Question by Quizzical Quinn: Do customer service employees in america really have to tolerate any abuse?
I’m not from the U.S. so I’m a bit surprised at what I’ve been reading on sites like notalwaysright, detailing some horror stories about how people working as cashiers, service agents, servers and the like get treated like crap by abusive, entitled, socially and emotionally retarded individuals who believe it’s their right to act like spoiled kinder-gardeners just because they’re customers.

Do the employees really have to take all that abuse? Isn’t there a certain point by which they can firmly though civilly inform those customers that they’re not welcome at the store and they have to go, or something of the sort?

I know there’s the whole customer’s always right policy where you have to make your customers happy, as they’re your source of income, but shouldn’t there be some sort of equity system, if by generally agreed policy if not by law, where the customer is obliged to show some common courtesy if they want to be serviced?

Best answer:

Answer by Dexter Arnold
Nobody has to.

In fact your employer can only require you to be professional.

A professional doesn’t sit and take abuse.

Customer isn’t always right. Often, buyers are liars. I’ve seen angry customers abuse me, talk to my supervisor and pretend they did nothing wrong and I somehow cheated them.

I have never had a problem saying in a loud, clear and steady voice that something is or is not true.

To quote Condi Rice:
“we can have this discussion any way you want but I’ll thank you not to impugn my integrity”

Answer by Murzy
when things get “hot”, it’s time to call your supervisor and turn it over to them

Add your own answer in the comments!

 

Preventing abuse in the UK: a matter of education

Filed under: abuse prevention

It is a problem that the Home Office is tackling with its re-launched This Is Abuse campaign which, refreshingly, turns the traditional prevention campaign on its head by challenging abusive attitudes and behaviours in boys and young men, rather than …
Read more on Open Democracy

 

Children's Trust asking for nomination for child abuse prevention awards

Filed under: abuse prevention

A non-profit helping put a stop to child abuse in the Roanoke and New River Valleys needs your help finding nominations for their "Golden Halo Awards." Each year, Children's Trust recognizes those in our community who go above and beyond to protect our …
Read more on WSLS

 

Legion of Christ reaffirms commitment to addressing sex abuse

Filed under: abuse prevention

Fr. Heerman outlined what the Legion has done to deal with sex abuse, as well as “the principles that guide the actions of the Legion in the prevention of sexual abuse and in responding to allegations made against any of our brothers.” The letter comes …
Read more on Catholic News Agency

 

Santa Barbara Cities Receive Gang Grants

Filed under: abuse prevention

The project will consist of a comprehensive strategy of intensive case management, education, paid job internships and substance abuse prevention and treatment. Those served will be 120 young men and women aged 14 to 18 who have been involved in …
Read more on Santa Barbara Edhat