You've got some interesting and valid advice there.

If you take something and don't want it...put it back where it belongs!

I'll put things up in the wrong place. I don't do it with perishables/refrigerated items, but if I decide I don't want my US Weekly magazine and I'm in the sporting goods aisle, I'll put it on the shelf next to the footballs.

I don't get paid to put things up, but someone does (hehe, I guess that would be YOU).

I mean, if it's not a lot of trouble I'll put something back in the right place (and I don't frequently leave things scattered), but if I'm far away from the proper place for something I've decided I don't want and I'm feeling frazzled...well...I'm just gonna stick it somewhere.

This is an excellent blog that explains poor customer service. I disagree completely with much of what you wrote. It doesn't matter if it's your department or not, if a customer asks you for help your should either help or find someone who can help them. That is caring about your customer. Why do you wear the little vest that says "ask me I'm here to help" and then not want to help? This should be part of your basic training knowing where most items in the store are located and if you don't you should have access to a two-way radio or use the pa system to find someone who does.

I think it is absolutely ridiculous when they only have four or five full service registers open at prime shopping hours. They don't have to schedule workers for a full shift. I know they have plenty of part time workers. I can't go to the store early in the morning except on weekends. If I am shopping on weekdays, it will be about 6 or 7 when everyone else is shopping after work. Walmart knows what these busy hours are. When I worked at Lowes everyone in the whole store was trained to run the register. If it got backed up, they would come up for five or ten minutes until we got the crowd cleared out and then go back to their departments.

This is why I prefer to shop at Target. They know the meaning of customer service and it shows. There prices are not much higher especially if you shop the sales and they will price match if you have an ad. It is a much more pleasant shopping experience.

I don't get paid to put things up, but someone does (hehe, I guess that would be YOU).

Well I dont necessarily mind if others do that, leaving stuff that isnt perishable. But, my main job is to work in the Frozen department. There isnt really a job in a store where someone goes around to pick up stuff that customers leave behind either. its one of those weird situations that unless it is brought up to the front of the store and put in the bins behind the customer service desk, it wont be brought back to the deparment. Also, with the amount of stuff that gets left behind, it could take quite a bit of time going from department to department returning things, especially if you are supposed to be doing something else.

This is an excellent blog that explains poor customer service. I disagree completely with much of what you wrote. It doesn't matter if it's your department or not, if a customer asks you for help your should either help or find someone who can help them. That is caring about your customer. Why do you wear the little vest that says "ask me I'm here to help" and then not want to help? This should be part of your basic training knowing where most items in the store are located and if you don't you should have access to a two-way radio or use the pa system to find someone who does.

Right...I understand what you are saying here. I do try and help out as much as I can. What Im saying is that, don't come up to an associate and expect them to have 100% knowledge of where each and every single product is. I mean crap, I get people that come up and ask me where something is and they truley expect me to know without a shadow of a doubt where it is. If someone is asking where something is on my side of the store, I help them find it. But if the product they are looking for is on the other side of the store, I generally try to tell them where it is because otherwise I need to put my cart of ffrozen stuff back in the freezer...etc and they dont want to wait. Also, people, if they don't feel I can tell them right away, they just say 'thats ok, Ill find it on my own." Many times, even after they say this, I still walk around and try to find what they are looking for, and then I try and hunt them back down again and let them know. Managment only has radios and not every single department is manned throughout the day so using the PA system is pointless in that regard. Im here to help and I don't mind doing that. But, at the same time, you would be seriously surprised how many people ask me where something is in my department where all I need to do is point to the door behind them. Lots of times, people look for a grand total of 5 seconds and overlook something. Most often, I hear a response along the lines of "oh man, I just walked by this, didnt even see it"

I think it is absolutely ridiculous when they only have four or five full service registers open at prime shopping hours. They don't have to schedule workers for a full shift. I know they have plenty of part time workers. I can't go to the store early in the morning except on weekends. If I am shopping on weekdays, it will be about 6 or 7 when everyone else is shopping after work. Walmart knows what these busy hours are. When I worked at Lowes everyone in the whole store was trained to run the register. If it got backed up, they would come up for five or ten minutes until we got the crowd cleared out and then go back to their departments.

