Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
You know how you enter the store to get some milk, only to see the shelf full of pinot grigio right in the way, staring at you with no place to hide? This moment of pure impromptu is basically the essence of the “decisions were made here” meme that shows the lonely product (one intended to buy) standing in the midst of the indulgence section, whether it’s beer or ice cream.
But no matter how funny it may be in the joke format, the reality is a tiny bit different. It turns out, it’s one of the most annoying things customers do while shopping, according to supermarket employees—not even mentioning taking a thing out of its package and leaving it lying out somewhere.
Below is the list of seriously annoying stuff we should all quit immediately if we ever want good shopping karma.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Accurate
#2
When People Stop In The Middle Of An Aisle And Act Like They're The Only Ones In The Store
#3
"If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You."
!["If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You."](https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/5f92a01806dc0_YOx7EgQ__700.jpg "\"If You Let Your Kids Do This, [screw] You.\"")
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
This is really annoying. What kind of parents are them? How do they educate those children?
Back in the 1950s and '60s, the vibe at supermarkets was totally different. According to author Blake Morgan, “brands treated customers like they didn’t have brain cells and used loud and obnoxious voices and obviously exaggerated print.”
It all changed with Ogilvy, the father of advertising who said that you gotta treat customers like you treat your family members. Because, essentially, they’re potential clients.
Then, the now-famous phrase “the customer is always right” was pioneered by successful retailers named Harry Gordon Selfridge, John Wanamaker, and Marshall Field. This approach stuck with us for many years to come, and it’s still in use today. But critics claim it doesn’t work in the current times.
#4
If You Really Love Your Heros, Consider This
Laugh or not 4 years ago
Yes, calling people 'heroes' for doing their jobs is a good way to pat them on the back, congratulate them and avoid thinking about work conditions and salaries.
#5
"Retail Workers Know What I Mean"
#6
Getting Told The Same Joke
In the times of consumerism, customers are no longer the perfect beings worthy of praise. According to the author Alexander Kjerulf, sticking to the “customer is always right” mantra has multiple adverse effects.
It makes employees unhappy, it gives abrasive customers an unfair advantage, it results in worse customer service, and it ignores the fact that some customers are just plain wrong.
Even if being customer-centric is part of the customer experience, that doesn’t mean brands and companies have to follow it blindly. They should rather seek a smart balance in making both customers and their workers equally happy.
#7
"Working In Retail Is A Special Type Of Hell"
Martha Meyer 4 years ago
When I was a kid, customers had to pay for stuff they dropped and destoyed. Doesn't seem a thing anymore.
#8
This Is Accurate
#9
Customers Who Don't Say Hi
cybermerlin2000 4 years ago
I always say Hi and I'm very cheerful about it because I feel like they have taken the time to be nice
#10
When They Act Like Masks Don't Apply To Them
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
I was in Wal-Mart yesterday and I saw ONE family not wearing masks. I'm pretty sure the dude looked just like this. The woman had her stupid head held high DARING people to stare at her. I did. And whispered loudly to my son "don't be like THOSE people". I really hate being like that but damn.
Molly Block 4 years ago
Good for you, Becca!! It's great people like you who have the courage to stand up and call out the losers who don't GAF about their fellow citizens, OR their children! Those covidiots are putting everyone at risk, even babies!!
Load More Replies...
Molly Block 4 years ago
Would like to just point out to username "JAY LOREN" below that maybe he should ask his doctor/nurse/surgeon why they wear their masks! Maybe next time Jay Loren has some kind of surgery, he'd be okay with all of the medical team NOT wearing masks, nor gloves, nor shields.... because he seems to be the kind of person who is in denial.
Kelly Hartle 4 years ago
We have a booth selling rocks, gems and minerals, and at the last show a woman came up without a mask, even though all the entrances notified customers that they are required. She came up with several items to buy, and my husband asked her to put on a mask. She dumped all the items on the table, said, "F*** you" and stalked off. I'm actually glad we didn't sell anything to her.
