Apparently, I need to get out of sales

[Manic]

It's rare, I know, but the Manic one feels a major rant coming on...


I've been working for an electronics retail chain since December 2005. I won't say names, so let's call this store "Bender's Electronics." I was hired in the Software department, working in the DVD section. It didn't take long for me to learn the ins and outs of the department, and by Spring 2006, I was "the guy that can find anything." I was awarded Merchandiser of the Year for my department.

In October 2006, I decided to go into management. Bigger paycheck, more power and creativity, and the first supervisor position I'd be up for was the supervisor of the DVD section. It was perfect. So I talked to a few managers, and got promoted to management trainee.

Here's how the management system works:
Management Trainee -to- DVD Supervisor -to- Video Game Supervisor -to- PC/Mac Software Supervisor -to- Software Manager -to- Assist. Store Manager -to- Store Manager

As a management trainee (heretoafter referred to as "MT"), I was given keys to locked equipment, the power to boss salespeople around, the ability to approve rainchecks, and the responsibility to take charge of the department if no one else was around. MT is the only position occupied by more than one person, and there was a dude promoted before me who was next in line. Neither of us could get promoted until one of the supervisors left. Cool. I could wait.

The DVD supervisor quit in November. Me and the other MT took over as acting DVD supers until a replacement was transferred in from a different department in January 2007. Not only were we passed up, but we had to show the new supervisor how to do her job. In February, the other MT quit. I was next in line. In June, another salesman was promoted to MT (a guy I helped train). The Video Game super quit soon after. The DVD super moved up to his job. DVD supervisor was, once again, an open position. The DVD salespeople all expected me to get promoted. Our department manager thought so too, but the store manager passed me up and gave it to one of the security guards in July. One month later (last week), he couldn't cope, and quit. Me and the other MT acted as supervisors in his place.

Sunday, I talked to my department manager about wanting to finally get promoted to the job I've been trying to get to for nearly a year. She told me the other MT (the guy I trained, promoted after me) was up for it, and that the store manager wanted to demote me back to sales. She also told me that I was a weaker salesman, despite being reliable, organized, and a hard worker. Today (Monday, as I'm going by California time), I talked to the store manager. He told me that I'm not an aggressive enough salesman, and that he wasn't sure I could handle taking charge of the DVDs. I subsequently told him the long list of ideas I had to improve DVD sales, including ways to attract customers by using target demographics (I'm a part-time Broadcasting student). I also pointed out that I got an award last year for being so damn good at keeping those DVD's in good shape. He told me that he might reconsider his position (remember, he wants to demote me back to regular sales) if he inspects my assigned aisle every week for the next fiscal quarter, to see if I can keep it in tip-top shape. I told the other MT, who's just as surprised as I am, as we sell basically on the same level (his words, not mine), and he doesn't want the job.

So... the job I want is going to a guy who wants it less than I do, and the only way I can prove that I deserve the job is to do something I've already been awarded for being better than anyone else at.

F*** this job. F*** retail sales. F*** the managers.


This has been Manic, finally getting something off his chest. Have a wonderful day.

 

[Addendum]

Put in your 2 week notice

 

[StrainedEyes]

I learned very quickly, after 2 years of my first job ever when I turned 16, in retail, that I would never ever do it again. And I haven't since. There are much easier and better paying jobs out there, I don't need to deal with power hungry managers and moronic shoppers.

 

[Drakon]

Seriously, just quit. I was in your same position for too long. It's not worth it, and you're just gonna get dicked over and over.

Also, most people who quit their jobs go on to find something much better paying right after.

 

[Jennifer Walters]

I was almost assistant store manager of a Blockbuster once...almost...until a meeting where I expected to get the job turned out to be me getting fired. Got fired on the same day as the store manager too.

 

[Dodger]

**** retail. I will never ever work there again. Ever.

 

[The Shredder]

**** retail. I will never ever work there again. Ever.

Exactly. And please go ahead and put your 2 weeks notice in. There's not many reasons, if any, you should continue to stick around and get screwed over.

 

[Jack Rabbit]

I'm not going to read that.

I'm yrah.

