How do you deal with abusive customers at your workplace?

[MrDawn]

Have you ever had to deal with really abusive customers at your work place?

What are your preferred methods?

 

[Sinistra]

I think it all depends on where you work. As for me, I work in a convenience store. So I have to deal with the abusive, not-so-nice, or the downright stupid at some point during my shift. How I handle a situation depends on the person. If they are nice they will get a smile and good customer service. If they are abusive, rude, or stupid they are dealt with accordingly. So I basically deal with them how they handle the situation. if you are as dumb as a rock and you test my patience I will treat you like a rock. I know it's not professional, but it is how I do things. I think I have gotten one corporate complaint about me in the 4 years I have worked there.

 

[Cory]

I've worked in retail most of my life and I've dealt with the occasional rude customer. I don't think I've dealt with anyone necessarily abusive, though. One lady called me useless a long time ago just because I didn't know if we carried a product or not. One lady walked off in anger because I got chorizo and Cholula mixed up. There's probably more, but I can't think of any at the moment.