Job Related..WWYD?

[Callie]

I've been hired on for Seasonal help at a well known store. Well, two of the managers seem to have a problem with me, and every little mistake I make, I'm getting yelled at.
If I don't tie a bow perfectly....I get told they look like crap, and have to redo them. (I'm not the craftiest person at all, and when it comes to TINY boxes, they are nearly impossible).
If my conversation with a customer doesn't lead to me leading them around the store I get told that I'm being lazy. Some customers just want to look, and hate being talked to, or even a simple question makes them nervous, so I back off, and that's not good enough for my bosses.
The worst was...I haven't had full training in the back room, and how to prepare boxes. I was attempting to make the tissue paper correctly, but it was looking a bit off. I was scared to ask a manager, since the one in was the one who always made me feel stupid, but when she saw my work, she told me I was being Lazy, and then called me a liar when I told her I'd only had register training, and not box training.

I honestly don't know what to do? I can't talk to the store manager as she's one of the problems, and I don't know who else to place my concerns too. Some nights I'm forced to sweep the floor multiple times just to make them happy. I'm not a bad worker, and my previous employers have all said how wonderful I've been. I love to work hard, and make people happy, but these people make me feel stupid, and that I can't accomplish anything.

 

[pearlieq]

Not to be too obvious, but is quitting an option? It sounds like a bad fit.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I've been hired on for Seasonal help at a well known store. Well, two of the managers seem to have a problem with me, and every little mistake I make, I'm getting yelled at.
If I don't tie a bow perfectly....I get told they look like crap, and have to redo them. (I'm not the craftiest person at all, and when it comes to TINY boxes, they are nearly impossible).
If my conversation with a customer doesn't lead to me leading them around the store I get told that I'm being lazy. Some customers just want to look, and hate being talked to, or even a simple question makes them nervous, so I back off, and that's not good enough for my bosses.
The worst was...I haven't had full training in the back room, and how to prepare boxes. I was attempting to make the tissue paper correctly, but it was looking a bit off. I was scared to ask a manager, since the one in was the one who always made me feel stupid, but when she saw my work, she told me I was being Lazy, and then called me a liar when I told her I'd only had register training, and not box training.

I honestly don't know what to do? I can't talk to the store manager as she's one of the problems, and I don't know who else to place my concerns too. Some nights I'm forced to sweep the floor multiple times just to make them happy. I'm not a bad worker, and my previous employers have all said how wonderful I've been. I love to work hard, and make people happy, but these people make me feel stupid, and that I can't accomplish anything.

Since you are seasonal you have two options: buck up and just continue to do the best you can or risk being let go by talking to both of them that seem to cause problems. Can you talk to both of them at the same time? I would. Just say that you've never encountered issues with employers before and since they seem to be the ones noticing you, lay it on their feet for guidance in how to do better. Make it as clear as you can that you are sincere.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Well luckily if you are there as seasonal help, the season is almost over and you will be through with them.

 

[Callie]

Not to be too obvious, but is quitting an option? It sounds like a bad fit.

It's only a seasonal job, so unless they decide to keep me around, it'll be over in a few weeks. I just want advice on how to possibly let people in the company know about this? Another girl already quit because she didn't fit in (our managers are constantly discussing their hard partying nights, to the point of drinking and passing out, along with their escapes with guys), and another girl is still there but feeling the same as me.

No one I know can seem to understand how it's so stressful, and right now I'm also in school.

 

[Callie]

Well luckily if you are there as seasonal help, the season is almost over and you will be through with them.

That's what I'm trying to do. It's just so hard right now, as work isn't my only stress. I guess this is almost a bit of a vent post as well.

 

[JCJRSmith]

I've been hired on for Seasonal help at a well known store. Well, two of the managers seem to have a problem with me, and every little mistake I make, I'm getting yelled at.
If I don't tie a bow perfectly....I get told they look like crap, and have to redo them. (I'm not the craftiest person at all, and when it comes to TINY boxes, they are nearly impossible).
If my conversation with a customer doesn't lead to me leading them around the store I get told that I'm being lazy. Some customers just want to look, and hate being talked to, or even a simple question makes them nervous, so I back off, and that's not good enough for my bosses.
The worst was...I haven't had full training in the back room, and how to prepare boxes. I was attempting to make the tissue paper correctly, but it was looking a bit off. I was scared to ask a manager, since the one in was the one who always made me feel stupid, but when she saw my work, she told me I was being Lazy, and then called me a liar when I told her I'd only had register training, and not box training.

