Thank You gift for workers on Black Friday/Thursday?

[sasmmb]

Hi, I'm thinking of giving little "thank you" to people working on Black Thursday/Friday so we can shop for deals. I'm thinking of a chocolate Kiss. Is that weird? Is anyone else doing this?

 

[nmills]

I worked in a portrait studio inside babies r us on black Friday one year and I have no idea why but we had to be there when they opened I think it was like 5am it was insane no kids need photos taken at 5am. One of my customers saw me in there (was working alone) and brought me some donuts and coffee after she finished her shopping. Not a huge deal but it was a really nice random act of kindness. I really appreciated it and it definitely helped keep me in a good mood. I have never done black Friday shopping but I think that's a great idea.

 

[horseshowmom]

Hi, I'm thinking of giving little "thank you" to people working on Black Thursday/Friday so we can shop for deals. I'm thinking of a chocolate Kiss. Is that weird? Is anyone else doing this?

Not weird at all, I think it's very kind of you to think of something like that, but I don't think most people will eat something that is given to them by a stranger. I just hate to see you waste your money.

ETA: If you could find some little sealed packages (like you hand out at Halloween or something, that might work!

 

[JDX4]

Not weird at all, I think it's very kind of you to think of something like that, but I don't think most people will eat something that is given to them by a stranger. I just hate to see you waste your money.

ETA: If you could find some little sealed packages (like you hand out at Halloween or something, that might work!

I agree that they probably wouldn't eat it. I wouldn't eat a hershey kiss from a stranger. I bet a big smile and a "thank you" from you would be just as appreciated.

 

[LuvLDM]

Yes, it's weird.

Just be polite, I think that's all that anyone working in customer service desires.

 

[sissy_ib]

While thoughtful, it probably wont be appreciated. I worked retail for a number of years and I had to put on a happy face no matter what. On BF when it is busy, workers are tired, grumpy and would rather be in bed or at home with their families. They want you to buy what ever you want and get out of the store. The best thing you can do is be an easy and polite customer.

 

[Allison]

I think the best thing for you to do is be patient and polite.

 

[GusGus77]

I think it is a sweet idea and shows you are very thoughtful. However, I might be weary to accept candy from a stranger in a situation like that. Unfortunately we have to think about things like that!

 

[disneylove69]

I am one of the BF workers. Thank u for the thought. Now if all would play nice on Friday and remember we all families.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

Yes, it is weird.

Just be gracious and appreciative.

 

[pigletto]

I second the idea of a big smile and a thank you. I've never done Black Friday shopping but just regular Christmas time mall shopping can be so awful for retail workers. I try to go out of my way to be friendly and say "thank you so much for being here today.. I know it isn't easy." 99.9 percent of the time you can tell it is very much appreciated.

 

[LJSquishy]

I agree with the others in that it is a very nice thought but most employees would not eat anything handed to them by a stranger (even a sealed package). Just be extra friendly and tell them how much you appreciate them working on Black Friday. They will appreciate your patience and smiling face much more than a little treat!

 

[Disneefun]

In addition to not eating food from strangers, you have to remember that some people are allergic to chocolate. You don't know them, so it's best to stay away from food. Just be nice, say thank you, and don't be the one who contributes to the mayhem! That'll be gift enough.

 

[Zhoen]

What a very kind thought! I'd have to second the "sealed package" thing, though. You might consider candy canes, also/instead, and not just for the employees, but as a good way to shut up the whiners in line. One year I took my baby along in a Santa suit... she was about 5 months old and LOVED everybody and everything... it's pretty hard to act like a jerk when there's a cherub in a Santa suit flirting with you...

My usual gift to the employees is just to be a quick, pleasant customer with all my stuff ready to go, and while I'm stuck in the lines I go all-out "Sally Sunshine" on the jerks in line... turns out most of them are actually just sleepy humans under a spell who can be rescued, if only temporarily... And some years, I do take candy canes and wish people a happy holiday, either legitimately or to make a point...

 

[pannm]

I think the best gift you could give a BF worker is just to be polite and thankful, also to respect them and help others where you see help is needed. There are SOOOOO many idiots that are so "ME, ME, ME, ME" when they are bf shopping- the workers see so many fights, arguments and people who are rude that a smiling face and a thank you go a lot further than any piece of candy would.

 

[sasmmb]

Great, thanks everyone for the sanity check!

 

[msmama]

I thought about doing the same thing, but ended up figuring what everybody else said - it's weird.

Plus, I happened to spy the list of stuff Target workers were bringing to share on BF (it was sitting on the photo counter when I was picking up photos) and they are taking GOOD care of themselves that day!!

 

[tomthebarncat]

I think this is a terrible idea for several reasons, they do get paid, I would not eat food given to me by a complete stranger, and black friday is just another form of crass commercialization of our beloved holidays and traditions! I am glad this nonsense does not exist in Europe, holidays are just that stores are not open just restaurants and a few gas stations. I am unemployed and even if I had a retail job I would gladly take the hours! I agree with others if you must go shopping be kind and considerate and amused at all the others who will make completes a##@# of themselves!