Each store is different I guess. We try to plan out and schedule so that we have as many regular cashiers as we can. But at the same time, some call in sick and the like. True, each associate is trained on the registers, BUT at WM, they won't pull you away for some reasons. They wont pull associates out of Pets (because of the fishtank), sporting goods (because of the gun counters), hardware (because of the paint), arts and crafts (because of the cutting table), electronics and cell phones (because of customer service), softlines (because of the changing rooms)...etc. That leaves a few other people available to cashier. When they call me, I need to get everything back on the cart and back in the freezer and that alone can take five minutes or so.

Also, there is a vast difference between Lowes and WM. At Lowes, most of the orders arent large quantity orders so you can zip people through the line and get em done and out the door fast. At WM, each order can consist of a few hundred items easily so its harder to work the lines faster.

The reason its easier to shop at Target is because nobody goes there. They have radios which allow them to talk to each other, but that works for them since they have maybe 30-40 people working at a time, not 100+. That and the fact that the average Target is about half the size of a Wal Mart. Target also doesnt have many of its larger They also have stations set up throughout the store that let you push a button if you need help, which isnt quite as savvy as an actual person. This enables them to cut back on the employees needed so that they can try to remain somewhat competitive with WM. As far as prices, all I know is that we have shopped at various stores and when we started shopping at WM in Las Vegas, we were definately saving money by a large amount.

At most, if not all Wal Marts (at least the supercenters), the associates are REQUIRED to ask you for ID if you are buying smokes.

I'll accept that, of course. I'll also easily accept that they are required to card me for alcohol (at the ones that sell it, of course). I'll grumble a bit about the Sudafed. I'll get rather cranky about the diet pills.

But explain to me the need to card me for permanent markers in the self-checkout line. Go ahead. I'll check back later.

Psuedo,
Im not sure, to be honest where the line is drawn between state law and just the companies policy. Because, some of the stuff they card you for is out of a concern for misuse. I don't work the register that sells tobacco as I think WM has special training you must pass before you can work that register. I don't card unless the computer tells me to, this is on some drugs as well as some movies and a few other items.

More and more stores are starting to card for stuff like sudafed because of many reasons, but I think the growing concern is misuse, primaraly as it being a meth ingrediant.

Permanent markers....hmm, not sure about that. I dont think I have had any pass through my line so I havent had that situation happen yet. If you are carded, its most likely because some permanent markers have ingredients that people use to get a buzz off of.

sorry, didnt respond to the self check out part.

I dont think it matters what line you are in. If company policy says you need to be carded, they are going to do it in either line.

Wally World exist!!!

To lighten the mood, I have a few questions;

Everyone's heard of the pranks alledgedly pulled at Walmart, have you ever experienced any? ( such as lay-away M&M's, paging odd names, customers screaming "the voices" as the PA comes on...etc....)

Have you ever taken a break, sat outside in Lawn and Garden and looked at the Darwin Award candidates that pass thru the doors of your store?

Customer service is tough, it's amazing to me that people shopping for value still seem to expect consierge level service...I mean if you want your ass kissed while spending money you gotta pay up, there ain't no Walmart on Rodeo Drive!

Customer service is tough, it's amazing to me that people shopping for value still seem to expect consierge level service...I mean if you want your ass kissed while spending money you gotta pay up, there ain't no Walmart on Rodeo Drive!

I agree Dynosoar, WalMart is about cheap prices. You just pay in different ways. How much is your time worth? Are you going to save enough money to make up for the extra time waiting in the one of two open registers in a Super Center? That's why we shop a Super Target or HEB Plus (a local grocery chain that has added Super Center like stores). They are a little bit more expensive, but not much, and a whole lot better about customer service. At least at the checkout where we see it. They know when it busy and schedule accordingly and will call checkers in from the rest of the store if the lines get more than 2 customer deep. WalMart on the other hand? The lines for the four registers are out to the main aisle. So what do they do? Open more register? No, they close the two self serve registers and send the people to the other registers. After all, it's 10:00 and time to go home. And I've seen them do this on more than one occasion.

The reason its easier to shop at Target is because nobody goes there. They have radios which allow them to talk to each other, but that works for them since they have maybe 30-40 people working at a time, not 100+. That and the fact that the average Target is about half the size of a Wal Mart. Target also doesnt have many of its larger They also have stations set up throughout the store that let you push a button if you need help, which isnt quite as savvy as an actual person. This enables them to cut back on the employees needed so that they can try to remain somewhat competitive with WM. As far as prices, all I know is that we have shopped at various stores and when we started shopping at WM in Las Vegas, we were definately saving money by a large amount.

