Shopping Etiquettes

Not all shoppers or associates will be polite while you are out shopping and every now and then someone will be exceptionally rude. Don't let one person ruin your shopping experience. Let's understand things from the point of view of the associate and the shopper:-

First from the Associates View:-

They are human beings just like you and me. Try not to be rude to an associate. They can have a bad day and be a little cranky sometimes. Most often you can just over look it. If they are rude with you then talk to the manager.
Associates do not know where everything is just because they work in that store. But they should be willing to inquire for you or direct you to assistance. If a store is extremely busy and you need assistance remember and associate can only help one person at a time. Be patient as possible.
Don't get mad at an associate if a price is changed or they are out of an item. They should be able to answer questions about availability of items but they are not magicians. A genuine SMILE will draw more positive responses than anything.

Now from the Shoppers View:-

If you are frequent, certain store's retail associates will begin to know you by name and receive tips if you show interest in them and know their names.
Try using good manners when you're out shopping more store owners will be glad to see you.
Pick-up or put things back in place as you go. It usually takes only one step.
Realize the people at the store are doing their job and are there to assist and provide a service to you. It takes no effort to be congenial.
A pet-peeve of mine is cell phone misuse in public places. Common courtesy demands you to be sensitive to others around you when using your phone. If you must use it in a public setting, don't shout or share your conversation with the world. Not everyone wants to hear and sometimes it disturbs other activities you're unaware of.

HOW TO BE A GOOD CUSTOMER IN A CLOTHING SHOP?

People give a lot of consideration to customer service in the retail world, but rarely think about what it takes to be a good customer. Being a good customer can enhance your shopping experience because your good treatment to the sales associate will ensure they give you good treatment in return. This is written from the perspective of a person with years of retail experience.

Step 1 - Shop with Intent.

Try not to go "shopping" unless you plan to buy. It may be fun to occasionally try on clothes with friends, but it's an inconvenience for the sales associate. Assume the person behind the counter has other things to do besides just clean up the dressing rooms.

Step 2 - Be Positive.

Keep your criticisms to yourself. If you have a complaint, let the sales associate know face to face, not through comments under your breath or to your friend. The person behind the counter may have hand selected or created the items you are criticizing and the insult can create tension. There is a good chance the person working there knows more about the product than you, so be humble in your opinions.

Step 3 - Keep It Clean.

After trying on your clothes, hang or fold them as they were. Ask the sales associate if they would like you to bring them the clothes or leave them. Don't worry about returning your clothes. It is easier for them to rehang items correctly the first time than to rummage through the racks, making sure everything is facing the right way, tags are still attached, buttons are buttoned, etc. Notify the sales associate if something rips or falls apart while trying it on. It's unlikely they would make you purchase it, but it's nice to know so they can repair or remove it.

Step 4 - Communicate.

Ask questions. Strike up a conversation with the associate. Treat them as a human. Be kind and thoughtful and they will do the same for you. Spending money doesn't always make someone a good customer.

How to Practice Retail Store Shopping Cart Etiquette?

Some people call them shopping carts. Others call them buggies. Whatever you call that basket on wheels which transports your goods for purchase, please be mindful of it! Once upon a time, shopping carts could only be found in grocery stores. Now, they are everywhere, including at mass retailers such as home improvement stores, department stores, and drug stores. A shopping cart is a "vehicle" which you as the operator have sole responsibility for. You follow the rules of the road when driving (or should) . . . Have the same respect and consideration when using a shopping cart. There are four simple ways to practice shopping cart etiquette:-

Step 1 - Entering the store

Keep moving when you enter the store. Do not stop in the entrance and proceed to check your coupons or read the store advertisements. You will be oblivious to the traffic jam of incoming customers you are causing to build up behind you! Continue to walk into the store and locate a place where you will be out of the flow of traffic. After checking your surroundings to ensure you are not blocking anyone else, you can then organize your shopping plan. Begin your shopping with cart etiquette in mind.

Step 2 - Browsing the aisles

Directing a shopping cart is just like driving a car on the road. Whichever direction you are walking in, keep your cart to the right of the aisle. When browsing the shelves, park your cart parallel as close to the shelving as possible. Do not leave your cart parked haphazardly across the aisle! Be considerate of your fellow shoppers. Most stores aisles are more than wide enough for shopping carts to pass side by side. If you leave your cart and remain in the same aisle, be conscious of what sections you may be blocking. Be proactive and move your cart if you see another customer needs to reach that area. However, do not become annoyed and take it personally if another shopper moves your cart. Be diplomatic.

Step 3 - Checking out

Determine the best positioning of your shopping cart when checking out. It is ideal to enter the checkout lane with the cart behind you. Standing in front of the cart allows you to unload with the least amount of stretching. Once you have unloaded you basket, step to the rear. Your shopping cart will now be in front of you. When you reach the cashier, extend the cart forward so that the cashier is able to load your cart in a safe, efficient manner. Doing this also allows the customers behind you to place their items on the counter or checkout belt. The person with the arms full of purchases will thank you! Good manners allow you to think of the concerns and desires of others not just yourself.

Step 4 - Loading your vehicle in the parking lot

You have successfully negotiated the store and are ready to take your purchases to your vehicle. Continue to keep in mind your shopping cart etiquette. Remove all trash or debris which you have deposited into the cart. No one likes having to pick through messy carts to find a clean, trash-free one! Once you have transferred your items to your vehicle, place your shopping cart in the cart corral. Most stores will have them spaced throughout the parking lot. DO NOT leave carts strewn across the parking lot! Have you seen those signs that stores post stating that they will not be responsible for damage to vehicles from shopping carts? They post those signs because they are aware of the damage an unattended shopping cart can do. Specifically, door dents and car-cart collisions! Treat people the way you would want to be treated. You don't want damage done to your car, so do what you can to ensure it doesn't happen to others.