I honestly don't know what to do? I can't talk to the store manager as she's one of the problems, and I don't know who else to place my concerns too. Some nights I'm forced to sweep the floor multiple times just to make them happy. I'm not a bad worker, and my previous employers have all said how wonderful I've been. I love to work hard, and make people happy, but these people make me feel stupid, and that I can't accomplish anything.

Like the previous poster said - leave. Is it really worth the misery they are putting you thru?

 

[dakcp2001]

I agree with Pearl, either quit or just try to stick it out for a couple more weeks. You said seasonal so it is almost over. If you stay, you have to speak up when you need to learn how to do something and you cannot let yourself be treated like a doormat. I can't imagine a retail job paying so high that it is worth being degraded and treated like an idiot. We are not born knowing how to make packages the way they want, if they have a certain way ask them to show you.

Sounds like kind of a cliquey atmosphere, and you cannot make people like you. Quit and let them do it themselves. I would also write a letter to the corporate or regional manager after you leave letting htem kow how you were treated and why you left, just so they know in the future why their help tunrs over so quickly.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Is there a fellow salesperson that can help you with the some of those things.

As for the customers--without knowing the type of store, it is difficult to make a suggestion.

However, don't ever go based on what you see in the customer. Always ask (in whatever way you have been instructed) if the customer needs help finding anything.

Take note of what they are looking at, what they may be holding and use that as a bit of an icebreaker.

It sounds like upselling is part of your gig--and I hate upselling except in situations where it is completely natural. I despise the forced upsell. In any case, if it is required, you will have to suck it up and go out of your comfort zone and do the best you can to become the customers friend in assisting them with supplements to their purchase.

I would offer that you could complain to the district manager--HOWEVER--in my experience, you will never know their reputation with that manager. So it can come back to bite you in the butt.

It's a tough deal--avoid gossip and try to seek help from your co-workers in learning the ropes.

Otherwise--your only other option is to quit.

When I worked in retail--in particular as a manager trainee, I found that managers form clique groups and they have those whom they like and those whom they despise. Often, there is no true way to win them over and you end up just royally screwed. I rememember rejoicing the day I finally got to leave my initial department. But I did finally end up quitting with no notice. The stress had gotten to me as I was a loaner to the store and my "real" boss was this nightmare of a woman who was nothing but belittling.

I'd like to say that I learned a great lesson. But all I learned is that some people in leadership are witches or turds to you and there often is nothing you can do about it except to grin and bear it until the day you can walk away.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It's only a seasonal job, so unless they decide to keep me around, it'll be over in a few weeks. I just want advice on how to possibly let people in the company know about this? Another girl already quit because she didn't fit in (our managers are constantly discussing their hard partying nights, to the point of drinking and passing out, along with their escapes with guys), and another girl is still there but feeling the same as me.

No one I know can seem to understand how it's so stressful, and right now I'm also in school.

Fully document everything and when you live, if you have no intention in working in that store or for that company again--report it to the district manager and up as if you were a customer giving a valid complaint.

While working there isnothing you can do b/c it will come back to you--and likely there is no way of knowing if complaining is effective.

But if you have witnessed that they have treated other employees in this matter, that it demoralizes the staff and if it costs sales--it would be worth reporting IMHO.

I had a full discussion with my store manager weeks after quitting suddenly. I learned that I had made progress in my store and they were sad to have me leave so abruptly and would have talked me into staying. But according to my corporate boss--I was lead to believe I was the crappiest employee ever. I let my store manager know that--and spoke to him about all of my grievances.

It was nice to air all of that out. I am not sure it made one bit of a difference for the corporate witch--but you never know.

But the managers do have bosses higher up in the company. I would consider elevating it after you leave if you are concerned about the other employees.

 

[OceanAnnie]

You don't have to take that kind of treatment. I wouldn't sweep a floor multiple times because it wasn't to their satisfaction. Tell them to show you how they want it done. Then tell them that's how you did it.

It sounds like they are on a power trip, like they enjoy making you miserable.

Look for something else if you need to. But I would not let someone talk to me the way those two do. I don't care who they are. Stand up to them.

 

[Callie]

You don't have to take that kind of treatment. I wouldn't sweep a floor multiple times because it wasn't to their satisfaction. Tell them to show you how they want it done. Then tell them that's how you did it.

It sounds like they are on a power trip, like they enjoy making you miserable.