The Super Target we shop at is as big as and as busy as the WalMart next to it. We don't buy groceries at either WalMart or Target, but for the other stuff Target is comperable, or just slightly more, with much better service. And the button at least gets you someone who can look it up, whereas at WalMart you end up asking someone in Frozen goods because you can't FIND anyone closer.

*best time to buy stuff?... *worst time to shop? ...

It's busy at these times for a reason. That's when people can shop. You can say buy your groceries at a time when no one else is, but then your back to what's your time worth. Is it worth going to WalMart at 12:00am just to be able to get in and out? Or 7:00am to get what you need? Or would you rather be sleeping or playing Oblivion?

Now, all that said, I do agree you can't expect someone in the frozen section to know exactly where something in household goods is. And diapers/pullups are cheap enough that we deal with the lines at the registers to buy them at WalMart. I can hardly wait until the kids are all potty trained.

I will agree about putting things where they belong or at least handing them to the cashier and telling them you changed your mind. In high school I worked at a grocery store and it would kill me that people would leave ice cream on just any shelf. I mean come on if you have half a brain you know that is the recipe for disaster. Aggravating.

Working with the public is always a challenge. I think you get some people that give you major crap and attitude because they know you really can't do anything about it. I am not a difficult customer but I do get aggravated when people act like they don't want to be bothered.

Everyone's heard of the pranks alledgedly pulled at Walmart, have you ever experienced any? ( such as lay-away M&M's, paging odd names, customers screaming "the voices" as the PA comes on...etc....)

no...I hear some people picking up the phone and pressing buttons, but I dont hear any phone pranks. One time I heard one of our associates asking for a customer and it was a hispanic name she couldnt pronounce; so the next thing you hear is some mexican guy on the PA speaking in spanish asking for so and so to meet him in the front of the store. We dont get many pranks at our store, none that I have noticed. When I have to page someone, I get on the horn and use my radio voice...always brings a laugh to people.

Have you ever taken a break, sat outside in Lawn and Garden and looked at the Darwin Award candidates that pass thru the doors of your store?

Nah not really...I see people from time to time that just freak out if they dont get their way; but it is amusing how short tempered some people are. I dont cashier that often so when I do...once in a blue moon I will get stuck on something or have to call over one of our customer service geeks to help out. Then you see the customer getting impatient. Like I want your impatient ass in my line any longer than it has to be...No offense, but I want to get you out the door as soon as possible. Get your stuff, ring it through, bag it up, and move on to the next customer so we can get the people back to whatever they need to do. I chit chat and all with customers and all that, but my job is to get your order processed and get it done fast. Ill try to make it as enoyable as possible, but also as fast as I can.

They are a little bit more expensive, but not much, and a whole lot better about customer service. At least at the checkout where we see it. They know when it busy and schedule accordingly and will call checkers in from the rest of the store if the lines get more than 2 customer deep. WalMart on the other hand? The lines for the four registers are out to the main aisle. So what do they do? Open more register? No, they close the two self serve registers and send the people to the other registers. After all, it's 10:00 and time to go home. And I've seen them do this on more than one occasion.

I think it just all depends on where you shop. I know from first hand experience shopping at various stores how bad they can be. there are good and bad Wal Marts, just as there are good and bad Targest when it comes to check out lines. My store calls backup cashiers when the lines get long, just like everyone else. Also...the self serve registers are only heavily used during peak evening hours, and those take so long to process, its almost faster to go through the regular line anyways. Its pretty pointless to keep 4 self serve registers open when its late because they arent being used...and its also equally pointless to have one or two self pays open because a regular cashier can process that same number of customers just as fast. Another thing to consider is that the self service registers need extra training. I myself cant work at the self pay registers because I dont know how to work the interface. Only a few of the regular cashiers are trained to work them. I guess I havent had any problems with Kmart or Target because when I go there, I dont see them with nearly the numbers of customers that an ordinary Wal Mart has.

That's when people can shop. You can say buy your groceries at a time when no one else is, but then your back to what's your time worth.

lol..no. What Im saying is that Im just incredibly surprised when people come and shop, at the same point in time when everyone else decides to shop and they then complain about how busy it is. OR! Then they complain about things being out of stock when they come into shop at that same time when everyone else is looking for the same thing.

