Out-Of-Work Borders Employees Deliver an Honest Farewell

[SenseOfTumour]

I so wish we'd done this, when MVC was closed in the UK.
The uttering of 'I know my rights' immediately dropped you to minimum levels of those rights, forfeiting any customer service.

I've got another seven hundred pages of this but I'll restrain myself.

MVC Closed because they demanded registration, well that's my thought's anyway, I actually tried to shop there and was blankly refused any help, maybe it was the MVC near me.

In San Fran.. fuck it, in Frisco! (yeah I'm cool and hip) in a Steak House the lovely chap next to me complained that the ice in his drink was too cold, its ice dude, ice is cold, because its ICE.

I doubt many people remember MVC, but it felt like we had a pretty good name, the registration was just a loyalty card thing, entirely optional. The problem was, we got bought out and the new management decided customer service was a terrible waste of staff time which could be spent pushing people to buy shit they didn't need and we didn't want to sell.

You know when you get someone tediously parroting some spiel about 'do you want this dvd for 2.99 with any purchase?' The first time I saw that was a new thing our new management brought in. Pissed off all the staff and most of our customers. Both takings and profits dropped month after month as people realised we couldn't spare time to be human any more, that we'd been directed to just be sales machines, and knowing they could get stuff cheaper online, abandoned us in droves.

Brick n Mortar stores, you can't battle the online stores for prices, so of course, I don't suggest you take shit from customers, you're gonna have to provide service to draw them in.

Stupid, angry and argumentitive customers just aren't worth your time tho, they're not interested in spending money, just proving how right they are and wanting to feel superior.

As for Heimir above, damn, kids annoy me, but that's pretty cold, even with a username like mine, I'm not wishing injury on em, just a silence spell.

 

[DigitalSushi]

I so wish we'd done this, when MVC was closed in the UK.
The uttering of 'I know my rights' immediately dropped you to minimum levels of those rights, forfeiting any customer service.

I've got another seven hundred pages of this but I'll restrain myself.

MVC Closed because they demanded registration, well that's my thought's anyway, I actually tried to shop there and was blankly refused any help, maybe it was the MVC near me.

In San Fran.. fuck it, in Frisco! (yeah I'm cool and hip) in a Steak House the lovely chap next to me complained that the ice in his drink was too cold, its ice dude, ice is cold, because its ICE.

I doubt many people remember MVC, but it felt like we had a pretty good name, the registration was just a loyalty card thing, entirely optional. The problem was, we got bought out and the new management decided customer service was a terrible waste of staff time which could be spent pushing people to buy shit they didn't need and we didn't want to sell.

You know when you get someone tediously parroting some spiel about 'do you want this dvd for 2.99 with any purchase?' The first time I saw that was a new thing our new management brought in. Pissed off all the staff and most of our customers. Both takings and profits dropped month after month as people realised we couldn't spare time to be human any more, that we'd been directed to just be sales machines, and knowing they could get stuff cheaper online, abandoned us in droves.

Brick n Mortar stores, you can't battle the online stores for prices, so of course, I don't suggest you take shit from customers, you're gonna have to provide service to draw them in.

Stupid, angry and argumentitive customers just aren't worth your time tho, they're not interested in spending money, just proving how right they are and wanting to feel superior.

As for Heimir above, damn, kids annoy me, but that's pretty cold, even with a username like mine, I'm not wishing injury on em, just a silence spell.

there you go!
http://notalwaysright.com

Its weird because my Local MVC was really rubbish, I was part of EUK who supplied you guys with your stock so I could get my shit at cost price, but I went to MVC because I was told they gave good advice and were really nice, I guess I went to the one dud store.

Same goes with GAME, people have horror stories but I have had nothing but good service from them, actually I've had nothing but outstanding service from them.

I agree with you with regards to Heimer, no ones impressed mate.

 

[Setch Dreskar]

I only wish we could see one about grocery stores...

"When you see us dragging a heavy pallet out from the back room to help refill the shelves of the store, it should never be us that needs to move out of your way."

"When you come in with an empty baby stroller, we know you are just going to steal as much baby formula as you can."

"When the power goes out, don't be offended when we have to guard the baby food and beer to keep you from stealing it."

EDIT

I almost forgot my biggest pet peeve, which I have mental blocks to try and forget *twitch*

"When we are gathering carts from the lots, looking at us, snapping your fingers, pointing to your cart, then getting in your car and leaving made us want to slash your tires."

 

[Evil Alpaca]

"It never bothered us when you threatened to shop at Barnes & Noble. We'd rather you do if you're putting up a stink."

This. A thousand time this. As someone who worked retail for Target, it was annoying when a customer comes to complain as acts as if going to Walmart will somehow cause us to serve their every whim. We aren't paid on commission so we couldn't care less if you shop here or not.

