What's happening with Customers these days.

[Maymybonneliveforever]

I don't know if it's just me but why all the recent complaints re customer service/stores? Some are totaly non justified as they were treated fairly by either customer service or the sales rep, but are consumers expecting too much lately. See the recent thread titles:

Ambassador Limousine Services/Toronto Limousine Services ( Bad Service)
Shaw Cable is so unethical
Cinnamonbon is a rip off
Worst Courier when Importing to Canada
Cineplex treats their customers like thieves
I am fed up of Telus promotions!
Frustration With Future Shop Order
BestBuy Price Policy - WHAT A JOKE!
Discrimination at Dollarama
hookbag.ca a scam??
Distributel Doesn't Value Their Customers!
TigerDirect is the worst company in the world!
Bad and kind of Funny Staples Experience
[SCAM] BE WARN of Just Energy, Energy Savings, Elecricity and Gas Retailer !!!!
Warning about Deal Extreme
Bell Trying To Scam Me?
RONA management a few bricks shy of a load???
Disgusted by ROGERS Customer Service
**WARNING DO NOT BUY** From Leon's Furniture
Beware of Acanac rebilling!
Stay Away From Kanda Optical

Rewardpurchase is a Scam

[NG]

Customers?

It's businesses who seem to be getting desperate for every cent they can.

Just better to avoid them as much as possible. Ideally I just pay cash and they won't even know my name.

They'd just sell it to some damned mailing list anyways for a few more cents.

[Supercooled]

Hi.. I made the complaint about cinnabon. i think im still stuck in 1985 because no way there is a little sweet would cost $4 back then; that or the fact that i now have grown up obligations like rent and such make me more observant of prices.

[starboy869]

Hi.. I made the complaint about cinnabon. i think im still stuck in 1985 because no way there is a little sweet would cost $4 back then; that or the fact that i now have grown up obligations like rent and such make me more observant of prices.


So it's a rip off since YOU can't afford it?

[be443]

Along the lines of customers being silly, this is one of my favorite sites to peruse: http://notalwaysright.com/

[Babbelfish]

Most of these people are idiots. It's either someone who:

-doesn't know how to use something
-doesn't read the fine print
-tries to condemn a reputable company because they made an odd error and now no one is allowed to shop there
-uses something but doesn't like it and complains about re-stocking fee when returning it
-complains about the way a company operates even though it's a legitimate business with the best/competitive prices and shipping
-doesn't like the company they use to deliver it and complain how it was delivered (ex. not wearing white gloves)
-complain about Rogers and Bell (this is 2012 no one should be using those companies unless you're making 50k+ a year)

The customer isn't always right despite what the media tells you.

[sherman51]

Most of these people are idiots. It's either someone who:

-doesn't know how to use something
-doesn't read the fine print
-tries to condemn a reputable company because they made an odd error and now no one is allowed to shop there
-uses something but doesn't like it and complains about re-stocking fee when returning it
-complains about the way a company operates even though it's a legitimate business with the best/competitive prices and shipping
-doesn't like the company they use to deliver it and complain how it was delivered (ex. not wearing white gloves)
-complain about Rogers and Bell (this is 2012 no one should be using those companies unless you're making 50k+ a year)

The customer isn't always right despite what the media tells you.

+1

[Drew87]

Most of these people are idiots. It's either someone who:

-doesn't know how to use something
-doesn't read the fine print
-tries to condemn a reputable company because they made an odd error and now no one is allowed to shop there
-uses something but doesn't like it and complains about re-stocking fee when returning it
-complains about the way a company operates even though it's a legitimate business with the best/competitive prices and shipping
-doesn't like the company they use to deliver it and complain how it was delivered (ex. not wearing white gloves)
-complain about Rogers and Bell (this is 2012 no one should be using those companies unless you're making 50k+ a year)

The customer isn't always right despite what the media tells you.

I couldn't agree more you most of your points...I work in the Retail Food industry. I'm 24 turning 25 and I started when I was 13 - there has been a definite change in the attitude of the customer, for the worse too....

[Bordello]

You're missing my favorite thread - with the idiot who mowed over rocks and then then chastized Canadian Tire because they wouldn't take back the broken mower.

[rf134a]

Don't forget:
- Discontinued/clearance/liquidation prices: I should be able to buy ∞+1 units!
- Price error, e.g. Samsung Galaxy SIII at $69.99 instead of $699.99: I should be able to buy ∞+1 units!
- Time limited price specials: I should be able to walk into the store whenever I want and get that same price!
- Quantity limit specials: I should be able to buy ∞+1 units!

And my favorite, the time machine specials: It was $20 less last week/month/year. I should be able to buy ∞+1 units at that price today!

Consumers are too entitled. Businesses are in business to make money. Deal with it.

[Drew87]

I just need to express this, I haven't thought it out but it's something that boggles my mind....

Customers went A+ service, cheap prices, product availability, cleaniness, etc......
Customers seem to think that just because you work in the retail industry it means you're not educated or a dumbass
Customers seem to have a me first mentality (cut in lines, line up early to get a product first) etc....


