Sims buying off sales tables even though sales isn't the open business function

I completely understand your frustration with this situation! While this behavior isn't technically a bug, it's certainly inconvenient when managing multiple businesses. Here's what's happening and how you can handle it:

Current Game Behavior:

• Customers prioritize the active business function (like tattooing)
• Sims will still autonomously interact with other available objects
• Ghosts ignore physical barriers (including locked doors)

Recommended Solutions:

✔ Disable shelves when the store is closed (most straightforward fix)
✔ Ban ghosts from tattoo shop customers (prevents phantom sales when using locked doors)
✔ Set inactive areas to "Residential" or "Employees Only" (controls access)
✔ Store shelves in household inventory when not in use
✔ Use separate lots for each business (most reliable long-term solution)

Additional Management Tips:

• Only place retail shelving during business hours
• Use room settings and locked doors to clearly separate business areas

The game does require active management when running multiple businesses from one location. While not perfect, these approaches should give you better control over your commercial operations.