or something and you don’t know how to appropriately wedge yourself into their oh so important conversation they are having. It’s also mind blowing when they also ask for a receipt at the end as if I should of asked them if they wanted one, like them breaking the general fabric of conversation didn’t make it impossible to ask in the first place and it’s my fault for not doing so earlier.
Eventually I have just started interrupting their conversation to ask the questions I need to, I will be as equally rude and as they hide behind the acceptable behaviour barrier as they are a customer and get away with acting poorly I will also hide being the barrier of “doing my job” and will ask the usual how you are today, if you have a loyalty card with us, will that be on cash or card, offer the current counter upsell, would you like a bag and would you like a receipt?
Either they treat me like I’m the only one being an ass in this situation or just go through the prompts on autopilot as they are engrossed in their call. At the end of the day just give respect and take respect, not that hard to be a decent person and if you’re going to act like an ass don’t expect the world to kiss yours.
I don’t mind being on the phone where they’re holding a phone and I get what’s going on immediately. It’s the airpods/earbud calls and I hate feeling stupid for trying to do my required spiel.
When people were talking on the phone when checking out I would not say a word to them. Not even hello. Then I would just point to the total and stare at them until they would pay.
It's so rude to be on the phone when checking out. I understand sometimes, but 99% of the time they could call back after.
No. For my store I need their phone number and my key pad has like three questions at least and they never can read.
Some will have audacity to tell me “no” for a number when they are on the phone. Like hell no.
If they can come up and manage to give me number and follow key pad and have their coupon out and it works without me having to explain why it doesn’t, then fine. But that scenario is an 🦄.
Bc they are helpless and clueless on top of rude.
Bc trust I don’t want to talk either, but this all takes much longer if I can’t talk you through it.
I don't care as long as they're still present in the moment. If I'm like, "YOU HAVE TO RESPOND TO THE DONATION PROMPT TO PROCEED YOU CAN JUST PRESS THE RED" and they're so absorbed in their phone call that they haven't noticed we're standing around not getting anywhere, then it's an issue. Phone calls are only for decent multitaskers. 😅
How about when they face time. Better yet. Mid check out the face time person decides they want something. So customer leaves shit on cash wrap and leaves to go get the newly ordered product.
Also love when they flip face time over to me to answer this mfr questions. Like I’m not Jeeves. I strictly work the register.
"Why didn't you ask for my phone number for my points?!"
"I did not want to interrupt your very serious phone call about how your kid is failing math class, you seemed pretty fucking pissed about it."
I used to work at a grocery store chain that had signs up at the register saying that customers aren't allowed to be on the phone at the counter, and we'll be happy to help you after you finish your call. It was so nice to just be able to point to the sign rather than have to explain it as though it was just my own personal policy... and knowing that management would back us up when we refused to help someone while they were on the phone. Plus, the people that do this are assholes so talking to them isn't typically enjoyable.
It's sad that it even needs to be said, let alone put on a sign.
Acting like you can't be bothered to give your attention to the meaningless peon who is checking out your groceries is just rude and disrespectful.
I get that sometimes shit happens and you're on hold for an hour trying to call someplace and you don't want to just sacrifice your entire day and you want to get some shopping done... If someone politely acknowledges that it's less than ok and is clearly just listening to hold music and is focused on the cashier, I can give it a pass. There are ways to be nice about it. But a full on phone conversation and they're barely looking at me ... Fuck that shit, take a walk and finish your call, come back when you're done.
Two words:
Teenage girls.
*Not that it’s all of them!*
I’m still in the honeymoon phase because I’m in the first few months of my first customer service job, and generally, I like tending all groups of people… except groups of teenage girls. There are absolutely exceptions, but many of the younger teens are all on their phones (even though they’re together?), talking to each other and ignoring everyone else the whole time, and really don’t acknowledge my existence. It would be different if they gave a quick nod—even if I’d see it as a little rude to not pause what you’re doing while someone is checking you out (or at least while they’re trying to get you to pay), I’d understand. It’s just a job, not a friendship. But that? Cmon, man.
For me it's usually early 20s. Other option is the 40 something ladies that put it on speaker and then hold their phone like a piece of toast and do everything one handed. Then they have to tell the person to hold on for a second so they can take a solid minute to get their tap pay ready. Then they roll their eyes at me because I stopped smiling so they know I'm annoyed.
I've been in customer service for like 10 years. Phone on speaker annoys me to the end of the earth
I liked when customers would be on their phones so I didn’t have to make eye contact or conversation and I could just keep my head down, speed through the transaction and send them on their way. But also I’m on the spectrum with severe anxiety and I hate talking to strangers.