 

[Downhere]

Definitely take everyone's advice. Retail sucks, it sucks big time and the way they keep screwing with you will not end, it may just be time to look elsewhere for a better opportunity.

 

[Dew k. Mosi]

I was working retail for two years, and got to the point where I was not even the assistant manager, but I was making out the schedules, doing the morning money drops and managing inventory. The new manager hired a really hot guy named Abe and when the assistant manager left, I was expected to take his place. However, she promoted ABE, who was not only brand new, but had not even passed his probationary period. Two of the clerks left immediately, transferring to new stores, and I, who was due two raises, went to district to complain. I was immediately given my raises but Abe remained AM, until he got himself a girlfriend and turned down the manager's advancements, so she put him on suspension for trumped up charges. The position of AM went unfilled at that time.

Shortly after, I was called on the carpet for a long phone call during the graveyard shift, during which time there were NO customers and the phone call was incoming, not outgoing so the company did not pay for it. I was docked a day of work and pay. Never did it again. Three months later I was put on a week's suspension for another phone call that had occurred nearly five months BEFORE the one I was originally punished for, one that had been regarding a family emergency, that I had informed the manager when she came in in the morning. I took it as a sign and let them fire me, so I could get my unemployment.

Turned out that the district supervisor had been the one to put me on suspension, because he had been caught not enforcing company rules, and had to make a show of disciplinary action, and had never liked me because I had refused to date his best friend who was one of my co-workers.

I work retail now, but it is through my comic shop, and my boss is a personal friend. I will not be doing it again in any other circumstance.

 

[Jerry!]

If you play it right, retail isn't too bad. But that depends on several things, mostly if you like the people (not managers necessarily) you work with. The worst experiences I ever had were from the customers, not co-workers.

 

[thedeadite]

I was up for a assistant manager promotion where I work for awhile (Value Village/Savers), but not for long before I told management I wasn't interested anymore. Partly for some of the same reasons in the original post, partly because the pay wasn't much more than what I was making already.
Retail really sucks, as does the company/upper management I work for.
I really like the people I work with though, and not too sure if I'm cut out for factory work, so I'll probably stick around till I finally get my degree.

 

[redmarvel]

The problem is, you've made yourself indispensible in your current position. They're afraid to promote you.

QUIT if they don't give you the promotion. Write a nice letter explaining why they are twits (without saying they are twits). Explain that the only way you will come back is if they offer you the position you have earned.

 

[Prognosticator]

It's rare, I know, but the Manic one feels a major rant coming on...


I've been working for an electronics retail chain since December 2005. I won't say names, so let's call this store "Bender's Electronics." I was hired in the Software department, working in the DVD section. It didn't take long for me to learn the ins and outs of the department, and by Spring 2006, I was "the guy that can find anything." I was awarded Merchandiser of the Year for my department.

In October 2006, I decided to go into management. Bigger paycheck, more power and creativity, and the first supervisor position I'd be up for was the supervisor of the DVD section. It was perfect. So I talked to a few managers, and got promoted to management trainee.

Here's how the management system works:
Management Trainee -to- DVD Supervisor -to- Video Game Supervisor -to- PC/Mac Software Supervisor -to- Software Manager -to- Assist. Store Manager -to- Store Manager

As a management trainee (heretoafter referred to as "MT"), I was given keys to locked equipment, the power to boss salespeople around, the ability to approve rainchecks, and the responsibility to take charge of the department if no one else was around. MT is the only position occupied by more than one person, and there was a dude promoted before me who was next in line. Neither of us could get promoted until one of the supervisors left. Cool. I could wait.

The DVD supervisor quit in November. Me and the other MT took over as acting DVD supers until a replacement was transferred in from a different department in January 2007. Not only were we passed up, but we had to show the new supervisor how to do her job. In February, the other MT quit. I was next in line. In June, another salesman was promoted to MT (a guy I helped train). The Video Game super quit soon after. The DVD super moved up to his job. DVD supervisor was, once again, an open position. The DVD salespeople all expected me to get promoted. Our department manager thought so too, but the store manager passed me up and gave it to one of the security guards in July. One month later (last week), he couldn't cope, and quit. Me and the other MT acted as supervisors in his place.