Also, please don't complain to us salespeople about pricing, store layout, or one of any number of things out of a floorperson's control as if we should have known better. I once spent 10 minutes explaining to a customer that I can't change the price of a Pepsi 12-pack because I just stock the shelves. (This wasn't a legitimate complaint about a pricing error, the guy just wanted me to lower the price by a dollar because he thought it was too high)

 

[Crimson_Dragoon]

I'm surprised that they didn't say anything about the people who sit on the floor reading manga all day. I don't even work at a book store and that annoys me.

Also, the Nicholas Sparks comment, brilliant.

 

[rainbowunicorns]

I've never understood how a bookstore could be "left leaning"; it still sells the collective works of Beck and Palin.

Assuming we are speaking of the economics, the people who work the floors in retail are likely to be left because they would perceive the right's views (such as eliminating minimum wage) as bad for them.

 

[ckam]

Well, it's a good thing I never did any of those.

 

[Fappy]

You know... I was depressed when Chapter 11 went under. Now I'm just down-right dead inside

 

[ZeZZZZevy]

I can definitely relate to this..I worked in an amusement center.

To all of you nice customers out there, thank you. You may not know it, but it's you guys who keep us from shooting ourselves at the end of the day.

 

[Nocturnal Gentleman]

I can sort of relate to this list. It's always a mess when customers treat store workers like lowly shit. I can also relate to many of the grievances on the list especially about people treating the business like a daycare. I've always believed parents should be fined for that.

On the other hand, some of the complaints on the list and from some people here are ridiculous. Seriously, your mad because someone asked you to help them find things? Your mad because they want to have friendly conversation with you? Your mad because they aren't so social? You hate that they don't like things for the exact same reasons as you? You hate customers for liking what you hate?

That's being just as asinine as the worst of customers. If you want to be treated like a human being you also have to consider the customers side. Maybe that person is asking stupid questions or not noticing the obvious because they're worn out and can't think straight. A customer may want to talk too much because maybe they need at least one positive interaction to brighten a host of crappy interactions. Maybe they aren't too talkative because they've had a shitty day as we all do. A person might only get into something they never heard of until it becomes popular and still love it as much as you. As for the last complaint I mentioned, get over yourself. Being a worker can be thankless but that doesn't excuse bullshit elitist attitudes. We all put up with crap somewhere and we all act annoying to someone.

 

[Strazdas]

the biggest problem in the world right now is shitty costumers. seriuosly. they even come to complain about it to the workers that shouldn't be talking with thme to begin with.
though i expected a little more grief in this one, doesnt look like they had that bad of experience. at least you dont have to listen to costumer moralizing you how 1 beer is better than the other for 2 freaking hours. and you jut have to nod and stay silent hoping he goes away because hey he just made you skip your lunch hour.

 

[Jodan]

shine on you crazy diamonds

 

[SageRuffin]

Man... this list makes me all the more distraught that Borders shut down. I liked that place - nice and quiet and serene, and all kinds of good deals!

Man... how would that be for a letter of resignation? "You All Suck and Here's Why..."

I'm surprised most people are surprised at some of these confessions. Working retail is a thankless job that more or less amounts to being an indentured servant - these poor men and women are busting there ass trying to make our lives easier. I'm one of a few who's worked such a job, and now I never give the employees a hard time because I know what it's like.

 

[SageRuffin]

On the other hand, some of the complaints on the list and from some people here are ridiculous. Seriously, your mad because someone asked you to help them find things? Your mad because they want to have friendly conversation with you? Your mad because they aren't so social? You hate that they don't like things for the exact same reasons as you? You hate customers for liking what you hate?

Whoa, chill out for a second. Everyone has their flaws. Hell, maybe they just worded their gripes wrong.

The note about finding things, I read as for when you get those customers who enter the store and the first thing they do is ask for someone to "help" look for something. I'm sure you already know this, but that's a bit different then the person looking themselves and not finding it for whatever reason, then grabbing an associate.

Or hell, maybe I misinterpreted the note and am extrapolating too much?

The other notes you said I'm not gonna comment on.

 

[ThisIsSnake]

There used to a Borders near me and it also contained a starbucks on the second floor. Something that really got on my nerves even as a customer was the sheer number of people browsing the shelves, picking up a book and without purchasing it proceeding to read through it whilst going through 3 cups of coffee. They never even returned the books to the shelves, just left them on the messy table with the pages bent so badly that no one would buy that book as new.

Now that Borders is a furniture store, situated next to a furniture store, across the street from a furniture store.