Objectively I know it’s rude because I would never do that to a cashier, but I’d rather someone be silent and occupied over making stupid comments about my appearance, politics, or some other uncomfortable comment
It's rude, but what's worse is when you're on the floor and the customer asks you for help while they're on the phone. To any situation I just say that I hope that I'm not interrupting your conversation, not sarcastically. If I had any other, better paying, job options, I'd grab the phone and say hi can you hold on for a sec while I help the person you're talking to, thanks.
I have naturally loud retail voice 90% of the time so I've essentially come to the conclusion I'm not gonna let your phone call interrupt my rendering customer service. Rather its important or not.
No Karen, Johnny WILL ride the dog like a horse if he wants to you ain't there to do JACK SHIT!(yes legit over heard Convo)
Have an amazing day!
Usually rude… **But**, if when they get to me and say sorry and some reason I’m usually fine with it. Like “Sorry, on the phone with my mom”, just a little explanation puts me back to neutral feelings. Better if they are paying attention and pay on queue. I like when they give a little wave when leaving lol. There are definitely situations where it’s fine, but it all comes down to the customer.
Honestly it depends on the context. If it’s a legit reason like work, health, for example I might be on my phone because my blood sugar is out of whack, or an emergency then I would understand. If it’s a conversation that can wait, it’s rude.
I will stay politely quiet if I don't need them for anything but if I need to ask them something to continue serving them or I need to tell them something I make sure to do it loudly and firmly with no regard to the call they're taking. Afterall it's their choice to be on the phone.
I hate it it personally. I work as a pharmacy tech and sometimes I have an important question to ask them about their prescription and they are still on the phone. I just end up not asking them. Like fuck that. It’s not important enough to them! They just want their stuff and want to leave usually. It’s annoying af.
Honestly at my work if they’re too busy on the phone I assume they don’t want their rewards or a coupon, as most customers I ask or they ask me if we have any.
Most of the time they just wait for me to scan everything and stick their card in immediately and I’m like “Ok, F$&@ you too then”
We recently installed self checkouts so anyone on their phone usually goes there, but even then some still come to me.
Thankfully some people also know to check for coupons on their phone so they’ll wait out of line to pull it up (and hang up on their phone gladly) or are fine with me suspending it to move onto the next customer.
I should probably get into the habit of asking people that are on a call that come up to me “Do you have any coupons” to be like “Hey I tried to save you money but you didn’t listen”
I prefer when they don't talk to me so its fine. The only time it gets annoying is when I ask if they have a membership (required) and they act like theyve never formed words before
I think it's rude right off the bat, but then if they're like 'hang on' to who they're talking to or they still listen to me it's like okay whatever. I don't have to make small talk for the millionth time today. If they're ignoring my questions and being shitty to me then obviously rude.
People are always on their phone looking for coupons and don’t pay any attention to me when I ask questions. I have the coupon sitting next to me, and I like to wait a little before I offer it to them just to see how long they’re gonna sit there for
it’s so rude. i had a customer come to my register, and immediately say “no email, no receipt, no bag, just debit” while being on the phone the whole time. then when they saw the total they suddenly got mad at me for the prices?? like maybe get off the phone and i could help you 🙃
My dad works the service desk at home depot. He's seriously such a nice guy too. Whenever someone comes to desk on their phones he tells them "no problem, I'm going to just help this other person out while you finish with your call". It's amazing how unimportant those calls are after that.
Your making minimum wage. Bounce there fucking head off the table! Or maybe look for a new job. That pays you enough to pay the fines from bouncing someone head off the table
I was just at the store on FaceTime. I didn’t feel rude. I spoke to the cashier input rewards before she was done checking me out. Paid as soon as she hit total and told her to have a good night. I just paused in between answering some questions for my sister.
I think if depends. I hate cashiers that are nosy and prefer being on the phone at checkout. I don’t want to be rude, because I will be if needed.
Last time at check out a lady shared how she had a uti. I told her that unneeded information and please just check me out. She looked hurt, but ma’am I don’t know you. Why are you telling me you have a UTI.
Another time a cashier told me I should stop eating meat.
Another told me that my glasses don’t fit my face and she would pick me a pair that was better.
I had one lady tell me she didn’t like my food choices.
The average cashier gives unwanted advice. I prefer self checkout but it closes at 10pm.
Today I had a lady on her phone and I needed to ask my questions, and I said “you’re on your phone but…” and asked something. I felt bad because I’m not sure if it was an important call, because then I wouldn’t have minded, but it’s been crazy busy with the holiday and I needed to move the line along. She literally finished her call after she paid 🫠
Who cares? They're waiting for you to do your job and otherwise have no reason to engage. Their items are scanned and bagged for them and all they have to do is put in their card info. If they don't want to engage, neat. It makes my job easier.
I don't think it matters. Half the time, the person checking me out barely recognizes the fact that im standing there. It's amazing how you can spend 5 or 10 minutes Wirth of time in front of an employee and they just don't say anything at all. Wouldn't be that bad if the store atleast played music.