Thomas Biorogue 4 years ago
I don't get this one. It's definitely not accurate. I wear my shades on my hat like that, I wear a mask in the store. I've seen people from all walks of life not wearing a mask.
eimipet 4 years ago
No. Absolutely not. No. No no no no. My mom wears a hat like that and puts her sunglasses like that and she gets so upset when she sees someone not wearing a mask. I can’t even think about her being someone like that. Edit: sorry, I was angry when I posted this, it kinda just ignited me, can anyone tell me how to delete a post?
WildBerry 4 years ago (edited)
To delete your post, you should see a row of 3 of dots to the right of your name. Click on the dots. Then you should see 'edit' 'delete' Click delete. Just so you know - I think your post is fine. No need to delete it.
Load More Replies...
Carmen Honacker 4 years ago
HAHAHAHAHA, but they are missing the MAGA hat and some American flag sporting clothing article.
Kathryn Baylis 4 years ago
“I ain’t wearing no mask in your business!” Well, first off, that’s a double negative, so you actually just said you will wear a mask in our business. Otherwise, “No Mask, No Admittance, No Service!”
Mittens Wiggum 4 years ago
or wears it below their nose / under their chin - "Hey can I interest you in buying a chocolate teapot while you're at it?"
Steve Cruz 4 years ago
Hopefully store owners and managers back up workers who REFUSE SERVICE. No-mask clowns seem to think they have a right to be in the store. IT'S PRIVATE PROPERTY, FOOLS.
Ole Peder Amrud Hagen 4 years ago
That's simply the starter pack for '40+ white, American male, unschooled, reactionary dickhead'.
Bev Vee 3 years ago
Some folks can’t wear masks. Those of child abuse, epileptics, anxiety sufferers. Be kind. You never know what someone is going through. I have a handicap tag but look perfectly fine on the outside. I suffer from fibromyalgia fatigue and cannot tell you how many times I’ve needed to have the car near the front of the store.
John Baker 4 years ago
And once again, right-wingers waste no time in proving they'd be outgunned in a battle of wits with a fence post.
pets & plants 4 years ago
Well I’m annoyed when I see a cashier who’s supposed to be wearing one not wearing one properly so what’s the point of even having it.
Rita Maneata 4 years ago
I am tired of these f*****s and I am no longer going to serve them. Not wearing a mask says that you don't care about anyone else you associate with and that's disrespectful.
fenderfan85 4 years ago
The only people I've seen not wearing masks and making a big scene when asked to do so are middle aged overweight black women.....shocking
Diane Patrick 4 years ago
They know the pandemic is fake unlike the sheep that blindly follow MSM.
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Looks like the gear that Derek Chauvin wore when he killed Georg Floyd.
TheExtremeSmell 4 years ago
Yeah that’s right! That’s why vote trump bc he only cares about other people and never how he looks or is perceived and is a war hero basically.
Load More Replies...
Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
Of course not! Fortunately, Vice President Biden isn’t a child molester, whilst your lord and saviour Donald Trump was connected with Jeffrey Epstein, for one, and a misogynist, sexist, racist, fucktard whose head is so far up his ass that if he had appendicitis he could remove his own appendix with his teeth.
Load More Replies... Aragorn II Elessar 4 years ago
This again? Remember what I said about reliable sources a couple of days ago?
Load More Replies... #11
Sounds About Right
#12
All The Employees Have To Do Is Put Stuff Away...right?
"If you do this, f**k you."
#13
When Customers Leave Stuff From Other Aisles In Places They Shouldn't Be
postboredom 4 years ago
You don't have to work in a supermarket to hate this...I feel for you all.
#14
"I Think We All Can Relate. Am I Right?"
#15
When They Tell Employees Their Whole Life Story
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago (edited)
Yup, I have heard about a women having a colonoscopy, a woman being a prostitute and that the fella with her was her pimp and bf, a guy with a big bandage telling me about his infection that was literally oozing pus etc. Some things we just don’t need or want to know.
#16
"Any Season"
#17
When Guests Forget The Entire Reason Employees Are In The Store
#18
When They Walk In Just Before Closing
WilvanderHeijden 4 years ago
Just close the doors 5 to 10 minutes minutes before closing time and only let customers out. Common practice in the Netherlands.
