Rude customers make me wanna cry

[Dancing Lotus]

Why are people so mean and rude these days?
I have been running my friends shop for a few months now. She is unable to do it. I have no choice but to bring my kids. If I can't bring the kids, the store has to close.
I had the rudest woman today.. She was nasty to my kids and myself. They weren't doing anything persay, just trying to talk to her. She yelled at me and said the work place is not a place for children. Then she proceeded to tell to me "that's no way to run a business". She left shortly after that.

Look I get it's not ideal, but it's the only option I have at the moment. Now I feel bad, what if I am ruining my friends business? Business has been bad for the last few months, maybe it's me?

[ktsmama]

Some people are not satisfied no matter how ideal a situation is!!

I think that you are a great friend for helping out. I am sure it is just the economy slowing down business.

[McD]

I am so lucky to work in a business that allows me not to tolerate the rude customer.

I had an old lady start screaming at me (via the phone) that I was stupid. I asked her nicely to calm down or I would terminate the call. She called me effing stupid. I told her she was profane and that I was terminating the call. My boss is very supportive of that.

I would ask your friend how she would like for you to handle the situation. If she knows you bring your kids and is okay with it, then she should be okay with you telling the rude customers, "This is how we choose to operate our business. If you don't like it, please leave."

Some people are scummy. It seems I've had them all over the past few weeks.

[Contrary Housewife]

If the kids didn't set her off something else would have. It's her problem, not yours.

[Lora88]

She was probably miserable before she came in the store or maybe she doesnt like children either way it is not your fault your doing the best you can .There was no reason for her to act the way she did Dont let her bad humor ruin your day

[shoiji]

Ann, stop being so hard on yourself. I always notice people start getting rude and meaner around this time. It usually dosen't stop until the springtime.

You are not doing anthing wrong. The woman is just a a%hole.

[Dixie]

I agree with the others, she sounds like a miserable woman to begin with.

[pinetree]

I agree with the above, she was having a bad day and she took it out on you and your kids.

What you are doing for your friend is priceless, dont let her ruin it for you. You dont need customers like that. A friend told me that years ago when I started up. He was totally right!

Business will pick back up for you, its just slow right now.

[Dancing Lotus]

It really doesn't' matter about the business , we are closing the store at the end of the year. And please don't think I am a saint, she pays me. Not well , but I am paid none the less.

It just got to thinking about how many of our regulars no longer come to the store. I worry that my kids ran them off.

[Minner77]

Do your kids run up to them and throw things at them and call them evil names? Of course not. Then, it's probably other factors, such as that overarching factor: the economy.

People have a tendency to take things out on saleclerks and waitresses. They just do, for some awful reason.

You are being way, way too hard on yourself. You are doing a great kindness; give yourself the kindness of acknowledging that, recognizing your inherent dignity, and asking any future such shrews (Heaven forbid there be any!) to quickly make their way out the door.

[Daisygirl]

I think the workplace is a splendid place for children. I started my store specifically so I could bring my kids there - they come every day after school. Most of my customers really enjoy interacting with my kids, and it seems like a friendly community minded way to do business. I personally enjoy going into a business where you feel like you know the owner - and meeting their children is a great way to do that. More power to ya!

I think if that woman's mother had supervised her more and socialized her when she was young perhaps she would be more pleasant.

[Sassyclass]

It sounds like you met Ms. Scrooge. It seems like there is always one person out there that no matter how hard you try you can't make them happy. Hopefully she went home to her twin brother, I can't imagine a nice man would marry her, and was happily miserable with Mr. Scrooge. Don't let her or anyone like her get you down, it's the holidays and we are suppose to be a little more thoughtful of others and bless you for helping out your friend.

Cat

[dcompton]

Sounds like someone skipped her meds this morning, to me.

If a shop was friendly and had what I needed, I would not let the presence of children deter me from shopping there unless they were the Brats of the Year - and I'm sure yours are not. Ditto with a cat, a dog, or anything else. I think it's nice to see a shop a little humanized. As all the others have said, don't take it to heart.

We've all seen it - like the guy in front of me in the grocery store one day who began yelling at the checker because he thought bell peppers were too expensive. This was her fault? I also agree that it may be the holiday season gearing up that is beginning to put people on edge.

[zakity]

Sounds like someone needed to unscrew the corncob a few notches this morning and forgot.

If your kids were being polite and mannerly, it isn't your kids. You don't seem like the type of mom who would allow their kids to be unruly and bratty. So, I really really really doubt it was your kids.

I don't have an issue with kids at a business. I think it is great. How else are they supposed to learn a good work ethic? Think of all the lessons your children are learning.

[Nana2two]

People have been rude since forever. Anytime you work in the public be prepared to recieved crap. Doesnt make it right. But some are just down right mean.