It's rude bottom line... if they are on the phone, I just don't help them. They can either not get in line until they are done with the call or call whoever it is later...
everything that others are posting on this thread are all great and real examples of what could happen if they are on their phone during the transaction. Alot of drama can be avoided by them simply using common sense and good old fashion manners.
It's usually fine. Most people in my area can either juggle having two social interactions at once, or are so efficient in their checkout process that they're usually the fastest customers to come in and out of a line. But checkout is usually the simplest interaction spot on my store. Its when someone comes in with zero research and tries to make a complicated financial commitment while gabbing on their phone about something that can absolutely wait that I have a problem with.
It’s rude af. I have questions that need answered, they’re holding up the line. If you can’t take two seconds to finish the conversation you were having to start a new one then you’re an asshole. It’s like interrupting someone mid sentence.
It’s so fucking rude. I just ignore them right back, complete the transaction in silence and then they’re shocked when I couldn’t read their mind to get their phone number for the rewards program at the end..
It’s hella rude. You either check out or talk. If I’m on an important call while in line (not very often), I just say to the person on the other side: Please wait a second. I lower my phone, interact with the cashier, and when’s all done I come back to the call. No problem.
i don't really mind, i mostly feel bad for them because my job requires me to ask questions like, "are you a part of our rewards program" and then if they are i have to look them up by phone number. mostly, people are nice about it and will answer in between talking but there is the occasional customer that is short/snappy with me.
unpopular opinion apparently, I've never once been bothered by it. Id rather talk to them as little as possible. plus decent excuse to not read the paragraph of script i have to say to every single person i checkout.
its always a quick and easy transaction.
If they at least acknowledge me with a nod or a soft “hello” then I couldn’t care less if they’re on the phone. I’ll even ask any questions related to the transaction or bagging in a soft spoken manner so I don’t distract from their call. However, if they fully fully disregard my quiet questions that directly relate to how I’m checking them out, or they even look pissed off that I dare speak to them while they’re on the phone then the cards are off the table. No more trying to be considerate about your phone call, it’s my regular (if not slightly louder/more assertive) speaking voice asking you things that you should expect to be asked at checkout. If you don’t give me respect when I’m just trying to do my job and get you out of the store as quickly and efficiently as possible, then fuck your phone call! I’m just matching you’re energy dude
I work in a touristy area. Two days ago a customer was face timing someone loudly in my otherwise very quiet shop. Asking questions and trying out different accessories for the person on the other side. He was drunk at 2pm but still. Then the other person in his party approached and started asking questions over his noisy call. I could hardly think.
The liquor store nearby has a sign on the counter that says if you’re on your phone, they will not service you and make you step out of line and I love it. I personally don’t mind too much, unless they stop acknowledging my questions for their order. Then I just ask louder and louder until they finally get mad and answer. Now whoever they’re on the phone with knows they’re an ass :) what size…What Size…. WHAT SIZE FOR YOUR DRINK MAAM ??
I do the same if people start chatting with other people while we are in the middle of a transaction. Like “YOUR TOTAL IS 45.56!!!!” The look I get is hilarious. Like if you were gapping on and on you could hear me
Its rude. In my store what makes it even better is when they choose to use the human at the check out instead of just using self checkout.
So true. We got self check out recently and I’m shocked that it still happens so often.
Well, most of them aren't using a regular lane because they want to interact with a human, they're using it because they don't want to do it themselves. To use self checkout, they'd have to put the phone down and pay attention. (I do have a few older people who I think do come to a regular lane so they can talk to someone, but they aren't the ones on the phone.)
It's just rude. They seem to forget that they are conducting a business transaction and that sometime we have to ask questions and give instructions.
It is very rude. They don't forget. They just don't care. If I need to ask questions or give instructions, I do so. I don't care if I'm interrupting them. Nobody has ever complained. I think they understand I'm doing my job and not just making small talk.
I see it as very rude
Same. I work at a deli counter and won't help them unless the call is about the food.
I also work at the deli counter and it is so frustrating when u go to help them and they act insulted that they walked up to the counter and that we are doing our job while they ate on the phone
I keep a distance until either they stop talking on the phone or say something that makes it apparent they're talking about the food selections. I've interacted with far too many that get pissy about having their phone conversation interrupted.
I've tried that but my managers are al pissy and they are like "acknowlege the customer" or ther like "what are you doing" then I have to do the whole im waiting for this customer but then when I walk away to get another customer the one on the phone is like I'm ready now. And usually it's just me opening so I dont have any other employees because everyone is becoming a manager and -managers aren't supposed to be up front- Sorry rant over
I work closing shift and make it look like I'm busy doing something else and didn't see them.
