Do you work here

[Red_Dazes]

I'm sure everyone runs across this one from time to time.... it's almost cute the first couple times it happens.... but after the thousandth time it starts to really bug you.


"Excuse me.... do you work here?"

.....I'm wearing a uniform with "THE LOBBY" scrawled all over it just like the other 30 people who work here, with a name tag proudly proclaiming me an employee.... You looked directly at my name tag.... I am dusting and straightening shelves.... sometimes I have even JUST asked you if I can help you find anything....



...nope.... I don't work here. Sorry.


I just don't get it. I can understand it if you work somewhere were the dress code is slightly more 'regular' clothes. but I have a company issued uniform. it looks NOTHING like 'oh hey I'm just shopping.....'

[AtDIelement]

I get it too... from sitting behind my desk in the bank typing on the computer.

Nope, just hanging out here. Thanks though.

[morwynskya]

A lot of people have so few social skills (from lack of practice) that they have no clue how to initiate a conversation. I'm the ONLY person here in a very small shop, sitting behind the counter and STILL I get that.

[Andara Bledin]

I'm starting to think that the phrase, "Do you work here?" is a stand-in for, "Can you help me?"

They don't want the chance of you saying "no" to them, so they ask a question that is pretty much a guaranteed "yes" and go on from there.

^-.-^

[Despina83]

I'd say almost half of the customers who ask for help, ask me if I work there.

[Marmalady]

Had a slight variation on this not so long ago. Bear in mind that, just like Red Dazes, I wear a uniform with the name of our store prominently emblazoned across my chest.

I'm in the middle of helping a customer, and suddenly she asks "Is this (other, totally unrelated store about 10 miles away) ?"

I so, so, so wanted to say "Yes."

[SourRobot]

I hate this question. Usually before they ask me that they get up really close and stare at me and then my name tag. Uh, space?

[laborcat]

My standard answer to that is, "Only when they make me". It usually gets a chuckle if they get it right away. But I can only do that when management isn't around. I got in trouble for saying that around my boss once.

[XCashier]

"Do you work here?"
"Do I work here? Hmm, let's see, I'm wearing an employee uniform and name tag, so either I work here or someone's just played a nasty trick on me."

***

"Do you work here?"
"That's funny, I was just about to ask you the same thing!"

***

"Do you work here?"
"Do you shop here?"

[Mytical]

I am bad at asking that question. Even in Wally World where they have the vests..most of the time it is meant as a "Are you on the clock right now?". Having worked at Wally World, I know that some people are off the clock, but might have forgotten to take off the vest.

[Red_Dazes]

I am bad at asking that question. Even in Wally World where they have the vests..most of the time it is meant as a "Are you on the clock right now?". Having worked at Wally World, I know that some people are off the clock, but might have forgotten to take off the vest.

I can see this happening. It doesn't bug me so much when I am walking around shopping....it bugs me when I am OBVIOUSLY doing something work related that no one would possibly do if they weren't working....



....those kind of things. .lol


If I didn't think I'd get in trouble for it.... I really just want to
"do you work here?"
"nope."

....and just see how they react.

[Mytical]

I agree. If I see somebody stocking something, or such..I will at least say "Hi..um can you help me?" lol.

[mattm04]

I am bad at asking that question. Even in Wally World where they have the vests..most of the time it is meant as a "Are you on the clock right now?". Having worked at Wally World, I know that some people are off the clock, but might have forgotten to take off the vest.

And you expect SC's from listening to such trivial matters such as labor laws and time clocks when they neeeeeeeeeed help.

[Mytical]

And you expect SC's from listening to such trivial matters such as labor laws and time clocks when they neeeeeeeeeed help.

Yeah, but that would lead me into fratching territory . People don't seem to get the idea that people who work in retail have a life...

[kpzra]

I get that here. Not only am I wearing company issued uniform and safety gear, but I'm on the wing of an aircraft fueling the damn thing. Nope, I broke into the secure area of the airport, stole a 5000 gallon fuel truck, and thought I'd re-fuel a King Air for shits and grins. The sad thing is, it's pilots who ask me.