My First Ever "Customer thinks I work here" Incident.

[TheTigress]

This happened not 30 minutes ago.

I had just gotten off work (I work at Subway) and decided to swing by Albertsons (grocery store common in WA state) to pick up a few things for dinner.

Of course since I have just gotten off work I am still in my Subway clothes. The Subway shirts are a darker green while the shirts the Albertsons workers wear are blue.

I was in the veggie section looking at the Plantains (banana-like plant) with shopping basket in my hand, making it obvious that I'm there to shop and suddenly this lady comes up. The following convo ensues:

Me = Yours truely
RL = Random Lady
-----------------------------
Me: *looking at the plantains and sort of spacing off because I'm exhausted*

RL: *approaches* Hey, do you guys still sell the pre-made guacemole?

Me: *Suprised* Uhh...I don't work here..

RL: Ooh I'm sorry I saw your shirt and I figured you were an employee.

Me: *gives a nervous half smile and walks over to the register to pay for my stuff*

She wasn't necessarily sucky or anything, just found it kinda funny that she would mistake me for an Albertsons worker considering their workers are all dressed in blue, and the store itself has a blueish theme altogether.

On a final note, who on earth would ever *want* the pre-made guacemole? I think that stuff tastes like preservative-laden ass.

[blas]

People at Subway around here wear maroon shirts.....but hell, anyone who can read sees that it says SUBWAY, Sandwich Artist on those shirts.

Hooked on phonics really didn't work for some.

[Becks]

Congrats on this most special of retail occasions!!!

Have a cookie, courtesy of EQ.

[TheTigress]

Congrats on this most special of retail occasions!!!

Have a cookie, courtesy of EQ.

Ooh a cookie! *OM NOM NOM NOM!*

[TheTigress]

People at Subway around here wear maroon shirts.....but hell, anyone who can read sees that it says SUBWAY, Sandwich Artist on those shirts.

Hooked on phonics really didn't work for some.

The ones around here are green and don't have the "Sandwich Artist" part on them, but I have seen the maroon ones before. I think it depends on which Subway.

[Evil Queen]

Have a cookie, courtesy of EQ.

Beat me to it!

*gives more cookies*

Premade Guacamole is in the dairy section next to the French Onion dip. But I hate Guacamole anyways, so I don't care if it's fresh or pre-made.

No, I don't stalk my grocers. Why do you ask?

[HALFHUMANHALFZOMBIE]

When you are encountered by another person conversing with you for service by being off the clock off not being there at all the situation is by all means understanding especially when she apologises. Having someone see you leave the back room without a vest and demands service is a form of harassment in which I've been in a minor situation over.

One guy needed help and I was obviously off the clock because I didn't have a vest on and I told him that I was off the clock. The other guy that was with him said "well can you at least point to Menswear?" I just turned my back and walked away. You have no right to be pressured by someone when you are not paid to do service especially if you are rude. The only time I will help someone is when they realize that I don't work there or off the clock and ask for help very politely.

[powerboy]

I prefer homemade Guacamole. But only when I make it. I don't know what I do, but I make it better. but the premade Guacamole is alright, for when I am busy.

[cloudiko]

A similar situation like yours happened to me when I was in my local 7-11 one night after work. I was still dressed in my uniform (black pinstripe apron, black slacks, black button up shirt that had the name of the Pit on it) and a jacket. There were a huge group of asshole high school kids who had broken the slurpee machine, and I waded through them to try and get my precious, caffinated drink after my night in hell.

And thus, the following conversation:

Stupid kid: Hey, do you know why the slurpee machine isn't working?
Me:...(tries not to glare at the dumb kid)
Stupid kid: Don't you have a reset button in the back? I mean, could you make sure that xxx works? *stares at me when I don't immediately move*
Me: What? You're talking to me?
Stupid kid: *gives me a look as though I'm the idiot here*
Me: I don't work here. I just finished my shift in the pit of hell.
Stupid kid: Can't you fix the slurpee machine?
Me:...No.
Stupid kid: (silence)
Me: Let me spell it out for you: I DON'T WORK HERE.
Stupid kid:....Do you know who could fix the slurpee machine?
Me:

However, welcome to the finest of all traditions: You work somewhere else and people expect that you - in all of your uniformed glory - happen to work in several other places too. And when you let them know you don't...there's mass confusion.

Here, have a cookie, Tigress.

[Sarlon]

heh I felt kinda stupid when I stopped someone who actually DID work at the store I was shopping at, I asked if she could answer one quick question....she said she was just about to leave but she'd try any way....I asked her, and she said "oh, I'm sorry I actually don't know where that is.....but let me get someone who can help you."

I politely said "naw....you said your off work go on, I'll find it myself" and walked away. I could almost hear the relief in her voice....but was I wrong to stop and ask her a question when she appeared to be in a hurry?

If i was.....was i rude for saying forget it..albeit politely....and walking away?

[Jester]

She wasn't necessarily sucky or anything, just found it kinda funny that she would mistake me for an Albertsons worker considering their workers are all dressed in blue, and the store itself has a blueish theme altogether.

Wait, you expect a customer to actually notice something that subtle? When they can't even read signs that have two foot tall lettering?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

On a final note, who on earth would ever *want* the pre-made guacemole? I think that stuff tastes like preservative-laden ass.

Funny, I think that's what ALL guacamole tastes like. But then, I despise avocados in general.

[PepperElf]

oooo you just gave me an idea.... my bf just sent me an "arrrrbucks pirate coffee" shirt. We're going to the mall today so I'll be sure to wear it and go get some Starbucks coffee. ... but i doubt i'll get anyone saying, "hey do you work here"

[Imogene]

You work somewhere else and people expect that you - in all of your uniformed glory -

It's ever so much more satisfying when you're in a store, in your street clothes, and they still ask you for help. Not even in the store you work at. Just out shopping.
For instance, my friend and I wandered into Target one night after a pizza dinner, both in jeans, and I was in my ratty ratty gold dragon black tshirt. We wandered over to the electronics, and some couple just randomly asked us if we knew 'that one song'? And who sings it?
Oddly enough, we both knew it, without any prompting for lyrics, and showed them to the CDs, where I grabbed a Gnarls Barkley CD and held it out to them.
Later on, we ran into a girl stocking the toys, and I relayed my story to her. Apparently, it made her night.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Frankly, if I was gonna eat ass, I think I'd actually prefer it have a preservative or two in it.

[Becks]

Beat me to it!

I'm on to you.

my bf just sent me an "arrrrbucks pirate coffee" shirt.

I want one. *pouting*