Does the customer understand or care about how retail companies operate to give them the service/standard that they give? NOPE

Should the customer care? Probably not but meh...

Customers criticize each other for their behavior but then do the exact same thing minutes later.....etc

It's just weird to me....

Customers/travelers for example went 5 star food, amazing amenities and amazing beaches when traveling to Cuba ( an example )

Customers pay a ridiculously low price for their ticket $300-500 for their ticket, then call the food "bland"

BAH - maybe I'm crazy.....

As I said in my earlier post, I've been in the retail industry since I was 13, I'm turning turning 25 now...I've worked for 2 of the largest Food retailers in North American in many positions...I make my living in the industry....Oh well.....

Customer comes first but I think customers need to shift their mentality as a whole....

[uber_shnitz]

I agree, lots of customers are very self-entitled.

They expect to pay dirt for something, then they expect high paying level service/products. Yes, businesses will try and accommodate you, but sometimes they can't bend over backwards.

"What do you mean you don't ship to PO boxes?"
"Miss it's a desk..."
"So?"
"We don't ship to PO boxes for furniture, it most likely doesn't fit in the box anyways"
"What do you mean you don't ship to PO boxes?"

I don't deny there's very bad businesses out there and very horrible customer service employees, however I think customers have gotten higher expectations out of their shopping experience while willing to pay a lot less for it.

[Drew87]

I agree, lots of customers are very self-entitled.

They expect to pay dirt for something, then they expect high paying level service/products. Yes, businesses will try and accommodate you, but sometimes they can't bend over backwards.

"What do you mean you don't ship to PO boxes?"
"Miss it's a desk..."
"So?"
"We don't ship to PO boxes for furniture, it most likely doesn't fit in the box anyways"
"What do you mean you don't ship to PO boxes?"

I don't deny there's very bad businesses out there and very horrible customer service employees, however I think customers have gotten higher expectations out of their shopping experience while willing to pay a lot less for it.

LOL - thanks for agreeing - sometimes I think I'm crazy or that I'm over-reacting...I'm like " I can't be the only one who realizes this isn't right or that there's a problem?" or " Maybe it's because I work in the industry and I've just soured towards customers" but then I say to myself - it's only logical right? and it brings me back down to level ground...

It puzzles me, and I really agree about the self-entitled thing because I can guarantee or anyone treated or acted like them at the place they work - they would have a problem with it...

I think a lot of us that work in retail are just a punching bag for the public....Luckily I'm management so I don't have to deal with the public 24/7 like the people on the sales floor but damn....

It's like people will yell at teenage kids and say some real horrible things and I'm just like " at least this kid is working and going to school full-time (whether it's high school or university), what were you doing when you were his age?.....

Ah, it feels good to rant lol

[Kwonie]

So I place an Order by Phone with Futureshop and they screw up the Mailing Address by 1 Digit... Canada Post does a "Return To Sender" and Futureshop tells me there's nothing they can do? They don't even try to amend their mistake and just tell me to Refresh the Item Page until they process my Sent Back Item at their Warehouse and Update the Online Stock?

You're saying that I'm demanding too much from Customer Service? You can talk all you want now but when you end up in a situation with Customer Service, just remember how you criticized other people here about "Wanting Too Much From Customer Service"

[uber_shnitz]

So I place an Order by Phone with Futureshop and they screw up the Mailing Address by 1 Digit... Canada Post does a "Return To Sender" and Futureshop tells me there's nothing they can do? They don't even try to amend their mistake and just tell me to Refresh the Item Page until they process my Sent Back Item at their Warehouse and Update the Online Stock?

You're saying that I'm demanding too much from Customer Service? You can talk all you want now but when you end up in a situation with Customer Service, just remember how you criticized other people here about "Wanting Too Much From Customer Service"

No you're not asking too much. That's making a mistake and not taking responsibility it. What we're talking about is people asking for more and more and not expecting to give more for it. We're not talking about people making mistakes, we're talking about customers expecting you to do 50 times more than protocol yet pay 50 times less because "the customer is king".

I think only people who've worked retail can really understand. You get to deal with normal people as much as the worst dregs of society. People think it doesn't happen that often but it does. On average I'd say I get about one "really crazy" customer at least once a shift and you have to try and deal with these. I remember the lady who had a sticker on the side of her cheek, smelled like piss, and didn't believe me when I said LCD TVs were still TVs (she thought TVs were still CRT), then she went to see my manager and gave a fit, yelled and demanded I be fired.

[northfur1]

For the first time ever, today, I witnessed a Wal-Mart employee saying "no" to a customer.

At the super center near Eglinton and Pharmacy in Toronto.
In the express checkout line (1-12 items), all 6 registers humming along, about 20 people ahead of us in line, it's going quickly and efficiently (wish more retailers would have these types of checkouts, 1 line big, multiple registers)
A couple with a child with a cart loaded to the brim with merchandise pulled up to a register and the cashier actually told them that they'd need to go to a regular checkout. The couple argued a bit, but they eventually conceded when the clerk continued to refuse and pointed them to go to a regular checkout where they went around and waited in another long lineup.


