How do you get customers to stop unwanted touching at work?

Question

Touchy-feely people are not welcome. Nothing in my retail profession warrents anything more than a hand-shake. How do I get these mostly male customers from putting their hands on my shoulder or arm. They may not mean anything, but it creeps me out. Touchy-feely people should take personal space lessons.

Answer 1

Are you sure you are not overreacting?   If they don't mean anything bad what's the big deal about it??

Sometimes people want to express their  Thanks by lightly touching  your hand.

I honestly don't see what's the big deal about it.

Answer 2

Put a sign up in a visible area that reads: "Touch my hand not my Shoulder or Arm, thanks!"

Answer 3

Keep your distance from them, and always try to keep a notebook or some item in your arms.

Answer 4

let it show through that you are uncomfortable with being touched.If they keep it up tell them nicelly that you dont like being touched. That it makes you uncomfortable.

Answer 5

That is the way some people express affection.  Unless they are being sexual, there is nothing you can do short of being rude.  

Answer 6

I always pick up there hand like its a disguisting bug and drop it. Then just carry on with the conversation like it never happened. They'll get the point, you'll keep their business and it won't happen again.  

Answer 7

I reciently had to switch gas stations for this exact reason!! the old creepy guy would actually reach across the counter to touch my shoulder or hand! I like this question, and though I have no answers for you I await a good answer too!!

Answer 8

should state that you would prefer not to be touched because it makes you feel uncomfortable.  I am somewhat touchy-feely myself.  But there is a definite line that you do not cross, especially with people that you hardly know.  You have a right not to have your personal space violated.  

Answer 9

Get a job behind a glass separator.

Answer 10

Quietly step away from them when they touch you.  It is inappropriate for customers to manhandle retailers.  When dealing with customers you set the space between the two of you and keep it that way.  

Answer 11

Touch feely people are comfortable with touching people.

You are not.

I would suggest that you always be aware of your position with the customer (physical location).  If after shaking hands, make sure you are standing next to them facing the same direction, use the arm closest to them to reach for objects (turns your back), etc.

Part of dealing with people in a retail sales position is the touch factor.  If you display being uncomfortable with touch, or ever make a comment, you will probably see your sales percentage go down, as that gives an impression of mistrust.  No one likes that.

So long as the touch is innocent, and not prevalent, you are the only one with the issue.  Now, intimate touching (there is a big difference) is not called for, and you should politely ask them to remove their hand.

Keep Cool.  

Answer 12

Just move away from them and look them straight in the eye and say, I would prefer if you didn't do that and just continue on, get them served and on their way.  They will probably be embarrased unless they have some kind of psychiatric problem and don't realise they are doing it.  If they don't they should back off aswell, they will blush and apologise.