Vanessa Arriola
The holidays are coming up once again. That means sales, shopping and most of all cranky customers.
For those who work in the customer service field, whether food or retail, you know exactly what I am referring to.
For some odd reason, customers tend to be crankier, rather than nicer, during this time of year.
Shoppers and diners become less patient and have the need to complain about every little thing they don’t like.
Whether it’s waiting in a 30-minute line to pick up a pre-reserved pie or asking retailers to double check a price on an item, they never seem satisfied.
But the customers don’t only take it out on the staff, they tend to snap and argue with each other as well. What drives them to do this? Who knows?
As retailers and servers start working double time for the holidays, there is no escaping these moody customers, but there are a few ways to get through the day without wanting to punch them in the face.
Lord only knows how many will be coming in and out of your workplace.
The majority will be friendly and actually sympathize with the fact that you are working. Others will try your patience.
Being able to take a break and get away from it all is one way to survive the day.
Taking a deep breath or counting to ten has also come in handy in some situations.
Venting your frustrations to your co-workers is always a good choice, since they are able to understand you.
If all else fails, fall right to their level and snap right back at them.
Yes, that is very unprofessional, but if push comes to shove, that is the only way these customers will hear what you are saying.
This might cause them to complain to a manager; however, in all reality, what manager wouldn’t identify with their employee?
If they’re anything like my manager, they listen to them, apologize and then turn around and give you a pat on the back for dealing with them in the first place.
Funny how the holidays are meant to bring out the best in people, yet it does the complete opposite.
In the wonderful world of customer service, the most important thing is to have patience, because patience is a virtue.
Vanessa Arriola ()