This list was inspired by standing in line at Wal-Mart to return a screwdriver that broke. I know, why would I buy a screwdriver at Wal-Mart? Long story. Let’s just say it was an emergency purchase that did not go well. I hope you enjoy the list.
Top Ten Things Not to do in Customer Service.
10 If you are next at the customer service desk, do not fall asleep. If you do, at best you will get yelled at by the crowd. At worst, you will not hear the word “Next” and will be knocked off your feet by the person behind you. This could lead to a severe injury or worse falling on your returns which could be glass Christmas ornaments.
9 If you are at the customer service desk, have your receipt ready. If you don’t, at best you will take precious time to find it causing your line mates to want to kill you with their bare hands. At worst, the time it takes to find the receipt will be multiplied exponentially for the last person in line who might just pass away from old age.
8 If you are in line at customer service, do not sigh loudly when the person in front of you does not have a receipt. If you do, at best you may get some evil looks and bad words. At worst, the person at the customer service desk will take the exception to your sigh and you may have to defend your audacity with real knuckles,
7 If you are at the customer service desk and have lost your receipt, do not try to talk the clerk into a refund. If you do, at best you will waste yours and everyone else’s time. At worst, you might just be in the presence of a classical professor from the local college who will figure out how to have you towed by your feet around the city much like Achilles dragged Hector around Troy.
6 If you are in line at customer service, do not believe you will get to the desk quickly. If you do, at best you will cause your blood pressure to rise. At worst, you will initiate internal tension that could culminate in a rampage through the store certainly leading to your arrest if not mandatory treatment in the local state mental hospital.
5 If you are planning to go to customer service, do not drink that big gulp of cola before arriving. If you do, at best you will be mildly uncomfortable as the line creeps along. At worst, you will have a full-out emergency and will be unsuccessful having someone hold your place. You will lose your place in line and have to begin all over again.
4 If you are in the customer service line and feel faint, do not fall down and try to remain in place. If you do fall down, at best you will lose your place in line. At worst you will lie in the store unnoticed by store personnel until closing time. Of course, all the patrons who pass your comatose body will secretly be grateful to you for dropping out of line and making their wait shorter.
3 If you are at the end of the line at customer service, do not look to the front for the purpose of trying to figure out how long the wait will be. If you do, at best you will calculate the wait to be more time than you thought. At worst, when you divide the amount of transaction time by the number of available hours the result will be more hours than the store is open. This will cause a feeling of panic which has at its root the fact that you traveled fifteen miles out of your way getting here and do not have the time to wait.
2 If you finally get to the front of the line at customer service, do not try to explain anything to the clerk. If you do, at best you will waste time by missing the critical questions on whether the item is damaged and would you like the refund in cash or on the card? At worst, you will tell the clerk enough to give away the fact that the item was a gift and that the receipt is actually a forgery which was produced by your uncle while currently serving time in the federal penitentiary for making phony hundred-dollar bills. (it really is a good forgery though)
1 Once you have finished with the customer clerk, do not take the time with idle chit-chat. If you do, at best you will have the clerk yelling “I can help the next customer here,” over your attempt to be friendly. At worst, you might just cause a swell behind you of those wanting you to move which might lead to several of the older people being pushed down and are incapable of getting up because their Life Alert is out of batteries and they were in line for a rain check for the battery special which now looks impossible.
Fiction Favorites 
#4 makes me think people will take pictures and videos with their phones.
#1 really gets me when it happens at a bank or post office. It’s really aggravating when you’re the only other person on line and you see other people behind the counter.
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At my age, I have watched customer service become an oxymoron.
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It really is a hectic area to work. I used to do the return desk at a Home Depot. It’s not fun and you end up having to get abused for the entire shift.
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Great list, John! The whole receipt thing is SO important. If I can’t find my receipt, I don’t even bother 😉
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True. Unless you bring a gun.
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Reblogged this on 1WriteWay and commented:
What could be more fun than standing in line at customer service? John Howell explains what things NOT to do when you’re stuck at customer service.
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True but made me laugh. I am glad I live in a small town so the lines are never very long.
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I’m habitually guilty of #8 – how can you wait that long and not be prepared?
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I have actually had someone turn around and say “this would be easier if you would quit yelling at me.” One sigh got that reaction.
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It’s always a good idea to have a small flask on hand too…
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THERE YOU GO !!!!!!
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Ha ha! I loved #4, John!
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Thanks Jill I’m glad
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This was very entertaining :-).
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Thank you.
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Why am I thinking you had a bunch of holiday gifts to return?? 🙂
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One screwdriver, which I bought against my better judgement. I only get three gifts at Christmas (agreement between the family and I to keep the spirit alive) so not too much left to return.
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For waiting in a customer service line at Walmart (possibly during the holidays) … for buying a scrrewdriver at Walmart, No Gold Star for You!
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Mea Culpa on both counts
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I hate lines, but when I’m in one, I’ll think about this list and smile. 🙂
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Thanks Dale.
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#5 is true. So true in every moment. Just say no to the big gulp. Thanks for the laughs just before bed, John.
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Glad to bring a laugh. *smile*
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I am an adherent to number 3 every time!
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I always get into trouble by trying to factor wait times. Makes the wait seem even longer.
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Sure does – patience really is a virtue
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Hi John, I got a huge chuckle reading this… especially liked the ones about computing transportation time and getting depressed – and the very true advice about the big gulp cola. That goes for a large Starbucks, too! (wonder how I know so much about this?) 😀
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Ha ha ha. I think we have all made the same mistake. We learn (over time)
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I always send hubby, which solves my problem. Actually, he’s such a regular at our Home Depot that he has his own designated line. Just kidding. 🙂
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I know how it is. His name is in the light above the cashier.
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Perfect! Sooooo….I should throw away all of those receipts my uncle made for me?
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Happy new year. Yes, take them to the shredder now.
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Done! Happy New Year!
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