#19
When Customers Forget How A Store Works
#20
When They Come .5 Seconds Before Closing Time
Csaba Hegedűs 4 years ago
In my country it is mandatory by law to have 'online cash registers' everywhere, that works like sending all data directly to some tax office or anything. It means if a shop is officially open from like 9 to 18, they can't sell you stuff AFTER 18, because register will note the tax office that out of business hours this shop was doing business. Therefore, shops can legally tell people who come this late that sorry, if you can't make your purchase in the next ten seconds, we can't legally serve you.
#21
"Black Friday As A Wal-Mart Employee."
#22
When Customers Leave Their Dirty Trash In The Carts
#23
Customers Are Relentless
#24
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago (edited)
"Well, let me think a bit about this generous offer you made... NO!"
#25
Even Though Zebra Says 1 But Not Binned In Anywhere
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
You just go in the back, rest for 5 minutes and come back to tell him "No. We don't have it. I checked everywhere"
#26
Things-Supermarket-Employees-Hate
A.M. Pierre 4 years ago
And yet I did get charged twice at a bookstore once when this happened. Took forever to get my money back. I realize that's an exception, not the rule, but I am wary now.
#28
"Why I Hate Working In Retail."
#29
When Customers Disappear After Employees Go Into The Back To Get Something For Them
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
Reminds me the scene with Rowan Atkinson and Alan Rickman in the movie "Love Actually"
#30
Cough Cough
Foxxy (The Original) 4 years ago
I feel awful for my son. He spits when he talks because of a few reasons. He has a lateral lisp which causes excess saliva and he has low muscle tone in his mouth which causes him to still dribble and not have as much control as most people do. I worry how that will impact him as he gets older.
#31
Those Coupons Though
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
*Beverly Goldberg (please tell me you guys watch that show).
#33
When People Leave Food In A Cart
Shelli Aderman 4 years ago
Carts need a sign, like, “Don’t complain about rising prices of food when you do this s**t!”
#34
When People Take Something Out Of Its Package And Just Leave It There
Tiari 4 years ago
I admit: I did that once or twice. The packaging had no information about the fabric on it, but I need that info for my decision. Afterwards I really really tried getting the stuff back in the packaging, but gave up after 5 to 10 minutes. If the damn manufacturer is not able to print the f*****g type of fabric on the packaging and I have no chance getting the stuff back in the packaging because it was packed under a vacuum... sorry. And yes. I asked staff about the type of fabric, and mostly the answer is a blank stare and an „I don’t know...“
#35
When They Beckon An Employee Over Like They're A Trained Animal
#36
Things Supermarket Employees Hate
#37
Who Just Decided "No" On The TV?
Bardhi's Dad 4 years ago
I really don't understand how people can do things like this. It's so...
#38
When They Don't Recognize The Difference Between In-Store And Online
#39
"98% Of Customers Are Illiterate"
troufaki13 4 years ago
Sometimes this discount applies only to certain items and it isn't always clear which one
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Jayson Hammer 4 years ago
Everyone should have to work in a service industry job for a month (at least). I'm pretty sure it would cut down on a lot of this sort of thing happening.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
I wish I could up vote you 1000 times.
Load More Replies...
Hans 4 years ago
I do not think this reflects normal customer behaviour. One respectless will outweighs 99 considerate ones. And most of the things shown here are likewise annoying to other customers than to staff.
Bob Belcher 4 years ago
It doesn't, 95% of people don't do any of this. But you don't hear about the boring normal customers.
Load More Replies...
Falcon 4 years ago
I think I could never work on retail. If I'd see any of the crap people pull I'd lose all filters and go off on them. I was taught to be respectful to other people and things I do not own. Clearly there are people that just don't have the mental capacity to understand that.
Bob Belcher 4 years ago
Those they don't need to work in retail. I will make sure my kids both have summer jobs in retail dealing with customers. It teaches patients and how to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Load More Replies...
