Employee INCOMPETENCE

I don't mind an incompetent employee - everyone can't know everything. What really ticks me off, though, is when an employee tries to answer my question even though they haven't a clue what's going on. In this kind of a situation, honesty goes a very long way. A simple "I really don't know; let me go find someone who might." would save us both so much trouble.

I believe the problems stems from improper management and training practices. Employees are probably told "You're on the floor alone, deal with everything" and that mentality ultimately hurts the customers and the store's profit margin. Especially new employees - they ought to be told straight up: "If you're asked about something you don't know, this is the person you ought to talk to or refer the customer to."

The worst is that attitude they give you when you cut to the chase and ask for someone more experienced. Ugh, nothing personal dude, you just don't know what I'm talking about.

Jam it back in, in the dark.