Is it normal to be annoyed when customers ask this question?

74% Normal
22 Comments

I work in retail, at a department store that sells all kinds of things, so of course we are supposed to wear their uniform (black pants, black socks, black shoes, and blue shirt), complete with name tag. While I am at work, I am usually on the floor, straightening shelves or putting out return buggies. It is not at all unusual for a customer to ask what I think is one of the STUPIDEST questions ever:

"Do you work here?"

It takes A LOT for me not to have an attitude and say something along the lines of: "No, I'm just wearing the uniform and doing this for fun." or "Okay, let's get this straight. Do you see the uniform, the name tag, and the walkie-talkie? Okay, what does it look like?"

I try to keep a positive attitude, because I know that if I did say those things, I would get in trouble. But it bothers me so much. I know this is a petty thing to get worked up about, and that it is actually polite when customers ask you this question. But isn't it obvious that you DO work there when you're in their uniform, with the name tag (a dead giveaway!), especially when the customer is standing RIGHT THERE in front of you (or vice versa)?

Sorry for the rant. Again, I know it is a stupid thing to get aggravated by, but "Do you work here?" is also a pretty stupid question. Is it normal that this irks me? How can I deal with this?

Please no "Get over it" or "Grow up" -type answers. Only serious ones, please.

Voting Results
74% Normal
Based on 76 votes (56 yes)
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Comments ( 22 )
  • college
    10 years ago

    In you're situation it sounds pretty obvious so I can understand your frustration. I also think that it's worse for someone to assume that someone works in a store when it turns out that that person just happens to be a customer as well.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      Actually, I have, in fact, wondered if another cashier was coming in because the person had a blue shirt and black pants, but she was just another customer. Also, I walked into a Winn-Dixie after work one night, so I was still in my uniform. Someone asked me where could she find a certain item and then if I worked there. I told her politely that I actually worked at K-mart, not WD. (Sometimes their uniform was blue and black, too.) So I do understand your point.

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      • RomeoDeMontague
        10 years ago

        You know I think the reason they ask "Do you work here" Since someone dressed just as nice might be stopped and asked. So they are just checking. I know I dress nice and people always stop me to ask me questions and I am not really always working in the shop I go into. This is a mistake a few people have complained about. Also unlike you might believe not all places make you wear regular uniforms. I know since I worked in places and most people wore t shirts and jeans that were not the manger. So there was nothing really separating us from the rest of the people in the store. Unless maybe we put products up. I always wore dress clothes but like I said "I enjoy dressing nice".

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  • GoraIntoDesiGals
    10 years ago

    I've been asked that question in a supermarket where I don't work. O_O

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      Like I was telling "College", I understand where you're coming at; that happened to me, too!

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  • shuggy-chan
    10 years ago

    well maybe you don't want to assume, I have been in store after work, still in my work uniform and people asked me questions just assuming I work at the store

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      Were you off the clock at the store you work at, or at another place where their uniform happened to be the same ( or similar)?

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      • shuggy-chan
        10 years ago

        not even similar, im a service tech for HVAC, and I was shopping for milk at ACME

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  • RoseIsabella
    10 years ago

    You're a regular little ray of sunshine, aren't you?

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      And you're trying to be sarcastic, aren't you?

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      • robbieforgotpw
        10 years ago

        That obvious?
        Powerdumps his undies**

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  • [Old Memory]
    10 years ago

    I know what you mean! Cashiering, I will be in my uniform, at my register, and still have people ask, "Are you open?"

    -_- I am at my register in my uniform. What do you think I am. I know its not a huge deal, but I totally get where you're coming from.

    I just tell myself that they are just timid, and that I should be nice to them. They might need that "extra" security to avoid embarrassing themselves, just in case you didn't work there.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      Thank you! That's actually a very NICE way of putting it. More people should have your kinds of answers.

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      • [Old Memory]
        10 years ago

        Your welcome :) I understand your frustration first-hand

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  • Shackleford96
    10 years ago

    Punch the next one in the face, that will teach 'em.

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  • DragonQueen
    10 years ago

    Yeah that annoys me and I don't even work there! Stupid morons. I think u should just say ah ha. and nod. Or is that not good enough. I worked in DSW and they wanted me to (get this) put my arm around one Customer and say how are u. Can u believe that shit. I told them I can get sued for touching people. And eventually quit. It shows these stores expects you to give Great Customer Service without getting much in return. I hate retail, But I guess it's a job. Good luck to ya!

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  • Couman
    10 years ago

    One time I made the mistake of wearing a red shirt at Target and someone DIDN'T ask that. They just launched straight into their question about toasters or whatever.

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  • Holzman_67
    10 years ago

    Lol it was a nightmare for me when I worked at the airport. I worked in air freight but i'd frequently visit the passenger terminal on my breaks to get food. I'd get asked all sorts of questions by people, most of which I had no idea (the freight terminal/department was completely seperate. It was only cos I was wearing high vis so I stuck out like dogs balls. People would just assume. How I wish they had all asked "do you work here" so I could clarify!

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  • KingRabbit
    10 years ago

    Start watching video around 6:20.

    http://www.ted.com/talks/charlie_todd_the_shared_experience_of_absurdity.html

    Then watch the whole thing because it is great.

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  • pantyrose
    10 years ago

    You shouldn't be mad. Sometimes people just want to be sure if you actually work their before assuming that you do. If you hate getting asked this question, I would suggest that you find another job. You're pretty rude.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      10 years ago

      That is partly why I am trying to get another job, though I didn't mention it in my post for this reason. If I was really rude, then I WOULD be answering with "Well, duh!" or "No, I'm wearing their uniform for fun." I don't though, bc I try to be nice no matter how much it bothers me. So you really can't say much about being rude when you judge people.

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      • Usenoname
        10 years ago

        Oh please. It's common courtesy. You seem like the typically wrong fit, for any customer service job, which is why most people really dislike having to deal with employees working in customer service, always the, "I hate my job" attitudes and lackadaisical work ethic. On top of this type of petty complaining. Really? You dislike customers asking if you work there? Is that so tasking? No. Quite spoiled and ignorant as well, as you have a job to begin with, be positive and friendly, like you should be, working with people. Now say someone wearing a damn polo and Dickies IS asked, and does not work at whichever store. Offends them. Goodness gracious, forbid them for being respectful (as YOU should be being towards them) and having common sense. This is what makes me laugh at people working in customer service, immature people with no people skills and an attitude. "How did you get this job? Oh, ok. HAVE A GREAT DAY!".

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