I wish more CSRs could stand up and say "no" to customers without being written up or punished. I wish more people would realize that businesses can fire them as customers.

[NG]

I remember the lady who had a sticker on the side of her cheek, smelled like piss, and didn't believe me when I said LCD TVs were still TVs (she thought TVs were still CRT), then she went to see my manager and gave a fit, yelled and demanded I be fired.

Demanding you be fired was over the line but the rest of it sounds pretty jesus ****ing christ funny.

[Supercooled]

For the first time ever, today, I witnessed a Wal-Mart employee saying "no" to a customer.

At the super center near Eglinton and Pharmacy in Toronto.
In the express checkout line (1-12 items), all 6 registers humming along, about 20 people ahead of us in line, it's going quickly and efficiently (wish more retailers would have these types of checkouts, 1 line big, multiple registers)
A couple with a child with a cart loaded to the brim with merchandise pulled up to a register and the cashier actually told them that they'd need to go to a regular checkout. The couple argued a bit, but they eventually conceded when the clerk continued to refuse and pointed them to go to a regular checkout where they went around and waited in another long lineup.


I wish more CSRs could stand up and say "no" to customers without being written up or punished. I wish more people would realize that businesses can fire them as customers.

A cart overflowing with merchandise going through the express is not good for business. I would be shocked if the cashier serviced the customer as that would anger the lot vs that 1 customer. That said, it's probably in the handbook so they were actually doing their job to the t.

I work in retail and for as long as I've been doing it, I know not to expect gratitude from customers. Like someone said, they all have this entitlement about it and expect to be treated like royalty for their patronage. Anything to do with money seems to directly affect a persons humility.

Regarding Cinnabon, I still think it's grossly overpriced i,e rip off but in the same way as say a $700 iPhone. Some people see value in that, so be it. If the complaint was not appreciated, so be it, but I'm entitled to make my opinion heard the same way you guys are to counter my opinion with your own. Oh, because I don't see value in paying $4 for a sweet means I can't afford it? What kind of logic is that? I'm not posting how a $300k Lambourghini is overpriced because that I surely cannot afford but because I wouldn't pay $4 for a pastry I'm somehow destitute? Heh.

[hagbard]

Quality control, product quality and customer service have gotten worse year by year and OP blames the victim. Part of it is probably do to cheap crap from Asia, and the support from the same.

What's happening with customers is a natural reaction, they're feed up and don't want to take it anymore.

[uber_shnitz]

Quality control, product quality and customer service have gotten worse year by year and OP blames the victim. Part of it is probably do to cheap crap from Asia, and the support from the same.

What's happening with customers is a natural reaction, they're feed up and don't want to take it anymore.

All stuff is made in Asia, both cheap and not-cheap. The whole "made in China means cheap" is a stereotype from the 90s which doesn't apply anymore. China is capable of the cheapest crap like they are capable of the most luxurious of stuff. At one point in time (around post WWII IIRC) Japan was considered the place for "cheap imitation electronics" yet look at them now; lots of people consider Japan as the forefront of tech.

As for customer service, some of it has gotten worse yes (due to larger businesses' inability to control all their employees) but at the same time I also think customers have gotten worse too. Being fed up with bad service is one thing, expecting the moon and the sun served to you on a silver plate with a mariachi band for 1$ is another.


Demanding you be fired was over the line but the rest of it sounds pretty jesus ****ing christ funny.
But see "customer service policy" implies I cannot laugh at her and walk away so I'm stuck trying to actually have to deal with these kinds of people, despite their constant inability to want to accept my help.

[Drew87]

If quality is an issue and that's the reason for a lot of customers being rude - self involved pricks to regular employees they need to re-direct their frustration . Most places I've worked at (Food stores/Grocery store) the quality control procedures we have in place are ridiculously strict.....The odd thing sometimes will squeeze through but I've worked for large national Food retailers and quality is very very very important. The motto is " if you wouldn't buy it, don't sell it "

For customers to take their frustrations out on store level employees is ridiculous. The stores I've worked at are in constant contact with the head office about quality (freshness of the fresh products, expiry dates) It's not the stores fault. If customers want to make a difference and change things they need to start harassing the corporate offices....

You could say "stores sell low quality" products when it comes to grocery stores but you wouldn't believe the amount of people that would rather buy what they say is "low quality" then for us to leave the shelf empty....I've had customers begging me to bring out low quality produce and meat to sell it to them and had to argue with them that I can't because if they were to get sick I would be liable because I sold it in the first place.....

I'm just ranting again but these thoughts quickly crossed my mind so I'd thought I'd right them down.

[NG]

But see "customer service policy" implies I cannot laugh at her and walk away so I'm stuck trying to actually have to deal with these kinds of people, despite their constant inability to want to accept my help.

I understand but even on RFD where you can't be 100% open with how little you think of someone (http://forums.redflagdeals.com/politics-rule-getting-out-hand-1184060/2/#post14837735) I just respond in a diplomatic way as possible and then laugh about how much of a fool they are in private (aka employee work break for that customer of yours that smelt like piss)


Quality control, product quality and customer service have gotten worse year by year and OP blames the victim. Part of it is probably do to cheap crap from Asia, and the support from the same.

