I don’t necessarily work in retail, but I think some of the retail stereotypes still apply at my bookstore job. I’ve had some interesting experiences. And I’ve really learned a lot.  Probably the biggest thing I’ve learned is how to make and deal with a mistake. Some situations are just rough. Here are a few rough situations:

1) When telling a customer you can help them at register 3, never say “I can check you out right here.”

2) When trying to recover from saying “I can check you out right here”, don’t say “I mean, I can do you right here.” Just don’t.

3) When asking a not too shabby looking guy for a phone number under his account, don’t say “Can I have your number?”

4) When answering the phone, remember that this is your territory and the other person probably feels just as uncomfortable.

5) But in case you still are nervous, don’t stumble over your own words, e.g., “Is there any other answers that you have that I can question?” Just take your time and get the words out correctly. Yeah…

6) Don’t read sad books when there are no customers to help. You might start crying.

7) When dealing with a crabby customer, try not to talk to them like they’re a child. “It doesn’t look like we can buy this book back.” Moments later, “We’re still unable to buy this book back… See this water damage? We can’t buy any books back with water damage… This book, we’re unable to buy it back… I’m sorry, we can’t buy this book… Okay, let me try this one more time and we’ll see if you can understand. WE CAN’T BUY THIS BOOK BACK.” At times like these, I’m glad I’m not a manager.