There's no excuse for rude customers

Society is quick to complain about the poor quality of customer service. There are times when poor customer service is simply bad, but there are circumstances when it's warranted. I work in retail, and have seen customers from both ends of the spectrum.

Some customers are friendly, respectful, and fun to talk to. These people make working in retail enjoyable. Other customers are blatantly rude; they're demanding, degrading, and walk around as if they own the store.

I believe customers are mostly to blame for poor customer service. If they haven't worked retail, or in customer service, they wouldn't understand sometimes it's hard do your job while simultaneously delivering perfect customer service. Associates can be pushed too far during their shift - they're human after all.

When there's a combination of nightmare customers and a busy store, the next bad customer can receive the brunt of an associate's frustration. It isn't right, but customers often only see things from their viewpoint.

If roles were reversed, customers may change their attitude. Customers often complain about things that are out of associates' control. It also seems to be a recurring theme to not pick up after oneself, or to shove merchandise in the wrong place.

There can be a compromise as to the customer service dilemma. Associates need to remember they represent the store, and their customer service can determine whether or not a customer comes back. The customers need to put themselves in the associate's position before they rant, or treat them with disrespect.

In some cases, customers deserve to be angry, but in most cases, the customer is blind to their rude behavior.

Lauren Bogacz

Schaumburg