Being Rachel Today 11/22/2014
Today was a very trying day. I almost got fired. I made a big mistake yesterday, was tricked by a customer, and did not realize my mistake until my manager pointed it out to me today and gave me my official "verbal warning". I am so upset that this happened. I realize that events like this make people cynics. They lose their innocence and willingness to trust because of scammers. I like to think of myself as a very open-minded and trusting person. The world got a shade darker today because I was tricked and won't be so easily tricked again.
Also, I've been having a long going problem with one of my managers. He says inappropriate things to me that make me very uncomfortable. He doesn't understand the limitations of my job and the fact that certain things are only left for him to do. He doesn't understand that not every department can just drop whatever they're doing to come to his rescue. Well, apparently someone complained about him and about his interaction with me. He has been told he's not allowed to talk to me as much anymore and he can't give me candy anymore (he recently bought me a candy bar even after I told him I didn't want one.)
I had a problem with this same manager tonight...a customer left their item behind at the check stand; a bag of carrots. I recorded them (like I'm supposed to) and put them back where they belong. She called later asking if we found them. Here's the conversation that ensued:
Me:This is Rachel at the service desk, how may I help you?
Bitchy Customer: Hi, I just got home and found that I didn't get my carrots put into my cart.
Me: Oh! Yes ma'am, we found them. If you'd like, you can come in with your receipt and we'd be happy to get them to you.
BC: Well, it's not my fault that I left my carrots. The boy that was bagging my groceries didn't put them in my cart! There must be something you can do.
Me: I'm sorry that this happened. It's really not unusual for an item to be left and there really isn't anything we can do other than make sure you get your carrots.
BC: Well, if that boy had been paying attention and not talking about what movie he was going to be seeing on Monday, I would have my carrots!! And now I have to drive back over there to get them! You should at least reimburse me for gas!
Me: I really understand and I'm so sorry this happened, but I can assure you your carrots weren't left out of mal-intent. And if you come in with your receipt, I'd be happy to get your carrots back to you.
BC: Well, I know it wasn't done out of malice...is there a manager there? (Here is where I know things are about to go WAY south, because the only manager is the new one who doesn't have a clue about how to handle this.)
Me: Yes, ma'am, one minute.
He gets on the phone...talking talking talking...he comes up to me
Manager: Ok, Richel (he can't pronounce my name) we need to make a $25 gift card for dis laday.
M: Because she is upset and we should make her happy.
Me: But why $25? We're not supposed to even give her anything other than the item she left...
M: Because I told her 25. And we need to make her happy, she could make a big deal about this, better to solve now.
M: So you go make $25 gift card.
$25!!!!!! People! That is outrageous!!! For fucking carrots! Are you kidding me!? But because he said it, I have to do it. Ugh.
