by Todd Hicks

Created on: November 11, 2009

Do you own or work at a place that involves frequent contact with customers? Are you familiar with the phrase that goes "the customer is always right"? Are you someone who is interested in learning how to use good etiquette as a customer? Although customers pretty much rule a business, they are not always right and there are certain things they should not do or be allowed to get away with. The purpose of this article is to discuss when customers are wrong, what you can do when customers are out of line and how you should conduct yourself as a customer.

One thing a customer has no right to do to a store employee or manager is give her disrespect. He may not insult or harass you or direct curse words toward you. If he does this, you may advise him to stop this behavior or be asked to leave the store.

Another thing a customer should not do is extensively argue with the personnel to get their way. If a customer insists on pestering you after you have done everything you can to help her or you have explained that nothing more can be done about a particular matter or policy, try walking away. If she follows you, you may order her to leave or call for security.

There should be zero tolerance for customers threatening, putting their hands on or committing violence against the personnel or fellow customers. If a customer does any of these things, you should notify or have other store personnel notify security or the police.

Use good sense in dealing with a customer who uses profanity. If he does this, you should ask him to stop, especially if kids are around or another customer complains about his use of profanity.

As a customer, you should be considerate with how you use your cell phone. Do not talk too loud or too long, especially if you are in line. Please finish your conversation before you reach the clerk at the checkout register.

Customers should not constantly return merchandise for the sake of it or be allowed to do it. If a customer makes this a habit, the manager should make her permanently ineligible for returns. Several years ago, a lady was banned from an entire department store chain for returning things too often.

Customers are wrong when they create a disturbance. This includes being too noisy, running around and acting like a fool. Customers who do this can be ordered to leave or be arrested.

Customers must be respectful of store property. They may not morally or legally break items intentionally or taste food without paying for it. If you buy food from a fast food joint, you may not litter or leave behind your wrappers or bags on the counter or parking lot; in fact, I almost got prosecuted for doing this about twenty years ago.

Customers should not do something that can make personnel uncomfortable by invading their personal space. There used to be a sign at the teller window at one of my bank branches that said, "Please do not lean over the counter."

If a hair stylist or waiter gives you good service, you are obligated to be gratuitous. You are wrong if you do not leave a tip of at least a dollar or two.

You have learned how customers can be wrong and what can be done about it.

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