After working for a year-and-a-half at Claire’s (you know, that little girls’ accessories store with way too much merchandise in it), I realized that we are largely a rude society, at least while shopping.

Now, I come to you with some complaints, and excuse me for ranting, but anyone who has worked in retail will know exactly what I mean. And those who don’t, should.

1. Yes, I understand that we work in a retail store, but I assure you, we are perfectly competent.

Rarely do sales associates who receive attitude from a customer want to help that customer. There have been countless times when I was busy helping another customer, with a line out the door, and had people ask me for help. When I cannot give them that help right away, the customers give me attitude. Believe me, we know what it’s like to be a customer as well, so we acknowledge it’s annoying, but we are doing the best we can.

2. “Did those items ring up …” I do work here. I know the sale.

I understand you do not want to get ripped off and get charged more for items, but I know what I need to fix and what I do not. This goes along with rule No. 1. We know how to do our jobs, or at least most of us do, so please, do not try to do our job for us.

3. Sorry, you talkin’ to me?

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a customer comes up to the register, while talking on his phone. I can never tell if he is talking to me, or can even hear me if he is on the phone with someone else. More importantly, I feel rude interrupting his conversation …

4. “My son/daughter was just here and bought this, but they are not allowed to have it.”

If you do not want your children to buy something, maybe you should not allow them to go to the mall by themselves. It might be part of our job to return items, but there are just some items that we cannot take back. We can’t close the hole your 13-year-old daughter just put in her face. So please, if we tell you the item cannot be returned, I assure you, it really cannot be returned.

The mall isn’t a friendly place, but your shopping experience can be made easier if you follow these golden rules of the cash register. Trust me, I speak for myself and cashiers everywhere when I say you’ll get some karma points.