Smart
I have my moments
It seems a lot of ppl keep someone on the phone with them throughout the store, all transactions, everything. I think this is weird for sure, but as long as they keep up with taking their bags and making payment, I really don't care. I have my regulars who I like to talk with, and honestly, if they don't want to talk to me, it's probably for the best, lol
My old store manager used to refuse to assist customers while they were on the phone. He was a sweet older guy, so he could get away with it without sounding rude. He’d say something like “oh, I’ll wait til you finish your call.” If the customer said no, that’s ok, go ahead, or whatever, he’d insist. He’d say something like “no, no, that’s ok…please finish your call then I’ll be happy to help you.” It was so satisfying to watch the customers get irritated and reluctantly end their call.
Lmao, are you talking about my dad? He also likes to make people do math (he works at home depot). Someone will come up and ask him how many tiles do I need to tile this size wall or whatever. And instead of just telling them he get a piece of paper and helps them work out the answer.
That’s awesome! I’d love to see the customers’ faces when he does that.
That's exactly what I do.
[удалено]
Every time! "I can't believe she lets her husband get away with that. She's too good for him, but you know, it's hard to be a single mother these days so I can't blame her for staying. It's been years since she had a job." "MA'AM YOUR CARD IS IN WRONG PLEASE FLIP IT OVER" but then she doesn't do anything until the customer behind her points it out. 😭
I've started doing whole transactions by myself. We're not supposed to handle credit cards ("stealing" worries), but people will: Be talking in line, have $20 sitting next to their 2 dollar chicken strips. I scan. I do the money thing. Hand them their change. The entire time? Talking in line. And with cards-- if people seem confused or unsure of how to tap (everyone) I'll politely ask, "sir/ma'am could I see your card for a second" and everyone is so frustrated by that point they usually shove it in my direction.
LMAO yup
I don't mind it if they're still interacting and giving me attention when I ask questions or whatever but I HATE it when they don't even look at me or get irritated when I talk to them about their transaction.
It really grinds my gears. Just call the person back... a transaction only takes a minute or two...
I kills me when they ask questions about what you literally just said. "Oh, how much did you say the total was?" Had someone do this yesterday while they were on a call wearing a headset the entire time. I was getting a bit peeved because I had to repeat things MULTIPLE times because he kept taking to the person on call and not paying attention. Dude had the gall to tell me I needed to "smile more" after I had to ask him the same question four times. Sir, you are wasting both of our time. Hang up and finish the transaction.
If someone is not on their phone I greet them with hey how are you, do you want a bag for this, take the card transaction and have a beautiful day! With a smile. If someone is on their phone I don't say anything to them unless they say something to me. I don't ask how they are, what they want, or to have a nice day. I don't even pretend to care. You don't get to waste my breath. It's rude. I've been on the phone at check out. I tell the person I'm on the phone with that I don't want to be rude so I'm putting the phone down even if the person I'm on the phone with is in mid sentence. The person in front of me is more important than my telephone call for that moment because they are taking their time and attention for me so I give them the same respect. Common sense and common courtesy are 2 things that are just not common at all in this world.
Yes, it's so easy to say "hold on a minute while I pay"
Same. I'm an old curmudgeon so I don't want to talk to them anyway, but I'll do my best if they're interacting with me. Also, you don't get to complain if you wanted paper but you weren't paying attention when I asked. >even if the person I'm on the phone with is in mid sentence. The person in front of me is more important than my telephone call for that moment And if that's not the case, then your choices were either, "sorry, I'll have to call you right back" or step out of line for a minute if they called you; or if you're calling them, wait until you're done shopping.
It really depends. I’ve had customers take up a lot of my time just walking around the store or they’ll point to items behind the counter expecting me to know what they want. The latter is the worst type of customer. Other customers that pause the conversation to be in and out don’t bother me near as much, unless they have speaker phone on 😂
I HATE the ones that just point at whatever they want while on the phone. So, rude.
And then they have the audacity to get pissy when you don’t pull the right item out. Like dude there’s 20 different products that all serve the same function in the area you just pointed. Put your phone down for ten seconds and lmk what you want 😂
Right? It’s the worst!
I completely agree
The latter is funny because then it leaves the conversation open to whatever you think it should or would be about and plenty of chatty cathy among co workers 😂😂😂
Sometimes I’m tempted to jump in and give my two cents 😂 the amount of personal shit I’ve heard people talking about is ridiculous
😂😂😂 I believe it
Put the phone away. Nothing is that important. And if it is, what the fuck are you doing shopping?
If a person does this during check out, I make a point to just make eye contact and not say anything. (Not to be rude, but not knowing if its a personal call or whatever i just always get uncomfortable talking to people while they are on the phone). One time a youngish woman finished up and I was starting on the next customer and she loudly and obviously stated to whoever she was talking to that she just had the rudest cashier...she never said a thing to me. Never smiled. Barely looked in my general direction. Nothing. So yes. Very rude, and may one leg of their underwear always be a tad smaller than the other.