What's happening with customers is a natural reaction, they're feed up and don't want to take it anymore.

I would agree - it's the CEO's and execs of these corporations (either from the store or at the mfg level) who put this into play and then leave the average joes and janes on the front line to deal with the ramifications.

The best solution I've found (and I'd certainly agree that it's a flawed one) is to just avoid the whole thing as much as possible (cancel cable and toss up an antenna as an example).

[heyjoe]

entitlement delusions

it's not necessarily restricted to the commercial domains either

not that i'm mad about it or anything

it's just people vying for self interests

[Portwest]

n/t

[Ojam]

There may be some demanding customers, but there are also a lot more unscrupulous retail practises than ever before. Retailers seem more determined than ever to squeeze more pennies out of their customers.

Remember, it wasn’t so long ago that people were simply handed a shopping bag when they bought their goods. Now it’s a nickel plus HST that goes into the retailer’s profits under the transparent guise of "environmental responsibility".

Oh yes, then add HST onto every price. This tax, according to government media releases, was transferred from the business owner to the consumer. Prices will come down, they said. (I’m still waiting) Where have the former taxes that the retailer is now "saving" gone? Maybe into the retail upper managements' end-of-the-year bonuses?

It wasn’t so long ago that stores honoured warranties for an average of two years (sometimes longer) --- now the second year is called an “extended warranty” and customers have to pay for it. They expect to have to pay for it.

These are not memories of 30 years ago --- it hasn't been that long. It's just been so gradual that you hardly noticed the change.

More items are made cheaply and they don’t last. But the prices certainly don’t reflect that lower quality --- on the contrary, prices keep going up, up, up.

A store manager used to be an older person who had worked his or her way up the ladder and now had the experience and discretion to react to customer problems with a “win-win” attitude. Now, more often than ever before, the so-called “manager” is some snotty near-tweeny-bopper who parrots “store policy” (as though it’s the law) that’s been carefully set out to disregard the customer’s problem.

Retailers want more information from their customers so they can sell them even more overpriced, cheaply-made goods. They offer rewards in exchange for your information. But the store “rewards” are dwindling as well, while the resulting mail and e-mail spam increases.

So customers are paying more, being taxed on those high prices, getting lower-quality goods that don’t last, having to pay more for warranties for those cheaply-made products, handing over even more cash for a bag and dealing with idiots who think they’re important because they wear a name tag that says “asst. mgr.” and who have memorized some pages in a binder entitled “policy”. They tolerate e-mail spam from stores they deal with so that they can save a nickel here and there.

The bottom line is that the consumer pays more and gets less. The consumer feels cheated. And consumers who feel cheated are angry consumers.

Angry customers are not wandering the stores enjoying a relaxing shopping experience. They are reading message boards, comparing prices and features in-store, expecting to be ripped off again.

Customers expecting too much? Hah! I think it’s a miracle they’re not running naked through the malls carrying torches and screaming at the tops of their lungs.

So your primary problems are manufacture warranty (that you claim to have been standard 2 years - I worked retail through university and the only items that came with more than 1 year warranty were monitors this was about 12 years ago) and a government tax. Oh and manufactures making things cheaper. Remind us again which of those three things are because of the store? :facepalm:

[TrevorK]

I don't know if it's just me but why all the recent complaints re customer service/stores? Some are totaly non justified as they were treated fairly by either customer service or the sales rep, but are consumers expecting too much lately.

I think the issues are:
a) It's easy to complain on the internet and people do so. Everyone has things that get to them and with the internet there is an outlet for that anger and an audience willing to listen to it. With the broad range of readers there is also someone bound to support your point of view and provide validation so that you can keep believing what you do.
b) People are expecting bottom-of-the-barrel pricing combined with tremendous quality in goods/service. They do not realize that you typically can't get everything: rock bottom price, superb customer service, awesome warranty service (over the counter exchange) and a no questions asked return policy. With the proliferation of discount retailers there are many sources for cheap goods and people expect everyone to have those prices combined with the service/warranty of a boutique store.

[No Frills]

Good points.


I think the issues are:
a) It's easy to complain on the internet and people do so. Everyone has things that get to them and with the internet there is an outlet for that anger and an audience willing to listen to it. With the broad range of readers there is also someone bound to support your point of view and provide validation so that you can keep believing what you do.

Moreover, people are figuring out more and more that it pays to complain. Even if deep inside the customer knows they are wrong they are still trying to get something for nothing and will even make a stick out of something small.

[Kwonie]

I think the issues are:
a) It's easy to complain on the internet and people do so. Everyone has things that get to them and with the internet there is an outlet for that anger and an audience willing to listen to it. With the broad range of readers there is also someone bound to support your point of view and provide validation so that you can keep believing what you do.
b) People are expecting bottom-of-the-barrel pricing combined with tremendous quality in goods/service. They do not realize that you typically can't get everything: rock bottom price, superb customer service, awesome warranty service (over the counter exchange) and a no questions asked return policy. With the proliferation of discount retailers there are many sources for cheap goods and people expect everyone to have those prices combined with the service/warranty of a boutique store.