Carney 4 years ago
I've worked retail, both as a worker and a manager. Some customers are idiots and very entitled behaving. However, some retail workers are lazy, rude and disinterested in helping anyone. They can be rude, nasty and dishonest. So, yeah...nasty people on both sides. Saying this, there is NEVER any excuse for being rude, nasty, entitled or demeaning toward anyone, including someone who is this way toward you. If you are a customer and an employee is less than professional, find the manager and complain, but be honest, be polite and try not labeling someone for one bad day.
Jason Marin 2 years ago
Here's two. 1. If an item is on sale, it tends to go pretty fast. Had a female customer who was looking for bread on sale but there was none on the shelf. I went in the back and couldn't find the bread I'm looking for. I go back to the store and explain that we're completely out. This then turns into this. Her: But it's on sale. It's even in the paper and since it's on sale it should be on the shelf. Me: Yes, Ma'am but sometimes when an item is on sale it tends to go rather quickly. Repeat conversation 5X before another employee comes up and watch as the explanation is repeated the same amount of times. 2. When you say an item is a certain price and I have to do a price check, if my price is different then your's and you insist on seeing the price for yourself, the price I'm pointing to is the actual price. It's not the price to the left of the item. It's not the price to the right of the item. It's not on the shelf above or below of item. The price is where I'm pointing. Period.
Sirt TenTea 4 years ago
One thing to add to the HATE list: Instore Radio. If I hear "More Than Words" one more time or one more Maddona tune I'd like to take a hammer to the loudspeakers.!
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
Yeah,yeah I get it. All customers are assholes and retailers are poor downtrodden saints. In the interest of fairness how about posting things that retailers do that customers hate?
Kathy Smith 4 years ago
I’d like to see a list of things that decent, polite customers hate about rude, oblivious clerks.
John Baker 4 years ago
This is something that annoys me not as a worker, but as a shopper. You're going for the next item on your shopping list and someone is standing in the exact spot where the item is located just staring at the shelves. You wait a few minutes before deciding to grab a few other items and come back later. You come back ten or fifteen minutes later and Mr. I Smoked Five Joints Before Coming To The Store is still standing there staring.
Xandra, The Little Hufflepuff 4 years ago
Reading this gave me an anyurism, because I am going to work in half an hour and I work in a grocery store
Jeff Diamond 4 years ago
I worked retail for a few years, and I swore I would never do it again. Examples like these only make my conviction stronger.
Mimi777 4 years ago
Ahh even though I can relate to most of the these I still loved my job I spent 6 years work at a I guess u would call it a high end clothing store. I love the people I worked with and most of the customers. There were entitled rude ones but the good ones made up for it. And the pay and bonuses were really good.
Katrina B. 4 years ago
They forgot the biggest pet peeve (at least for places with them): putting the carts in the corrals!!
Jaybird3939 4 years ago
Asking how much something is at The Dollar Store. It's the dollar store, not somewhere that it could be .50 or 2.50 or $5. It's the dollar store.
TimesNewLogan 4 years ago
Some countries have mandatory military service for a year. The US should have mandatory retail service for a year.
Krazy Kat 4 years ago
So many of these have the words "old people" when in my experience as an "old" person who has worked in retail, it seems to me that the younger people who seem to feel entitled are a bigger problem.
Tien 4 years ago
So many comments about putting the money on the counter instead of in someone's hand. In large parts of the world it's common to put the money on the counter and it would be considered rude to hold out a hand for change. Hey BP, the world consists of more than just the US of Absurd you know? America might think it's great and the best at everything, but the rest of us really don't
Jayson Hammer 4 years ago
Everyone should have to work in a service industry job for a month (at least). I'm pretty sure it would cut down on a lot of this sort of thing happening.
Becca Gizmo the Squirrel 4 years ago
I wish I could up vote you 1000 times.
Load More Replies... Hans 4 years ago
I do not think this reflects normal customer behaviour. One respectless will outweighs 99 considerate ones. And most of the things shown here are likewise annoying to other customers than to staff.
Bob Belcher 4 years ago
It doesn't, 95% of people don't do any of this. But you don't hear about the boring normal customers.