Sunday, I talked to my department manager about wanting to finally get promoted to the job I've been trying to get to for nearly a year. She told me the other MT (the guy I trained, promoted after me) was up for it, and that the store manager wanted to demote me back to sales. She also told me that I was a weaker salesman, despite being reliable, organized, and a hard worker. Today (Monday, as I'm going by California time), I talked to the store manager. He told me that I'm not an aggressive enough salesman, and that he wasn't sure I could handle taking charge of the DVDs. I subsequently told him the long list of ideas I had to improve DVD sales, including ways to attract customers by using target demographics (I'm a part-time Broadcasting student). I also pointed out that I got an award last year for being so damn good at keeping those DVD's in good shape. He told me that he might reconsider his position (remember, he wants to demote me back to regular sales) if he inspects my assigned aisle every week for the next fiscal quarter, to see if I can keep it in tip-top shape. I told the other MT, who's just as surprised as I am, as we sell basically on the same level (his words, not mine), and he doesn't want the job.

So... the job I want is going to a guy who wants it less than I do, and the only way I can prove that I deserve the job is to do something I've already been awarded for being better than anyone else at.

F*** this job. F*** retail sales. F*** the managers.


This has been Manic, finally getting something off his chest. Have a wonderful day.

Dude, that's a horribly sad story. You're either in the wrong business, you're really not a good salesman, or you need to take some serious initiatives at the "office" to keep people like that from walking over you!

It could all be a test to see how much you're willing to stand up for yourself (behind closed doors of course) because in the past you have allowed others to jump you. You need a strategy to be more assertive or you need to find a new job.

 

[Prognosticator]

I was working retail for two years, and got to the point where I was not even the assistant manager, but I was making out the schedules, doing the morning money drops and managing inventory. The new manager hired a really hot guy named Abe and when the assistant manager left, I was expected to take his place. However, she promoted ABE, who was not only brand new, but had not even passed his probationary period. Two of the clerks left immediately, transferring to new stores, and I, who was due two raises, went to district to complain. I was immediately given my raises but Abe remained AM, until he got himself a girlfriend and turned down the manager's advancements, so she put him on suspension for trumped up charges. The position of AM went unfilled at that time.

Shortly after, I was called on the carpet for a long phone call during the graveyard shift, during which time there were NO customers and the phone call was incoming, not outgoing so the company did not pay for it. I was docked a day of work and pay. Never did it again. Three months later I was put on a week's suspension for another phone call that had occurred nearly five months BEFORE the one I was originally punished for, one that had been regarding a family emergency, that I had informed the manager when she came in in the morning. I took it as a sign and let them fire me, so I could get my unemployment.

Turned out that the district supervisor had been the one to put me on suspension, because he had been caught not enforcing company rules, and had to make a show of disciplinary action, and had never liked me because I had refused to date his best friend who was one of my co-workers.

I work retail now, but it is through my comic shop, and my boss is a personal friend. I will not be doing it again in any other circumstance.

That's freakin' rediculous, Dew! But what really sucks is that sort of thing happens all the time unchecked. And people get promoted for the wrong reasons and everyone quits. A LOT of that happens in the company I work at!

 

[jaguarr]

Welcome to office politics, Manic. If you think they get any better once you get a desk job, think again. Retail is truly a sh1t job, though, and the antics of management are more transparent and less sophisticated though they're just as petty and ridiculous in the end. I'd say, find yourself a new place to work while you're working on that broadcasting degree and then give your two weeks notice and move on. When they ask why, tell them in a very frank, professional manner that you feel you have outgrown the job and are ready for new challenges and since they aren't going to give you those opportunities you went and found them yourself.

Good luck.
jag

 

[Movies205]

I've been working at dunkin donuts for all of a month, my manager has fired 6 people in this short span, let me also add this is not a full out DnD just a stand in a mall, so there's only about 8 people wokring there to begin with... the shift leader and assistant manager are gone... I went from being the new guy to an impromptu supervisor within a matter of a month, my manager exact words, "You've been here the longest, your in charge eric, they have a problem you tell them to come to me"... I seriously ****in hate my job.... on top of that it's in downtown so I got work with crackheads and other mamalukes

So in short, retail sucks... And after this short stint (Only 3 more weeks), I'm never going back...ever

 

[terry78]

I've been in marketing/sales for a minute, and yeah. It's a numbers game. You can do everything else right but if you ain't hitting the revenue they want, it means **** on a stick. I learned this the hard way. I'm still doing it, but it's not my number one favorite job obviously. Hopefully i can move up sooner or later.

