Calling For Backup

[tropicsgoddess]

Last night, my supervisor had me on register back up the minute I clocked in. It was so bad out in the lanes it wasn't even funny. I had quite the array of SC's in my lane. Is it just me or do the holidays really bring out the worst in people? People asking me left and right to price check so much stuff when there is so many f**king scanners in the store and then void it out "because it's too much" or not read the damn prices on the shelves or tags! Lazy asses. Then when it was starting to die down a bit, my supervisor went to my lane and switched off my light so I can get off and start doing go-back items for my section and tidy up for closing. I was ringing up my last customer, when a few others come up and I tell them my lane is closed. I got a few of the "But I only have one item!" SC's or the ones that gave me the dirty looks and get all pissy. Just take your ass over to another lane. It's not that hard!!! What don't these SC's not understand when I say "Sorry, my register is closed" and my f**king light is off too! Sure it sucks that the clothing department always stays late as hell to close, but we don't deal with that many customers (especially the SC's) like the cashiers do! The irony is that I'm a Sales Floor Associate. After last night, I have a newfound appreciation for my job.

[RammsteinGirl]

Yes, the holidays do bring out the worst in people. It's absolutely sickening. I used to love the holiday season until I started working in retail. Now the thought of it just makes my stomach churn. This is a time of year when people should be joyful and happy and full of love for their fellow man but it's just not. Many people are just so greedy, selfish and only concerned whether they can get their greasy paws on a Wii for their widdle pwecious.

I know that's a bad attitude to have, and I do try to have an upbeat attitude about life, but I'm a cynic and a realist, not an idealist!

[theredbaron47]

The holidays dealt me a blow upside the head today when I went to the mall and to Wal-Mart.

I just remembered, quickly, why I generally make a policy out of staying the hell away from Wal-Mart and the mall (and shopping in general) between December and January/February.

Fucking crowded stores, packed to the brim with crazies, and all I want to do is run in, grab what I want (which I already know, and know where it is too), and leave.

EDIT: Paying for said items is lumped in there, too. Ha ha ha.

[IHateStupidCustomers]

At my little kiosk, the counters are pretty full of the glass figurines we sell. EVERYTHING is priced with a tag sitting right in front of it, with the price and the name of it. "Blue cat, $12.99."

More often that one would believe is possible, I get people that look at the stuff on the counters, point to the first thing:

SC: "How much is this?"
Me: *I look at the tag* "$9.99"
SC: *points to next piece of glass* "How much is this?"
Me: *picking up the price tag* "$14.99"
SC: *points to the next thing* "How much is this?"
Me: *picks up tag and holds it in front of customers face* "$11.99"
SC: "How much-"
Me: "All of the prices are marked with these tags, right in front of all the glass pieces."
SC: "Oh....How much is this?"

[Fawn]

I hate this time of year. The stores are crowded and people are pushy and b*tchy! I try to stay away from the mall and most stores as long as humanly possible this time of year.

[smileyeagle1021]

I don't have it too bad this time of year in my job... other than the crazies who get upset when you tell them that you don't have anything available on new years eve in time square anymore, the closest hotel will be a mile away and oh they'll be charging at least $500 a night... umm hello, new york is the hottest place to be for new years eve and you think you're getting a reservation only 2 weeks in advance... buddy if you want a room on new years eve you have to make it in the second week of january when we start allowing reservations for new years eve.

My other favorite are the people who keep asking us what our Holiday Special will be (because obviously Holiday Inn or any brand related to it (even though Holiday Inn is no longer the parent company, it's now the Intercontinental Hotels Group), just has to have Holiday Specials)... umm how about this, I still have a room available for your sorry ass waiting until the last minute.

[Gravekeeper]

SCs are more likely to attempt Christmas shopping at the last minute. So it gets increasingly horrific the closer it gets to Christmas. ><

I get them too, albeit in different ways. People trying to order gifts at the last minute then bitching when I can't guarantee they'll get them by Christmas eve.

[Eric the Grey]

I think that the crowds gets to people this time of year. Everybody is stressed over getting done in time, or how much they're going into debt, or who knows what, and they end up taking it out on those around them. Not that it's an excuse, mind you.

I always try to be pleasant with those around me, unless they are rude to me first... especially those working retail. I've done that in a manner of speaking, so I can relate.


Eric the Grey

[Knightmare]

This year I will be a last minute shopper. Sad, but true. I got most of my stuff early, but trying to find stuff for a 14 year old boy is very hard.
So I have been out and about looking for stuff and have run into many SCs in the lines. Fun! But I am always cheerful with the staff, because I remember what they were going through.

I am also handing out a lot of CS.com business cards. Hopefully we will see a rise in members!

[AnqeiicDemise]

MY SC of the holiday:

People wanting to find a place that's not in Missouri or Arkansas to spend Christmas AND New Years holiday in.

Now, mind you, these other places (i.e. Vegas, Atlantic City and *all* of Florida) have been booked since late September. And I mean *solid* bookings. Its gotten to the point where Atlantic City alone doesn't have any single rooms from now until February 15.

People bitch about how there should be rooms becuase its the holidays.

I remind them they can book as far as ten months in advance and can cancel up to two weeks before the date of check in with no penalty. Do they listen? No. Do they book for the next year while they still can? Of course not! Because, you know, *they*'re not sure if they can get Christmas off from work.

Book it! Book it now and cancel if you have to, goddamnit!

[BookstoreEscapee]

I just remembered, quickly, why I generally make a policy out of staying the hell away from Wal-Mart and the mall (and shopping in general) between December and January/February.

I had to go to Dick's (sporting goods store) to get a gift card for my dad. It is on the mall property but not actually in the mall (it's on the other side of the road that cirlces around the actual mall). That is as close as I plan to get to the mall for at least a few weeks.

[Sliceanddice]

gk you live my life. Some guy today was like so can i get it to morrow if i order today with rush? I was liek No... it couldnt get SHIPPED til tomorroe cause its....SUNDAY!!

[earl colby pottinger]

Booking

I remind them they can book as far as ten months in advance and can cancel up to two weeks before the date of check in with no penalty. Do they listen? No. Do they book for the next year while they still can? Of course not! Because, you know, *they*'re not sure if they can get Christmas off from work.

Book it! Book it now and cancel if you have to, goddamnit!

My lovely mom just told me yesterday that she would back me any extra money I need for a European Cruise which is about $4000 for me and my girlfriend. I will be talking to my girlfriend tomorrow on when she will have the time free and as I already know she plans to spend time to do some major house upgrades, I believe I will be booking for summer 2009 or 18 months in advance!

And yes, if I cancel early I get a 100% refund so why not book now?