Look for something else if you need to. But I would not let someone talk to me the way those two do. I don't care who they are. Stand up to them.

Thats what I'm trying to do, asking how they want it done.
Yes, upselling is part of the job, which I talk to the customers, but sometimes they say just looking. When my managers here this, they tell me I need to ask a different question next time.
It's just hard, and theres times I need a hug.

Also, if a future possible employer might call, what information can they all give out? That has me nervous.

 

[RNMOM]

I don't know what makes some managerial people feel they can treat some employees like dirt but they do. It seems to most often be women. Yeah, I am a woman but I have worked with a lot of really awful people.

If you can afford to quit, do so. If not, ask to talk to them together after work and tell them how you feel. The worst that can happen is they fire you and the best is they lighten up.

If you know you aren't doing something well, ask them to show you. When this job is done and you have another, write that letter to corporate.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thats what I'm trying to do, asking how they want it done.
Yes, upselling is part of the job, which I talk to the customers, but sometimes they say just looking. When my managers here this, they tell me I need to ask a different question next time.
It's just hard, and theres times I need a hug.

What are you asking the customer?

Even if they say "no"--you can still add follow up questions.


Example:

You: "Can I help you with anything?"

Customer: "No--just looking"

You: "Well, I see you are looking at sweaters...or tv's...or our new purse from Coach....did you know that we are having a "sale of 10% off, B1G1 Free--or with this purchase you will get XYZ".

Customer: "Great--thanks. I'm just looking."

You: "Well if you need any help with anything, I will be around--or if you need any gift suggestions for that special someone.....and then rattle off some more specials."


Basically--have a conversation with the customer. It doesn't have to be long--but essentially, your manager is observing you allowing yourself to accept defeat. So when they say they are just looking and you say okay and then leave--you are essentially accepting defeat.

You can always do something with your hands while this is going on--straigthen a display or something.

 

[dakcp2001]

As a customer, when I say I am just looking, I mean leave me alone and any further annoying conversation just pushes me toward the door. I just prefer to be left alone and if I have a question, I will ask.

 

[Callie]

What are you asking the customer?

Even if they say "no"--you can still add follow up questions.


Example:

You: "Can I help you with anything?"

Customer: "No--just looking"

You: "Well, I see you are looking at sweaters...or tv's...or our new purse from Coach....did you know that we are having a "sale of 10% off, B1G1 Free--or with this purchase you will get XYZ".

Customer: "Great--thanks. I'm just looking."

You: "Well if you need any help with anything, I will be around--or if you need any gift suggestions for that special someone.....and then rattle off some more specials."


Basically--have a conversation with the customer. It doesn't have to be long--but essentially, your manager is observing you allowing yourself to accept defeat. So when they say they are just looking and you say okay and then leave--you are essentially accepting defeat.

You can always do something with your hands while this is going on--straigthen a display or something.

If they say just looking, I will mention our newest items that just came out, where they are located, and also mention my name, and something about the item they are currently looking at. So its not like I'm just letting it go.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

As a customer, when I say I am just looking, I mean leave me alone and any further annoying conversation just pushes me toward the door. I just prefer to be left alone and if I have a question, I will ask.

Unfortunately with pain in the neck bosses--they just don't care. It is causing the OP grief as a result of honoring your wishes. The managers do not and will never, in that type of environment, see that pestering a customer can lose the sale.

I did telemarketing/inbound---I hated the upsell and I lost a number of callers on some scripts b/c they (the scripts) were completely obnoxious with the add-ons. Management did not care and neither did the customer. They are counting on the fact that they have opportunity to make more money if they bother the customer than if they don't.

It is unnerving and I feel bad for the customer--but again, even if the customer wishes to be left alone--that is problematic for the OP when her bosses witness that. Having been on her end, I try to respect associates who are compelled to do that as long as the conversation remains short and sweet and they don't stalk me.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If they say just looking, I will mention our newest items that just came out, where they are located, and also mention my name, and something about the item they are currently looking at. So its not like I'm just letting it go.

Can you specify the type of store that is more specific than "retail"?

 

[Callie]

Can you specify the type of store that is more specific than "retail"?

Well, it is a specialty store that sell certain items. (If I give away what, i might give away what store it is). It's very high priced as well. Our cheapest item is 50 bucks.

 

[RitaZ.]

Let's see, little boxes and fancy bows. I'm guessing it might be Nordstrom or maybe Tiffany.