 

[Mysterio]

It's rare, I know, but the Manic one feels a major rant coming on...


I've been working for an electronics retail chain since December 2005. I won't say names, so let's call this store "Bender's Electronics." I was hired in the Software department, working in the DVD section. It didn't take long for me to learn the ins and outs of the department, and by Spring 2006, I was "the guy that can find anything." I was awarded Merchandiser of the Year for my department.

In October 2006, I decided to go into management. Bigger paycheck, more power and creativity, and the first supervisor position I'd be up for was the supervisor of the DVD section. It was perfect. So I talked to a few managers, and got promoted to management trainee.

Here's how the management system works:
Management Trainee -to- DVD Supervisor -to- Video Game Supervisor -to- PC/Mac Software Supervisor -to- Software Manager -to- Assist. Store Manager -to- Store Manager

As a management trainee (heretoafter referred to as "MT"), I was given keys to locked equipment, the power to boss salespeople around, the ability to approve rainchecks, and the responsibility to take charge of the department if no one else was around. MT is the only position occupied by more than one person, and there was a dude promoted before me who was next in line. Neither of us could get promoted until one of the supervisors left. Cool. I could wait.

The DVD supervisor quit in November. Me and the other MT took over as acting DVD supers until a replacement was transferred in from a different department in January 2007. Not only were we passed up, but we had to show the new supervisor how to do her job. In February, the other MT quit. I was next in line. In June, another salesman was promoted to MT (a guy I helped train). The Video Game super quit soon after. The DVD super moved up to his job. DVD supervisor was, once again, an open position. The DVD salespeople all expected me to get promoted. Our department manager thought so too, but the store manager passed me up and gave it to one of the security guards in July. One month later (last week), he couldn't cope, and quit. Me and the other MT acted as supervisors in his place.

Sunday, I talked to my department manager about wanting to finally get promoted to the job I've been trying to get to for nearly a year. She told me the other MT (the guy I trained, promoted after me) was up for it, and that the store manager wanted to demote me back to sales. She also told me that I was a weaker salesman, despite being reliable, organized, and a hard worker. Today (Monday, as I'm going by California time), I talked to the store manager. He told me that I'm not an aggressive enough salesman, and that he wasn't sure I could handle taking charge of the DVDs. I subsequently told him the long list of ideas I had to improve DVD sales, including ways to attract customers by using target demographics (I'm a part-time Broadcasting student). I also pointed out that I got an award last year for being so damn good at keeping those DVD's in good shape. He told me that he might reconsider his position (remember, he wants to demote me back to regular sales) if he inspects my assigned aisle every week for the next fiscal quarter, to see if I can keep it in tip-top shape. I told the other MT, who's just as surprised as I am, as we sell basically on the same level (his words, not mine), and he doesn't want the job.

So... the job I want is going to a guy who wants it less than I do, and the only way I can prove that I deserve the job is to do something I've already been awarded for being better than anyone else at.

F*** this job. F*** retail sales. F*** the managers.


This has been Manic, finally getting something off his chest. Have a wonderful day.

1) never agree to an acting or interim role.
2) you should've quit the first time.

 

[LexCorp]

Find a job that makes you happy. I work in IT but am leaving to be a hairdresser. Still hard work but less stress as I enjoy it more.

 

[Mysterio]

Shortly after, I was called on the carpet for a long phone call during the graveyard shift, during which time there were NO customers and the phone call was incoming, not outgoing so the company did not pay for it.

the company was paying for it. they were paying you your wage to work, not to talk on the phone. i know that sounds harsh, but it's the truth.

 

[LexCorp]

the company was paying for it. they were paying you your wage to work, not to talk on the phone. i know that sounds harsh, but it's the truth.