Load More Replies... Falcon 4 years ago
I think I could never work on retail. If I'd see any of the crap people pull I'd lose all filters and go off on them. I was taught to be respectful to other people and things I do not own. Clearly there are people that just don't have the mental capacity to understand that.
Bob Belcher 4 years ago
Those they don't need to work in retail. I will make sure my kids both have summer jobs in retail dealing with customers. It teaches patients and how to deal with uncomfortable situations.
Load More Replies... Carney 4 years ago
I've worked retail, both as a worker and a manager. Some customers are idiots and very entitled behaving. However, some retail workers are lazy, rude and disinterested in helping anyone. They can be rude, nasty and dishonest. So, yeah...nasty people on both sides. Saying this, there is NEVER any excuse for being rude, nasty, entitled or demeaning toward anyone, including someone who is this way toward you. If you are a customer and an employee is less than professional, find the manager and complain, but be honest, be polite and try not labeling someone for one bad day.
Jason Marin 2 years ago
Here's two. 1. If an item is on sale, it tends to go pretty fast. Had a female customer who was looking for bread on sale but there was none on the shelf. I went in the back and couldn't find the bread I'm looking for. I go back to the store and explain that we're completely out. This then turns into this. Her: But it's on sale. It's even in the paper and since it's on sale it should be on the shelf. Me: Yes, Ma'am but sometimes when an item is on sale it tends to go rather quickly. Repeat conversation 5X before another employee comes up and watch as the explanation is repeated the same amount of times. 2. When you say an item is a certain price and I have to do a price check, if my price is different then your's and you insist on seeing the price for yourself, the price I'm pointing to is the actual price. It's not the price to the left of the item. It's not the price to the right of the item. It's not on the shelf above or below of item. The price is where I'm pointing. Period.
Sirt TenTea 4 years ago
One thing to add to the HATE list: Instore Radio. If I hear "More Than Words" one more time or one more Maddona tune I'd like to take a hammer to the loudspeakers.!
Kenny Kulbiski 4 years ago
Yeah,yeah I get it. All customers are assholes and retailers are poor downtrodden saints. In the interest of fairness how about posting things that retailers do that customers hate?
Kathy Smith 4 years ago
I’d like to see a list of things that decent, polite customers hate about rude, oblivious clerks.
John Baker 4 years ago
This is something that annoys me not as a worker, but as a shopper. You're going for the next item on your shopping list and someone is standing in the exact spot where the item is located just staring at the shelves. You wait a few minutes before deciding to grab a few other items and come back later. You come back ten or fifteen minutes later and Mr. I Smoked Five Joints Before Coming To The Store is still standing there staring.
Xandra, The Little Hufflepuff 4 years ago
Reading this gave me an anyurism, because I am going to work in half an hour and I work in a grocery store
Jeff Diamond 4 years ago
I worked retail for a few years, and I swore I would never do it again. Examples like these only make my conviction stronger.
Mimi777 4 years ago
Ahh even though I can relate to most of the these I still loved my job I spent 6 years work at a I guess u would call it a high end clothing store. I love the people I worked with and most of the customers. There were entitled rude ones but the good ones made up for it. And the pay and bonuses were really good.
Katrina B. 4 years ago
They forgot the biggest pet peeve (at least for places with them): putting the carts in the corrals!!
Jaybird3939 4 years ago
Asking how much something is at The Dollar Store. It's the dollar store, not somewhere that it could be .50 or 2.50 or $5. It's the dollar store.
TimesNewLogan 4 years ago
Some countries have mandatory military service for a year. The US should have mandatory retail service for a year.
Krazy Kat 4 years ago
So many of these have the words "old people" when in my experience as an "old" person who has worked in retail, it seems to me that the younger people who seem to feel entitled are a bigger problem.
Tien 4 years ago
So many comments about putting the money on the counter instead of in someone's hand. In large parts of the world it's common to put the money on the counter and it would be considered rude to hold out a hand for change. Hey BP, the world consists of more than just the US of Absurd you know? America might think it's great and the best at everything, but the rest of us really don't
Related on Bored Panda