People are just posting their experience they had with a Retail and letting others know what happened. This is a Forum where people discuss things. Nobody needs support from anyone else to provide validation to what they believe in, as most likely they'll keep believing anyways.


Good points.


Moreover, people are figuring out more and more that it pays to complain. Even if deep inside the customer knows they are wrong they are still trying to get something for nothing and will even make a stick out of something small.

I don't see how sharing an experience, or in your case "making a complain" on a public forum, benefiting the poster in any way.

[No Frills]

I don't see how sharing an experience, or in your case "making a complain" on a public forum, benefiting the poster in any way.

I was talking about complaining to the retailer in person. What I quoted was more internet oriented.

[Portwest]

n/t

[starboy869]

^ however the buyer will buy the tv elsewhere for $50 cheaper and only have a 90 day warranty. Then a year later they'll *****, cry, and complain why the company that sold them a crap tv and why you shouldn't shop there.

Imo you get what you paid for, however the cheap-o wants the cheapest ever price, a+ service, and a bend-over backwards I'm first or else warranty.

[XtremeModder]

^ however the buyer will buy the tv elsewhere for $50 cheaper and only have a 90 day warranty. Then a year later they'll *****, cry, and complain why the company that sold them a crap tv and why you shouldn't shop there.

Imo you get what you paid for, however the cheap-o wants the cheapest ever price, a+ service, and a bend-over backwards I'm first or else warranty.

+1

Its like the 50" 3D plasma (Panasonic vierra vt20) I bought in November of 2010 (I think thats when I bought it). I paid $2400 taxes in for the tv, 2 extra glasses, 3D bd player and a couple movies. My friend bought a 3D lg LCD tv, already had a problem with it and he spent around $400 less than I did, and better yet, the 3D (when I use it which is rare) is crap on that lg. 2D picture on the viera is much better as well. So yes you get what you pay for. Oh and I've never had a single issue with it...

[XtremeModder]

So your primary problems are manufacture warranty (that you claim to have been standard 2 years - I worked retail through university and the only items that came with more than 1 year warranty were monitors this was about 12 years ago) and a government tax. Oh and manufactures making things cheaper. Remind us again which of those three things are because of the store? :facepalm:

My thoughts exactly!!!

I remember when I was younger and got a ps2 for Christmas, or as a matter of fact even a ps1... Manufacturers warranty was 3 months, that's it.

[ally12]

I agree with this thread. I work at Metro in Ottawa at Lincoln Fields and was on Cash 1 which in the daytime is the customer service desk as well an express cash. So at this cash I do everything answer the phone, lottery, cigarette , refunds and exchange sales. Around 5 it gets busy and usually my line is pretty long an d I was going as fast as I possibly can. There was this regular customer who knows that Cash 1 regardless of the cashier's abilities that it's not a fast line. He starts ranting saying that he's bee in line for 20 minutes and missed his bus and never coming here again, the gentleman who i was serving and in front of this rude customer told him to be patient and she is going as fast as she can she many responsibilities, the rude customer told the gentlemen to shut up and this is between me and the cashier (me)

When it is finally the rude customer's turn he starts ripping into me saying I the slowest cashier he has seen, told me to that I was unemployable beyond Metro. The phone one time during his transaction, so I answer it and he freaks out! He was ready to pay with debit and he decided to prolong the debit process just to piss everyone off in line. Once he left I started to cry on cash! In retrospective I should of called my manager but that would of held up my line further. But the thing is no other customer complained and I am in the top 5 fastest cashiers in the store with 26 items per minute!!! on a weekly basis. I love where I work it's just those old people who during the day have nothing else going on and come to grocery stores to give a hard time to employees so they can get a rush a sense of power I would like to call it.

[the stig]

i like the customers that think you were doing absolutely nothing till they walked in the door.... i work for a freight/moving company that does large businesses/corporations, so will have up to 5 different or even the same companies stuff on my truck at once. i stopped off to pick up an item at a business and the lady makes a comment about having a huge 18 wheeler for just a small desk, then said "so am i your only job for the day ? i guess if i had not called you would be at home all day huh ?" i was like are you kidding me ? seriously you thought i was sitting at home by the phone praying for work and luckily you called and now i'm set !!! i said that whole truck is full including the drone box and btw i have been working since 4am and you are my fifth stop today.

she was totally flabbergasted that had been working since the crack of dawn (maybe before that) and thought i just sit at home waiting for calls, that the rest of the world doesn't do anything so people in our industry just sit around and possibly collect UI.

i think there is too many people zoned out or on meds that make them stupid and think the world revolves around them and the rest of us just wander around with no purpose till that person needs them.

[TrevorK]

People are just posting their experience they had with a Retail and letting others know what happened. This is a Forum where people discuss things. Nobody needs support from anyone else to provide validation to what they believe in, as most likely they'll keep believing anyways.

If people didn't need validation on what they do and believe in peer pressure wouldn't exist. People actively seek acceptance and validation; the wide variety of personalities on the internet allows just about anyone to find people who agree with what they think even if it seems absurd to most people.