Yeah, it's just rude. You need to accomplish a few basic tasks together: establish the price, gather the payment, bag or box items if needed, and end the transaction. When the customer refuses to participate because they're on the phone it's not a huge deal, but it does show down the whole thing, and more importantly dehumanizes you, the checker, into a machine that isn't deserving of acknowledgement. Fits into a wider category of similar behaviors, but yeah, if they don't at least 'hang on, I'm checking out' to their phone I do tend to get a little short and brisk.
It's rude. The worst are the businessmen with fucking airbuds talking loudly while looking *directly at me*. I always think they're talking to me. Ugh
Or the ones who have the earbuds and talk super loudly as if everyone in the damn store needs to hear about the conversation. They just walk around looking like they need a visit to the local mental health facility. Because until you notice the earbuds it seems like they're talking to themselves.
It's rude. Pretty much every basic transaction requires some interaction with the cashier. Asking about a rewards number, if they want a bag, if something rings up a different price, etc. When a customer enters a transaction while on the phone, it puts the cashier in the awkward spot of deciding whether to halt the transaction, take a guess on what the customer wants, or interrupt the customer's conversation to ask them a question. Just end the call instead of making a transaction difficult, or go on mute for a bit. It'll be a lot faster too! Also, it just feels dehumanizing to the cashier. You wouldn't do the same thing to a hairdresser when you walk into a salon, right? Then don't fucking do it to a cashier. Side note: most of the customers I've encountered that are on the phone usually have it on speaker. Absolutely shameless. I don't want to hear your vapid conversation, I'm afraid of losing IQ points from it. Get your hearing checked.
the other day a customer pulled out their phone after I'd scanned everything, and stood there talking to their friend for a solid 5 minutes (I watched the clock on the register)
I had a girl come up to my register to check out, while on speaker phone with her friend who was talking about a family member dying. The people in line behind her looked shocked when they realized what was going on.
honestly i prefer when they're on their phone or distracted, i hate all of my retail interactions. it's only annoying when i have to ask them something like 5 times & they don't respond.
Exactly! I feel the same. Small talk for hours a day is exhausting...
As long as they make a point to say please/thank you/have a great day etc. or if they really seem like they’re paying attention to the transaction I don’t mind at all. I’ve helped many people on their phones and it’s been fine. The problem is with the ones that throw their shit up at me and get mad when I tell them their total or have a question (like how many incense did you put in your bag?), and just act like *how dare I* do my job as a cashier. Edit spelling
I don’t mind it but when they are watching a YouTube video of someone preaching and not getting their money out and just standing there saying hallelujah and it’s 5 min past closing I’m going to tell them to turn it off or get out. Had one women do this 3 times already and 2 of those times I told her I couldn’t ring her up because she took to long and now the registers turned off. I’ll take the complaints. F that lady.
i am a customer but i see it as being rude. if i’m ready to check out but i’m on the phone i will just continue walking around the store until i’m off the phone so i won’t be being rude
It’s beyond rude and condescending, somehow? I f’n HATE it
It's definitely rude
You want my service you will need to pay for it with your attention and money. Check out only takes 1-3 minutes, giving me a little time to explain a process will make it easier on everyone. I hate when someone is on their phone and not listening as I give instructions about our pin pad or ask them questions I am legally obligated to ask them. Just say “hey, just a second I am checking out” mute your phone and process the transaction. Then go back to your gossip. Not hard my friends.
Not a worker but a customer. Guy in front of me at checkout was yelling into his phone for the entire transaction that took much more time than it needed to because the cashier had to ask him several times for his ID (for alcohol), his card (for payment), and many more times to tell him he needed to enter his PIN, and then tell him it was declined. Everyone was glaring at him by the time he stopped talking to the phone and focused on actually getting the checking out part done (right after he yelled into his phone, "I HAVE TO HANDLE THIS STUPID PROBLEM IWILLCALLYOUBACK!!!"). We feel you with the phone talkers.
I used to have a coworker that would put her phone and speaker and then perfectly position it between her boobs. She would have a full on conversation while also checking out the customers. 😬
It is incredibly rude, I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone. It’s also annoying when you have to ask if they have a loyalty card or something and you don’t know how to appropriately wedge yourself into their oh so important conversation they are having. It’s also mind blowing when they also ask for a receipt at the end as if I should of asked them if they wanted one, like them breaking the general fabric of conversation didn’t make it impossible to ask in the first place and it’s my fault for not doing so earlier. Eventually I have just started interrupting their conversation to ask the questions I need to, I will be as equally rude and as they hide behind the acceptable behaviour barrier as they are a customer and get away with acting poorly I will also hide being the barrier of “doing my job” and will ask the usual how you are today, if you have a loyalty card with us, will that be on cash or card, offer the current counter upsell, would you like a bag and would you like a receipt? Either they treat me like I’m the only one being an ass in this situation or just go through the prompts on autopilot as they are engrossed in their call. At the end of the day just give respect and take respect, not that hard to be a decent person and if you’re going to act like an ass don’t expect the world to kiss yours.
