'Do you think it's their fault?': Aussie shopper calls out infuriating customer trend at major supermarkets
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In supermarkets, or retail in general, there is a belief that the customer is always right.
Yet, it seems that the line between reasonable complaints and outright rudeness is becoming increasingly blurred.
A young Australian woman took to social media to express her frustration with a disturbing trend observed in supermarkets nationwide.
Courtney's now-popular video highlighted the unfortunate reality of customer behaviour towards staff at major chains like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI.
The 28-year-old shopper became an unexpected champion for supermarket employees who often bear the brunt of consumer frustrations.
Her message is clear: the mean-spirited attitudes she witnessed every time she shopped were unacceptable and reflected a deeper societal issue.
The Perth-based shopper recounted her experiences of overhearing complaints and witnessing confrontations during supposedly simple trips to the store.
She saw customers of all ages berating staff over the increasing prevalence of self-serve check-outs and the perceived scarcity of cash registers.
'Every time I go, someone—I don't want to say someone older, because sometimes they are younger—but always someone is going, "I don't want to use self-serve, why are there no cash check-outs available?"' she shared on the video.
Courtney pointed out that these frontline workers do not decide on the supermarket's policies.
'Do you think it is their fault?' she asked viewers, emphasising that the individuals serving customers do not get 'paid enough' to deal with hostility.
'If you believe the person serving you controls the self-serve check-outs. If you believe it is them, that they have personally made a decision that inconveniences you, you've got rocks in your head,' she added.
Courtney's frustration was palpable as she recounted a particular incident during one of her shopping trips.
'The example in the video was a lady having a go at a young girl because there was only one self-serve check-out that took cash as if that young girl was solely responsible for that. What the f***,' she shared.
This young shopper's observations were indicative of a broader trend that the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated.
People are on edge, and unfortunately, supermarket staff are usually on the receiving end of this heightened tension.
Courtney also noted that elderly shoppers may struggle with technological changes like self-service check-outs, but this does not excuse verbal abuse.
Courtney shared some advice to those with grievances: channel their concerns productively.
'If you have an issue, you should go directly to the feedback or complaints line and put it in writing,' Courtney said.
This approach could help customers and staff more effectively.
The response to Courtney's video has been overwhelming, with many retail workers sharing their stories of being mistreated while working their shifts.
Watch Courtney's video here:
Source: @ccourtneyjayne/TikTok
'I also had parents telling me that their high school children have come home crying or have been too anxious to go to work because of how the public treats them,' she shared.
It's crucial to remember that supermarket workers are human beings with feelings and deserve to be treated with dignity.
While it's natural to feel frustrated at times, especially with the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, it's essential to maintain civility and compassion.
Have you witnessed similar behaviour in your local supermarkets? How can we support our supermarket workers better? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and let's consider how we can all contribute to a more favourable environment for both customers and staff.
Yet, it seems that the line between reasonable complaints and outright rudeness is becoming increasingly blurred.
A young Australian woman took to social media to express her frustration with a disturbing trend observed in supermarkets nationwide.
Courtney's now-popular video highlighted the unfortunate reality of customer behaviour towards staff at major chains like Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI.
The 28-year-old shopper became an unexpected champion for supermarket employees who often bear the brunt of consumer frustrations.
Her message is clear: the mean-spirited attitudes she witnessed every time she shopped were unacceptable and reflected a deeper societal issue.
Courtney Oliver expressed her sympathy towards retail and supermarket workers dealing with unreasonable customers. Image Credit: TikTok/Courtney Oliver
The Perth-based shopper recounted her experiences of overhearing complaints and witnessing confrontations during supposedly simple trips to the store.
She saw customers of all ages berating staff over the increasing prevalence of self-serve check-outs and the perceived scarcity of cash registers.
'Every time I go, someone—I don't want to say someone older, because sometimes they are younger—but always someone is going, "I don't want to use self-serve, why are there no cash check-outs available?"' she shared on the video.
Courtney pointed out that these frontline workers do not decide on the supermarket's policies.
'Do you think it is their fault?' she asked viewers, emphasising that the individuals serving customers do not get 'paid enough' to deal with hostility.
'If you believe the person serving you controls the self-serve check-outs. If you believe it is them, that they have personally made a decision that inconveniences you, you've got rocks in your head,' she added.
Courtney's frustration was palpable as she recounted a particular incident during one of her shopping trips.
'The example in the video was a lady having a go at a young girl because there was only one self-serve check-out that took cash as if that young girl was solely responsible for that. What the f***,' she shared.
This young shopper's observations were indicative of a broader trend that the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis have exacerbated.
People are on edge, and unfortunately, supermarket staff are usually on the receiving end of this heightened tension.
Courtney also noted that elderly shoppers may struggle with technological changes like self-service check-outs, but this does not excuse verbal abuse.
Courtney shared some advice to those with grievances: channel their concerns productively.
'If you have an issue, you should go directly to the feedback or complaints line and put it in writing,' Courtney said.
This approach could help customers and staff more effectively.
The response to Courtney's video has been overwhelming, with many retail workers sharing their stories of being mistreated while working their shifts.
Watch Courtney's video here:
Source: @ccourtneyjayne/TikTok
'I also had parents telling me that their high school children have come home crying or have been too anxious to go to work because of how the public treats them,' she shared.
It's crucial to remember that supermarket workers are human beings with feelings and deserve to be treated with dignity.
While it's natural to feel frustrated at times, especially with the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, it's essential to maintain civility and compassion.
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