I used to work at Walmart and it isn't an easy to place to work I'll give you that. There are just too many people for the amount of workers Walmart allows, that is for quality customer service. I also believe too many customers don't take the time to look for what they want properly, I know they don't have much time, but Walmart is basically self-serve. In general most items should not be that difficult to find if you use common sense (though I find there are plenty with out it). Plus when you really want help in Walmart, you either can't find it or they are too busy helping other customers already. It can be a frustrating place to shop and not always worth the savings.
I understand the frustration with people leaving product all over the place. However Walmart is a big store and I don't blame people for not walking all over the put something back. You get paid to do that. Sure I agree frozen or refrigerated product shouldn't be just put anywhere, but its one of the hazards with being a self-service store, some people just won't care.
I also far prefer Target over Walmart (only thing is there is no Super Target near me or I'd buy groceries there). Target may not have the traffic, but that's what I like. Its a lot more comfortable shopping there. Sometimes things are cheaper as well, or if they aren't cheaper they are of better quality for not much more.

You may not have intended to rant, but that is what you did. Working at Walmart is mostly not a wonderful experience. It is drudgery and the rewards are few and far between. Definitely not worth the scrap they pay their workers. So if you work there, just deal with it. You can't change it.

Ghos...in my experience, working at WM isnt totally bad. At least not as bad as many people percieve it to be. I have been fortunate to work in departments where I have been one of two people working at the same time; or been the only person working in the department period. Right now in Frozen, Im there all by myself so I do what I want. I mean, I have to do what my department manager wants, but Im not under constant eyes like might happen in other departments. Ive seen the store as being pretty laid back. I could pretty much punch in and just walk around the store for my shift and nobody would really notice.

As far as pay...not sure where the issue is coming from. They pay just as low as other places. I started off at 6.40. I was bumped over to Frozen, and got a bump in pay for that. After a performance review, I got another raise, Im now getting 7.20 an hour. Plus on Sunday, I make an extra buck an hour. If I worked the overnight shift, I would get another buck an hour as well. Its still not much, but it is more than some other places pay. Also, if Im a good worker, I can get a pay raise because of that, other performance pay raises...etc. Also, If i moved up the ladder, my pay would raise as well. Its fairly easy to move up in WM as well. I guess I dont see a problem in regards to the pay because if you do your job and do it well; and actually show a desire to move up, you will do fairly well.

All stores are self serve and I think you are right when you say that many people just dont look, but that is the case anywhere. My thing is that I dont work in Grocery, but since that department is next to mine, people often ask me for help. One of the first things I do is tell them "well, I dont work in Grocery, but Ill help you try and find it."

I understand the frustration with people leaving product all over the place. However Walmart is a big store and I don't blame people for not walking all over the put something back. You get paid to do that.

I get paid to work in my departmnent. Im just saying its a common courtesy to bring things back to where you got them, or to bring it up to us at the front of the store. I find it hard to believe that people are willing to walk all heck back and forth across the store 18 times to get what they want, but when they change their mind, they dont want to take a direct bee line back to that spot which takes about one minute. We don't always catch things that are out of place; and customers see something and dont think that it is out of place and they grab it...and then they freak out when they are charged a different price.

Sometimes things are cheaper as well, or if they aren't cheaper they are of better quality for not much more.

On rare occasions, Target may be cheaper, but I dont know how their products can be of better quality. Brand name products are the same from here to there. The only difference are the store products which are often made by the same brand name companies; or smaller less known companies but I have yet to find a difference in the quality.

I just wish people would take the shopping carts to the nearest cart-corral. It doesn't matter what shopping center. I'm tired of carts roaming wild and bumping into my vehicle. It might also free up some prime parking. It amazes me when I see a cart in the middle of a parking spot, 20 feet from the corral. Come on people, think of it as a little exercise....please.

sorry double post

Nitro,
I know what you are saying. Sometimes I have to go out and push carts back into the building. People would be surprised how much longer it takes for us to grab a crap load of carts scattered all the hell over the place and then bring them back into the building instead of simply pulling them out already in a line from the cart corrals. I guess it just doesnt occur to people how much time it actually takes for us to zip from here to there to there to there to here, and back to there and here and there all over...instead of going to one spot to get carts.