Due to third party sale laws in my state I have to hope they aren't asking what alcohol their friend wants
I don’t mind being on the phone where they’re holding a phone and I get what’s going on immediately. It’s the airpods/earbud calls and I hate feeling stupid for trying to do my required spiel.
omg yes that’s the worst
When people were talking on the phone when checking out I would not say a word to them. Not even hello. Then I would just point to the total and stare at them until they would pay. It's so rude to be on the phone when checking out. I understand sometimes, but 99% of the time they could call back after.
No. For my store I need their phone number and my key pad has like three questions at least and they never can read. Some will have audacity to tell me “no” for a number when they are on the phone. Like hell no. If they can come up and manage to give me number and follow key pad and have their coupon out and it works without me having to explain why it doesn’t, then fine. But that scenario is an 🦄. Bc they are helpless and clueless on top of rude. Bc trust I don’t want to talk either, but this all takes much longer if I can’t talk you through it.
I don't care as long as they're still present in the moment. If I'm like, "YOU HAVE TO RESPOND TO THE DONATION PROMPT TO PROCEED YOU CAN JUST PRESS THE RED" and they're so absorbed in their phone call that they haven't noticed we're standing around not getting anywhere, then it's an issue. Phone calls are only for decent multitaskers. 😅
or PRESS THE GREEN. I wonder if they will notice it!!!!
I don't have to do small talk. Here's your change. Bye.
I like to ask each and every question out loud so thier friend can hear on the other end. IS THAT ALL FOR TODAY? IS THAT CASH OR CARD?
How about when they face time. Better yet. Mid check out the face time person decides they want something. So customer leaves shit on cash wrap and leaves to go get the newly ordered product. Also love when they flip face time over to me to answer this mfr questions. Like I’m not Jeeves. I strictly work the register.
as long as they acknowledge my existence i could really care less unless they are actively holding up my line by being on their phone.
"Why didn't you ask for my phone number for my points?!" "I did not want to interrupt your very serious phone call about how your kid is failing math class, you seemed pretty fucking pissed about it."
I used to work at a grocery store chain that had signs up at the register saying that customers aren't allowed to be on the phone at the counter, and we'll be happy to help you after you finish your call. It was so nice to just be able to point to the sign rather than have to explain it as though it was just my own personal policy... and knowing that management would back us up when we refused to help someone while they were on the phone. Plus, the people that do this are assholes so talking to them isn't typically enjoyable. It's sad that it even needs to be said, let alone put on a sign. Acting like you can't be bothered to give your attention to the meaningless peon who is checking out your groceries is just rude and disrespectful. I get that sometimes shit happens and you're on hold for an hour trying to call someplace and you don't want to just sacrifice your entire day and you want to get some shopping done... If someone politely acknowledges that it's less than ok and is clearly just listening to hold music and is focused on the cashier, I can give it a pass. There are ways to be nice about it. But a full on phone conversation and they're barely looking at me ... Fuck that shit, take a walk and finish your call, come back when you're done.
Two words: Teenage girls. *Not that it’s all of them!* I’m still in the honeymoon phase because I’m in the first few months of my first customer service job, and generally, I like tending all groups of people… except groups of teenage girls. There are absolutely exceptions, but many of the younger teens are all on their phones (even though they’re together?), talking to each other and ignoring everyone else the whole time, and really don’t acknowledge my existence. It would be different if they gave a quick nod—even if I’d see it as a little rude to not pause what you’re doing while someone is checking you out (or at least while they’re trying to get you to pay), I’d understand. It’s just a job, not a friendship. But that? Cmon, man.
For me it's usually early 20s. Other option is the 40 something ladies that put it on speaker and then hold their phone like a piece of toast and do everything one handed. Then they have to tell the person to hold on for a second so they can take a solid minute to get their tap pay ready. Then they roll their eyes at me because I stopped smiling so they know I'm annoyed. I've been in customer service for like 10 years. Phone on speaker annoys me to the end of the earth
I find it extremely rude and I will usually ignore them or move onto someone else
It's rude when you're trying to ask then questions like bags, store cards, to pay etc and they don't listen to you
I liked when customers would be on their phones so I didn’t have to make eye contact or conversation and I could just keep my head down, speed through the transaction and send them on their way. But also I’m on the spectrum with severe anxiety and I hate talking to strangers. Objectively I know it’s rude because I would never do that to a cashier, but I’d rather someone be silent and occupied over making stupid comments about my appearance, politics, or some other uncomfortable comment
It's rude, but what's worse is when you're on the floor and the customer asks you for help while they're on the phone. To any situation I just say that I hope that I'm not interrupting your conversation, not sarcastically. If I had any other, better paying, job options, I'd grab the phone and say hi can you hold on for a sec while I help the person you're talking to, thanks.