[Drew87]

i like the customers that think you were doing absolutely nothing till they walked in the door.... i work for a freight/moving company that does large businesses/corporations, so will have up to 5 different or even the same companies stuff on my truck at once. i stopped off to pick up an item at a business and the lady makes a comment about having a huge 18 wheeler for just a small desk, then said "so am i your only job for the day ? i guess if i had not called you would be at home all day huh ?" i was like are you kidding me ? seriously you thought i was sitting at home by the phone praying for work and luckily you called and now i'm set !!! i said that whole truck is full including the drone box and btw i have been working since 4am and you are my fifth stop today.

she was totally flabbergasted that had been working since the crack of dawn (maybe before that) and thought i just sit at home waiting for calls, that the rest of the world doesn't do anything so people in our industry just sit around and possibly collect UI.

i think there is too many people zoned out or on meds that make them stupid and think the world revolves around them and the rest of us just wander around with no purpose till that person needs them.

THIS IS SOOO TRUE - try working in a Grocery store - on a daily basis the staff will knock off upwards of 50-75 skids of product and customers come in and go

"wth, what are you guys doing? Don't you guys have anything to do?

"Why is this empty? because you guys are just walking around instead making sure the products customers want are available to them?"

[Supercooled]

drew that grocers store knock off 50-75 skids of product a day? Nofrills during their $1 sales don't even do half that.. get real.

[Drew87]

drew that grocers store knock off 50-75 skids of product a day? Nofrills during their $1 sales don't even do half that.. get real.

Really? I've worked in the business since I was 13 - An Average store will get at least 50 skids a day that have to be worked ( gone through to see what will fill the shelf and what is overstock ) and then the skids have to be broken down or stored because another order will come in the next day....

I have a buddy that works at a Wal-mart - his produce department alone gets at least 10 skids a day - grocery usually 20 - Every skid needs to be picked through to ensure that the shelves are filled to capacity and their broken down (stocked on shelves in the backroom) to make room for the next days delivery....My buddies Wal-mart gets an order everyday - Grocery does as well..


Maybe not all Grocery stores have the type of volume I'm talking about but I've been in the business since I was 13 and I've worked for 5 separate stores....

2 under one banner - 2 under another - 1 mom and pop

[da335]

I think the issues are:
a) It's easy to complain on the internet and people do so. Everyone has things that get to them and with the internet there is an outlet for that anger and an audience willing to listen to it. With the broad range of readers there is also someone bound to support your point of view and provide validation so that you can keep believing what you do.
b) People are expecting bottom-of-the-barrel pricing combined with tremendous quality in goods/service. They do not realize that you typically can't get everything: rock bottom price, superb customer service, awesome warranty service (over the counter exchange) and a no questions asked return policy. With the proliferation of discount retailers there are many sources for cheap goods and people expect everyone to have those prices combined with the service/warranty of a boutique store.

+1

[Supercooled]

are you 16 because yoy exaggerate lime one. i havent been working as long but i work for one of the big three grocers and
no way an average store gets 50 skids and that is all departments combined. i would say between 10-20 skids and stores don't get grocery delivery everyday. some directs like pop and chips nor withstanding. so which one do you work for? i work gor an urban fresh store so that's a clue for you.


Really? I've worked in the business since I was 13 - An Average store will get at least 50 skids a day that have to be worked ( gone through to see what will fill the shelf and what is overstock ) and then the skids have to be broken down or stored because another order will come in the next day....

I have a buddy that works at a Wal-mart - his produce department alone gets at least 10 skids a day - grocery usually 20 - Every skid needs to be picked through to ensure that the shelves are filled to capacity and their broken down (stocked on shelves in the backroom) to make room for the next days delivery....My buddies Wal-mart gets an order everyday - Grocery does as well..


Maybe not all Grocery stores have the type of volume I'm talking about but I've been in the business since I was 13 and I've worked for 5 separate stores....

2 under one banner - 2 under another - 1 mom and pop

[flafson]

I think it's actually worse at small businesses. For some reason many customers feel like if they complain/argue/threat/raise their voice they will get what they want for less money. The reality is, it does work.
You need to be very strict/squared in order to be able to tell the customer take it or leave it. BTW, 8 out of 10 (if they were serious to begin with) they will take it.

[uber_shnitz]

are you 16 because yoy exaggerate lime one. i havent been working as long but i work for one of the big three grocers and
no way an average store gets 50 skids and that is all departments combined. i would say between 10-20 skids and stores don't get grocery delivery everyday. some directs like pop and chips nor withstanding. so which one do you work for? i work gor an urban fresh store so that's a clue for you.

Only 10-20 a day? That sounds small for for a big grocery. I work at a medium volume Staples store and we get on average maybe between six and a dozen skids a day (yesterday we got 8 skids of Hilroy notebooks alone for August). mind you, there's maybe 1-2 people unpacking the skids at Staples at a time, since I normally see quite a few stockers at grocery stores I'd have assumed there'd be a lot more skids/products.