 

[ManInRed]

Good customer service is about taking responsibility for a problem, bad customer behavior is about demanding help on a problem the person you're talking to cannot take responsibility for. A company will ensure they'll have bad customer service if they enforce policies that rob employees of the power and freedom to take responsibility for problems, and if the employee fears losing their job over a customer complaint or breaking policy. If you cannot trust you employee's with this power, then find a manager you can trust and have one available to step in whenever policy is being questioned.

There are times where any individual as a customer finds they need to be an asshole to get treated fairly. Those times are never when talking to a person face to face in a store. And being an asshole when you don't need to be will be am impediment of getting whatever you want.

Bad customers piss off every other customer in the store as much as they piss off retailers. Since most customers are not bad customers, it will make more of your customers happier if you do not put up with or reward bad customer behavior.

Stores should allow returns for anything they sell, if it is undamaged and there would be a good reason for why it needed to be returned (gifted clothes not in my size), without argument about showing receipts. However, no customer should ever try to return a book, movie, or anything bought in a grocery, drug, or convinces store. If it's not perishable, try selling it yourself.

The best customer service is when you don't need to provide any. Don't bother customers who are not bothering you. The customer will always ask you when they need help finding something. Do not go into detail on why a customer should get a bonus card, store credit card, or used copy, after they have told you 'NO' and there are a dozen people waiting behind him.

Similarly, customers should not bother employees unless it is necessary and about something they could help them with. You can research a lot of purchases now before going to a store. If the store took the time to organize the shelves, then you should be able to find it without bothering the guy organizing the shelves. When an employee states they cannot do something, regardless of the reason, do not get mad or blame them for it, find out if there is anything else that can be done and move on with your life.

I've work with customers, and seem to attract customers too stupid to recognize the actual retailers ever time I step into a Best Buy (the worse part is I know the answer, and giving it always take less time then explaining that I don't work there: "But my shirt is red not blue."). In its last weeks, I found many Borders employees acting surprisingly joyful, almost giddy. Either it must be fun having a job you know you can't be prematurely fired from, or it must have been awful to work there. I commend you all on your duty now that your service is fulfilled.

 

[Gralian]

My only experience in retail was about five years ago when we were made to do around 2 to 4 weeks of work experience when i was at school. I worked in Gamestation during the release of the Wii in November. I didn't spend long there but i still think i got a flavour for working in retail and i can attest to some grievances that really irked me.

Spoiler: I had to deal with this in the month i was at Gamestation on work experience.

- If something hasn't been released yet, we can't tell you when it will be if we haven't been informed. We also can't tell you the price of the item either. Looking in the book to
check for the second time won't magic this information into existence.

- If you bring your mountain of shitty titles worth £2 each that no-one is going to buy, don't get irate because you barely get £20 in credit for your 20 shitty PS2 games that we have to find space for on the shop floor.

- If you make me look through the mismatch box to find that one obscure game you really want and i spend 10 minutes looking for it and finally find it the least you can do is say thank you or crack a smile rather than look at me as if to say "what the fuck took so long?"

- The shop is not a rental service. Don't pile in with your 5 friends when school is over to play the latest title on the sample booth and then piss off without the intention of buying or even looking at anything.

- Believe it or not, we CAN see you trying to stuff that controller in your jacket pocket.

- Please don't bring in a game 6 days after purchase and demand a refund claiming to have not enjoyed the product when you're on the cusp of the 7 day returns limit and it looks quite clearly played with. You just wanted to play the damn thing for free for a week.

- It's not my fault we ran out of copies of the game you're after for Christmas. Nor is it my fault that you didn't preorder the Wii in time for christmas. I know your child will be upset. I can't make the supplier deliver the next batch any quicker. Stop yelling at me.

- Please try not to rearrange everything in the store after i have spent forever trying to put it in alphabetical order.

- No, i can't sell it to you if you're below the age. It's against the law. I don't care if it's for your older brother.

- If we reserve something for you that doesn't mean show up one week later demanding we hand it over. It means get here within 24 hours or it goes back on the shop floor.

- Contrary to popular belief i haven't played every game ever and i can't tell you if PES is better than FIFA or what party games for the Wii are like.

- Asking me to look for "that game he wants with army people" is like asking me to find a sandwich you like without informing me what you actually want in it. I am not a mindreader and it's not my fault you couldn't be fucking bothered to write down the game. Don't expect me to be able to know what your kid wants. I am not psychic.

 

[Malo_Tux]

Passive Aggressiveness at it's finest right there.

 

[ensouls]

Eh, apparently the list writer worked there long enough to amass a list of grievances but not long enough to know how to spell "immediately." Don't get me wrong, I've worked for years in various retail and non-retail jobs, including a bookstore, and customers can be a pain in the ass. But bookstore was really one of the easy jobs. Suck it up.

 

[Vanbael]

I'm going to do one for when I leave Sam's Club. I'm going to vent my frusturations about being a cart attendant.