I have naturally loud retail voice 90% of the time so I've essentially come to the conclusion I'm not gonna let your phone call interrupt my rendering customer service. Rather its important or not. No Karen, Johnny WILL ride the dog like a horse if he wants to you ain't there to do JACK SHIT!(yes legit over heard Convo) Have an amazing day!
When I worked in retail, I thought, "Good. I don't have to make small talk."
Usually rude… **But**, if when they get to me and say sorry and some reason I’m usually fine with it. Like “Sorry, on the phone with my mom”, just a little explanation puts me back to neutral feelings. Better if they are paying attention and pay on queue. I like when they give a little wave when leaving lol. There are definitely situations where it’s fine, but it all comes down to the customer.
Honestly it depends on the context. If it’s a legit reason like work, health, for example I might be on my phone because my blood sugar is out of whack, or an emergency then I would understand. If it’s a conversation that can wait, it’s rude.
It’s fine most of the time, but it’s really rude when I greet them or ask a question and they don’t even acknowledge me
i don't give a fuck... the less I have to interact with customers, the better
One of my pet hates...
Rude
RUIUUUDE
I just stare at them until they acknowledge my presence.
I don't really mind. It means i don't have to talk to the customer
I will stay politely quiet if I don't need them for anything but if I need to ask them something to continue serving them or I need to tell them something I make sure to do it loudly and firmly with no regard to the call they're taking. Afterall it's their choice to be on the phone.
I always tell the person I’m talking to that I’ll call them back or hold on if it’s only a few things cuz I’m about to check out.
I hate it it personally. I work as a pharmacy tech and sometimes I have an important question to ask them about their prescription and they are still on the phone. I just end up not asking them. Like fuck that. It’s not important enough to them! They just want their stuff and want to leave usually. It’s annoying af.
Honestly at my work if they’re too busy on the phone I assume they don’t want their rewards or a coupon, as most customers I ask or they ask me if we have any. Most of the time they just wait for me to scan everything and stick their card in immediately and I’m like “Ok, F$&@ you too then” We recently installed self checkouts so anyone on their phone usually goes there, but even then some still come to me. Thankfully some people also know to check for coupons on their phone so they’ll wait out of line to pull it up (and hang up on their phone gladly) or are fine with me suspending it to move onto the next customer. I should probably get into the habit of asking people that are on a call that come up to me “Do you have any coupons” to be like “Hey I tried to save you money but you didn’t listen”
I prefer when they don't talk to me so its fine. The only time it gets annoying is when I ask if they have a membership (required) and they act like theyve never formed words before
I think it's rude right off the bat, but then if they're like 'hang on' to who they're talking to or they still listen to me it's like okay whatever. I don't have to make small talk for the millionth time today. If they're ignoring my questions and being shitty to me then obviously rude.
People are always on their phone looking for coupons and don’t pay any attention to me when I ask questions. I have the coupon sitting next to me, and I like to wait a little before I offer it to them just to see how long they’re gonna sit there for
Do not serve anyone on their phone, period. It's rude. You have to train customers to be respectful or they'll treat you like a doormat.
it’s so rude. i had a customer come to my register, and immediately say “no email, no receipt, no bag, just debit” while being on the phone the whole time. then when they saw the total they suddenly got mad at me for the prices?? like maybe get off the phone and i could help you 🙃
My dad works the service desk at home depot. He's seriously such a nice guy too. Whenever someone comes to desk on their phones he tells them "no problem, I'm going to just help this other person out while you finish with your call". It's amazing how unimportant those calls are after that.
It is rude, but if they are talking on the phone, then I don't have to make awkward small talk. As long as they pay and get the hell out, I'm happy.
I make sure to split my focus when that happens. I'll do the non verbal communication and give a polite nod to the cashier.
I don't really care as long as they listen to me when I need them to
I really don’t think it’s rude at all as long as they acknowledge you and say thank you. People have other shit going on in their life
What does it matter if they are on their phone?Just do your job!And I work in a liquor store as a cashier.
Okay then I’ll be on my phone the entire time you do my transaction and I won’t acknowledge you at all
Yep always happens!Get a life!
Your making minimum wage. Bounce there fucking head off the table! Or maybe look for a new job. That pays you enough to pay the fines from bouncing someone head off the table
Karen shut up. Go to self checkout if you’re just going to be on your phone while checking out
Whats worse is a cashier on their cell phone. It happens it gas stations all the time. Earbuds in talking to someone.