[Supercooled]

Only 10-20 a day? That sounds small for for a big grocery. I work at a medium volume Staples store and we get on average maybe between six and a dozen skids a day (yesterday we got 8 skids of Hilroy notebooks alone for August). mind you, there's maybe 1-2 people unpacking the skids at Staples at a time, since I normally see quite a few stockers at grocery stores I'd have assumed there'd be a lot more skids/products.

Grocery stores do the bulk of the stocking at night and 10 is considered a big load which is about 500-750 pieces. Our store gets orders 4 times a week and the majority of the load is between 4-6 skids and between 2-3 people working it. I think No Frills might have more workers per store since they do extremely high volume especially when they have sales. 50-75 skids is pretty laughable. During the day you will see the store get stuff like dairy, frozen and other departments supplies like deli, meats, etc. I don't combined with them will amount to 50-75; 30 skids a day is pushing it.

[uber_shnitz]

Grocery stores do the bulk of the stocking at night and 10 is considered a big load which is about 500-750 pieces. Our store gets orders 4 times a week and the majority of the load is between 4-6 skids and between 2-3 people working it. I think No Frills might have more workers per store since they do extremely high volume especially when they have sales. 50-75 skids is pretty laughable. During the day you will see the store get stuff like dairy, frozen and other departments supplies like deli, meats, etc. I don't combined with them will amount to 50-75; 30 skids a day is pushing it.

Ah ok, I've never worked at a grocery store so I was just curious. I guess retail stores might get more skids as their products are non-perishable so they stockpile most of it. I mean, we get like 4-5 skids of the same product (usually loose leaf paper) during summer :lol:

I wonder how many skids big chain stores like Walmart get a day on average.

[Ojam]

The government did not regulate the selling of plastic bags as a separate product instead of including such expenses as the cost of doing business. (I didn't see any lower prices to reflect the fact that plastic bags were no longer included in overhead, did you?) Plastic bags became a taxable item because retailers figured out they could make more money by claiming to care about the environment.

The government did not force retailers to retain any savings they incurred by transferring tax from the retailer to the consumer (HST).

Nobody forces retailers to sell cheaply-made crap. (Not all retailers sell cheap crap, you know) Nobody forces the retailers to refuse to help the customer who gets stuck with a product that falls apart after a year.

I just bought a television at Costco today. Costo doubles the manufacturer’s warranty. That’s one of the reasons I bought it there.

Retailers have choices to set their practises and policies any way they wish.

I notice that you ignored the rest of my posting. Guess you have no sarcastic response to the facts.

I don't pay for plastic bags, the superstore I shop at doesn't charge for them. But if you live in Toronto there is a bylaw that retailers are required to charge for plastic bags.

Products come with a manufacture warranty, it's not the stores responsibility to do anything beyond what they have outlined in their return policy.

You also pay for a Costco membership, are you saying you should have to pay to shop at all stores? Or are you just making a failed analogy?

I didn't reply to the rest because it is not worth replying to.

[Drew87]

are you 16 because yoy exaggerate lime one. i havent been working as long but i work for one of the big three grocers and
no way an average store gets 50 skids and that is all departments combined. i would say between 10-20 skids and stores don't get grocery delivery everyday. some directs like pop and chips nor withstanding. so which one do you work for? i work gor an urban fresh store so that's a clue for you.

It's funny how you're trying to argue with me about my career - you work for an urban fresh store - not a national retailer like No frills or Wal-Mart....

And Yes - my buddies Wal-Mart gets a grocery order every day along with produce - most no frills get 5-7 grocery orders a week depending on location....I've worked at retailers where the produce has done on average 10-11 thousand a day in sales - grocery would do triple - 10-20 skids a day wouldn't cut it - 10 skids would barely fill a produce department with that level of traffic. If you don't believe me go to you're local No Frills and Wal-Mart or Costco or whatever nad ask them....Obviously you just want to argue with me and don't believe me.

No frills on average do 300 000 + in sales a week - if you think 10-20 skids a day would be enough to produce those kind of numbers you're sorely mistaking.

[number8888]

Well this is just a small vocal minority making all the noise, and there will always be idiots in the world. I wouldn't interpret this to represent the majority which are satisfied and has no need to make a fuss.

The only reason this forum exist is because it's good for a laugh anyway (to me at least :razz: ).

[Mysticdragon]

The only reason this forum exist is because it's good for a laugh anyway (to me at least :razz: ).

LOL

It's a great time killer when work is slow.


Anyway, I think for every 100 good experiences 1 person will praise the company. For every 100 negative experiences 75 people probably complain (either online or to friends/family)

[TrevorK]

are you 16 because yoy exaggerate lime one. i havent been working as long but i work for one of the big three grocers and
no way an average store gets 50 skids and that is all departments combined. i would say between 10-20 skids and stores don't get grocery delivery everyday. some directs like pop and chips nor withstanding. so which one do you work for? i work gor an urban fresh store so that's a clue for you.

I worked at a Superstore and we would pull 10-20 skids every morning from receiving to the produce department, 2 of those skids were just bananas. That doesn't include all the items that go out in the grocery section/other sections. They also get deliveries every night, and multiple ones at that (obviously dairy doesn't travel with the canned goods, etc.).

