Blog ranting

Blogs are known to be a place where one can rant about things, but up until now I'm not sure I have ranted about anything. Times a changin'!

I went shopping tonight at the mall. I needed a garment in another size so I asked the salesperson if they had more in the back in my size. She explained that they don't keep stock in back but that she could call another store for me. So far, so good.

If you've ever worked in retail, you'll know that when you call the tenendcy is to say that whatever it is they're asked for is out of stock. I've worked retail and seen my co-workers do it but I am proud to say I've NEVER done that to a customer. I told the gal she could call for me if she got the person's name who answers the phone so that if they say the item is out of stock and I go there, I can complain. I probably wouldn't have complained, but I figured it'd be a good way to get the worker to really check. I've been told no before, asked for a name, then told "wait hold on one sec... Oh yes we do have it". (You may want to try that trick next time you're told no.)

The salesperson asks me, "What if the person gives a fake name?" I basically told her that I'd have her to vouch for me that someone by that name answerred the phone and lied to me. She told me that in retail (generally speaking) lying to callers is a problem but assured me that she's not one to say yes or no if she doesn't know for certain. I thought she was cool, being polite and honest. I then asked her if it was the policy to not get a name and phone number to call back if they are too busy to check. That way I would know if it were worth going there if the answer was no. If it wasn't the policy to call back, then lying is more likely. (This story is going to take an unexpected twist soon... hang in there.) She said they prefer you don't do that and on occasion when she's gotten a phone number she's forgotten to call back and not realized until she got home. She said she felt bad when that happened and would call the next day. Wow, I'm liking her attitude... good worker!

I decided to try on the garment once more before calling, and figured that it fit alright so I'd just buy it and hope I don't gain weight! (Twist still coming...)

I continued shopping nearby the register. A lady walks up to the counter frantic; looking at her I thought something must be wrong. She was trembling and told the man at the counter that her car wouldn't start and asked nicely if she could use the phone. The man tells her that the phones don't dial out, so she couldn't.

What?! The girl earlier mentioned to me that she's able to call customers back. I was stunned. I offered the lady my cell phone and called AAA Roadside Assistance.

The girl I'd spoken to was nowhere in sight unfortunately. I told the lady with car trouble, Shelley, that I'd wait until they came since if they get lost they'd be calling my cell phone. She went to wait in the car and I shopped about 5 minutes more.

On my way out the man who denied her use of the phone tells me goodnight and says that it was nice of me to let her use the phone since they can't dial out. I told him, "Funny, I was talking with a salesperson earlier about how if she's too busy when someone calls for a stock check, she will take their number and call them back." Well he made a really interesting expression that was a mixture of fear and surprise, then he turned away and I walked out.

I saw another worker and asked if the phones can dial out. They don't, but there are phones that some of the floor workers (the ones who walk around and help people) carry cellphones that dial out. He also told me that the guy was the manager who denied her the use of the phone. What an aweful manager he is! He could have offered to help this obviously upset woman by directing her to a payphone at the very least. He didn't care whatsoever. I won't complain to the store; I'll leave it to Shelley, but I'm sure she won't either... but one of us should!

What bothers me is that this isn't the first time I've witnessed this happen and won't be the last. If you can help someone, help them. Go out of your way for them. Be kind to them. What if it were someone in your family that needed help? Would you want this to happen to them? Would you want it to happen to you? I believe in the old saying "What goes around, comes around."

If you're still reading this, thanks for listening :-) I'll try not to rant too often.

Posted by ~Angela | Comments (0) | Add Comment | Permalink