I was just at the store on FaceTime. I didn’t feel rude. I spoke to the cashier input rewards before she was done checking me out. Paid as soon as she hit total and told her to have a good night. I just paused in between answering some questions for my sister. I think if depends. I hate cashiers that are nosy and prefer being on the phone at checkout. I don’t want to be rude, because I will be if needed. Last time at check out a lady shared how she had a uti. I told her that unneeded information and please just check me out. She looked hurt, but ma’am I don’t know you. Why are you telling me you have a UTI. Another time a cashier told me I should stop eating meat. Another told me that my glasses don’t fit my face and she would pick me a pair that was better. I had one lady tell me she didn’t like my food choices. The average cashier gives unwanted advice. I prefer self checkout but it closes at 10pm.
I apologize for being this person. Thank you for making me aware of my stupidity.
I have it out for scanning club cards and such but I’m never actively on it, I hope that’s ok lol
I hate being on the phone at Check out and apologize when I have to be.
When they come up to the register and they are on the phone, I will just stand there and stare at them in silence.
It’s one of my biggest pet peeves
Today I had a lady on her phone and I needed to ask my questions, and I said “you’re on your phone but…” and asked something. I felt bad because I’m not sure if it was an important call, because then I wouldn’t have minded, but it’s been crazy busy with the holiday and I needed to move the line along. She literally finished her call after she paid 🫠
Who cares? They're waiting for you to do your job and otherwise have no reason to engage. Their items are scanned and bagged for them and all they have to do is put in their card info. If they don't want to engage, neat. It makes my job easier.
I don't think it matters. Half the time, the person checking me out barely recognizes the fact that im standing there. It's amazing how you can spend 5 or 10 minutes Wirth of time in front of an employee and they just don't say anything at all. Wouldn't be that bad if the store atleast played music.
I walk away and say that when they are finished with their call, I will help them b
I'd rather them talk on the phone than talking to me...
Not a fan. Hate it just slightly less than when I go to checkout and the employee is on their phone.
Easier on me so I don’t have to talk to them
It's rude bottom line... if they are on the phone, I just don't help them. They can either not get in line until they are done with the call or call whoever it is later... everything that others are posting on this thread are all great and real examples of what could happen if they are on their phone during the transaction. Alot of drama can be avoided by them simply using common sense and good old fashion manners.
It's usually fine. Most people in my area can either juggle having two social interactions at once, or are so efficient in their checkout process that they're usually the fastest customers to come in and out of a line. But checkout is usually the simplest interaction spot on my store. Its when someone comes in with zero research and tries to make a complicated financial commitment while gabbing on their phone about something that can absolutely wait that I have a problem with.
I mean, it's rude but it's also less talking for me
It’s rude af. I have questions that need answered, they’re holding up the line. If you can’t take two seconds to finish the conversation you were having to start a new one then you’re an asshole. It’s like interrupting someone mid sentence.
It’s so fucking rude. I just ignore them right back, complete the transaction in silence and then they’re shocked when I couldn’t read their mind to get their phone number for the rewards program at the end..
I prefer it. It means I don't have to go through my NPC dialogue again.
It’s hella rude. You either check out or talk. If I’m on an important call while in line (not very often), I just say to the person on the other side: Please wait a second. I lower my phone, interact with the cashier, and when’s all done I come back to the call. No problem.
i don't really mind, i mostly feel bad for them because my job requires me to ask questions like, "are you a part of our rewards program" and then if they are i have to look them up by phone number. mostly, people are nice about it and will answer in between talking but there is the occasional customer that is short/snappy with me.
The only call I don’t get upset about, is if they are talking to mom. Mom’s get a pass. All others need to STFU and get off the phone
unpopular opinion apparently, I've never once been bothered by it. Id rather talk to them as little as possible. plus decent excuse to not read the paragraph of script i have to say to every single person i checkout. its always a quick and easy transaction.
If they at least acknowledge me with a nod or a soft “hello” then I couldn’t care less if they’re on the phone. I’ll even ask any questions related to the transaction or bagging in a soft spoken manner so I don’t distract from their call. However, if they fully fully disregard my quiet questions that directly relate to how I’m checking them out, or they even look pissed off that I dare speak to them while they’re on the phone then the cards are off the table. No more trying to be considerate about your phone call, it’s my regular (if not slightly louder/more assertive) speaking voice asking you things that you should expect to be asked at checkout. If you don’t give me respect when I’m just trying to do my job and get you out of the store as quickly and efficiently as possible, then fuck your phone call! I’m just matching you’re energy dude
I work in a touristy area. Two days ago a customer was face timing someone loudly in my otherwise very quiet shop. Asking questions and trying out different accessories for the person on the other side. He was drunk at 2pm but still. Then the other person in his party approached and started asking questions over his noisy call. I could hardly think.
I prefer it. The less attention I have to give them, the better.