I work for a gas station chain as their IT Manager. I travel from store to store, fixing issues, doing upgrades, etc.
When I'm the store, customers can't differentiate between me and the clerks (the clerks don't wear uniforms and neither do I). I'm constantly having to explain to customers that I can't help them check out, even though I am standing behind the counter. This wastes everyone's time, and some people just cannot fathom someone behind the counter that doesn't actually work there :)
I know it's a pretty basic question, but what could I wear that would cause a "Oh, he doesn't work here" response? Given that I climb around in dirt and grime, I can't wear a shirt and tie, but I also don't want to have to wear overalls or crazy orange safety vests. I head the department so I can basically wear anything I want.
Any suggestions for how I could appear as a contractor to the customers?