Rules of Etiquette: How to Be a Polite Shopper

Working in retail has left me disappointed in the way people shop. If you have worked in retail, then I'm sure you know where I'm coming from. If you haven't, you're probably wondering what I'm talking about. Because you see, if you've never worked in a retail store, then you just might be one of the shoppers I'm talking about. Let me explain: there are certain "rules of etiquette" you should be following while you're shopping. Those of us who work in a retail setting are fully aware of these "rules", and we adhere to them as if they are as important as dinner table manners. Because we know how rude shoppers can be, and we dare not be one of them. So now you're wondering what are these "rules"?

Rule number one. Cell phone use should be kept at a minimum. Nobody at the store wants to know your business. We don't care who you're going out with Saturday night, who just dumped Jane, and my favorite of all time, who gave who an unmentionable STD. Yes, people talk about anything and everything on their cell phones without regard to the people they're talking about and the people in the store. It's especially annoying to those of us working. Trying to get around a person on a cell phone blocking the aisleway is like trying to get someone's attention in a crowd: you almost have to hold up a sign that says, "I'M RIGHT HERE!" When you do finally get the point across, the cell phone user will shoot you a dirty look as if you're the one in the wrong. And last but not least about cell phone use: Do NOT be on your phone when you go through the checkout line. This is RUDE. If the cashier waiting on you worked in fast food, your items would've just been spat on. Talking on your cell phone holds up the entire line, and creates a domino effect. The cashier will get angry, the person behind you will get angry, the person behind them will get angry, and so on. If you choose to follow any of these "rules", this one is the most important.