I have no doubt they would be able to get 50 skids daily. I never stopped to count other departments skids as I didn't care, but judging by the amount in the back room I would even think that might be low.

[Snickles]

Move along, nothing to see here for normal people. This is just a thread for retail workers to complain. Any intelligent discussion is ripped up by sarcastic macho crap.

[XtremeModder]

It's funny how you're trying to argue with me about my career - you work for an urban fresh store - not a national retailer like No frills or Wal-Mart....

And Yes - my buddies Wal-Mart gets a grocery order every day along with produce - most no frills get 5-7 grocery orders a week depending on location....I've worked at retailers where the produce has done on average 10-11 thousand a day in sales - grocery would do triple - 10-20 skids a day wouldn't cut it - 10 skids would barely fill a produce department with that level of traffic. If you don't believe me go to you're local No Frills and Wal-Mart or Costco or whatever nad ask them....Obviously you just want to argue with me and don't believe me.

No frills on average do 300 000 + in sales a week - if you think 10-20 skids a day would be enough to produce those kind of numbers you're sorely mistaking.

100% correct.

Believe me when I say I work for a distribution warehouse (can't say which one due to confidentiality agreements) but you are correct with stating amounts ordered, etc

[Supercooled]

It's funny how you're trying to argue with me about my career - you work for an urban fresh store - not a national retailer like No frills or Wal-Mart....

And Yes - my buddies Wal-Mart gets a grocery order every day along with produce - most no frills get 5-7 grocery orders a week depending on location....I've worked at retailers where the produce has done on average 10-11 thousand a day in sales - grocery would do triple - 10-20 skids a day wouldn't cut it - 10 skids would barely fill a produce department with that level of traffic. If you don't believe me go to you're local No Frills and Wal-Mart or Costco or whatever nad ask them....Obviously you just want to argue with me and don't believe me.

No frills on average do 300 000 + in sales a week - if you think 10-20 skids a day would be enough to produce those kind of numbers you're sorely mistaking.

I stand corrected. So who's your daddy and what does he do? No seriously, I can admit when I'm wrong and you're right about some stores getting two skids of bananas. I work nights, I come in and count the empty pallets in the back room and see what the day staff has done, followed by a few choice words about them being lazy bums and leaving us all the grunt work to day that night.

[CSK'sMom]

I stand corrected. So who's your daddy and what does he do? No seriously, I can admit when I'm wrong and you're right about some stores getting two skids of bananas. I work nights, I come in and count the empty pallets in the back room and see what the day staff has done, followed by a few choice words about them being lazy bums and leaving us all the grunt work to day that night.

And I assume you realize cp pallets are picked up for return usually on every delivery right? They drop 20 cp skids, they take 20 cp skids. ;)

Really supercooled, drew is right. My hubby is in the wholesale produce biz and as part of that they do all the "shorts" for several chains. That can mean 10 skids easily to a busy store, sometimes twice a day if the central warehouse doesn't have sale items.

[XtremeModder]

I stand corrected. So who's your daddy and what does he do? No seriously, I can admit when I'm wrong and you're right about some stores getting two skids of bananas. I work nights, I come in and count the empty pallets in the back room and see what the day staff has done, followed by a few choice words about them being lazy bums and leaving us all the grunt work to day that night.

Everyone will always blame the previous shift for everything, its just how it is. The way I see it the more work the better, it can make the day go faster or give people overtime for those who want it (like me)

Other poster above me are you talking about CPC pallets (orange)?

[Supercooled]

Everyone will always blame the previous shift for everything, its just how it is. The way I see it the more work the better, it can make the day go faster or give people overtime for those who want it (like me)

Other poster above me are you talking about CPC pallets (orange)?

It can also make the nights harrowing as you're battling against time to finish the load or the manager will question why it wasn't done. You work in a warehouse where overtime may not be an issue but when you're in retail, they're constantly trying to nickel and dime you anywhere and everywhere they can. Both Dominions and Sobeys have been this way from my experience.

About the orange pallets, in our ecosystem, those belong to Coca Cola and apparently cost like $400 a pc. Sobeys themselves use these flimsy plastic skids that they love to overstack in the warehouse and make our lives hell.

[XtremeModder]

It can also make the nights harrowing as you're battling against time to finish the load or the manager will question why it wasn't done. You work in a warehouse where overtime may not be an issue but when you're in retail, they're constantly trying to nickel and dime you anywhere and everywhere they can. Both Dominions and Sobeys have been this way from my experience.

About the orange pallets, in our ecosystem, those belong to Coca Cola and apparently cost like $400 a pc. Sobeys themselves use these flimsy plastic skids that they love to overstack in the warehouse and make our lives hell.

I know plastic black ones are a pain in the ***** , we don't use them but I've seen then a lot.

[Portwest]

Move along, nothing to see here for normal people. This is just a thread for retail workers to complain. Any intelligent discussion is ripped up by sarcastic macho crap.

I think this pretty much sums it up.


I didn't reply to the rest because it is not worth replying to.

Case in point.