Dam the companies of Earth. So hard being the low level worker ant.

 

[Prognosticator]

I've been working at dunkin donuts for all of a month, my manager has fired 6 people in this short span, let me also add this is not a full out DnD just a stand in a mall, so there's only about 8 people wokring there to begin with... the shift leader and assistant manager are gone... I went from being the new guy to an impromptu supervisor within a matter of a month, my manager exact words, "You've been here the longest, your in charge eric, they have a problem you tell them to come to me"... I seriously ****in hate my job.... on top of that it's in downtown so I got work with crackheads and other mamalukes

So in short, retail sucks... And after this short stint (Only 3 more weeks), I'm never going back...ever

LOL!!! t: You're crazy Movies, "mamalukes"?!


I LOVE Dunkin' Donuts! :heart:

 

[LexCorp]

LOL!!! t: You're crazy Movies, "mamalukes"?!


I LOVE Dunkin' Donuts! :heart:

Thats good food

 

[Darthphere]

It's rare, I know, but the Manic one feels a major rant coming on...


I've been working for an electronics retail chain since December 2005. I won't say names, so let's call this store "Bender's Electronics." I was hired in the Software department, working in the DVD section. It didn't take long for me to learn the ins and outs of the department, and by Spring 2006, I was "the guy that can find anything." I was awarded Merchandiser of the Year for my department.

In October 2006, I decided to go into management. Bigger paycheck, more power and creativity, and the first supervisor position I'd be up for was the supervisor of the DVD section. It was perfect. So I talked to a few managers, and got promoted to management trainee.

Here's how the management system works:
Management Trainee -to- DVD Supervisor -to- Video Game Supervisor -to- PC/Mac Software Supervisor -to- Software Manager -to- Assist. Store Manager -to- Store Manager

As a management trainee (heretoafter referred to as "MT"), I was given keys to locked equipment, the power to boss salespeople around, the ability to approve rainchecks, and the responsibility to take charge of the department if no one else was around. MT is the only position occupied by more than one person, and there was a dude promoted before me who was next in line. Neither of us could get promoted until one of the supervisors left. Cool. I could wait.

The DVD supervisor quit in November. Me and the other MT took over as acting DVD supers until a replacement was transferred in from a different department in January 2007. Not only were we passed up, but we had to show the new supervisor how to do her job. In February, the other MT quit. I was next in line. In June, another salesman was promoted to MT (a guy I helped train). The Video Game super quit soon after. The DVD super moved up to his job. DVD supervisor was, once again, an open position. The DVD salespeople all expected me to get promoted. Our department manager thought so too, but the store manager passed me up and gave it to one of the security guards in July. One month later (last week), he couldn't cope, and quit. Me and the other MT acted as supervisors in his place.

Sunday, I talked to my department manager about wanting to finally get promoted to the job I've been trying to get to for nearly a year. She told me the other MT (the guy I trained, promoted after me) was up for it, and that the store manager wanted to demote me back to sales. She also told me that I was a weaker salesman, despite being reliable, organized, and a hard worker. Today (Monday, as I'm going by California time), I talked to the store manager. He told me that I'm not an aggressive enough salesman, and that he wasn't sure I could handle taking charge of the DVDs. I subsequently told him the long list of ideas I had to improve DVD sales, including ways to attract customers by using target demographics (I'm a part-time Broadcasting student). I also pointed out that I got an award last year for being so damn good at keeping those DVD's in good shape. He told me that he might reconsider his position (remember, he wants to demote me back to regular sales) if he inspects my assigned aisle every week for the next fiscal quarter, to see if I can keep it in tip-top shape. I told the other MT, who's just as surprised as I am, as we sell basically on the same level (his words, not mine), and he doesn't want the job.

So... the job I want is going to a guy who wants it less than I do, and the only way I can prove that I deserve the job is to do something I've already been awarded for being better than anyone else at.

F*** this job. F*** retail sales. F*** the managers.


This has been Manic, finally getting something off his chest. Have a wonderful day.

You pretty much lost any bargaining power you had when you let them put you in interim positions, at the same pay rate, without getting promoted. In their eyes, they saw an opportunity to screw you over by making you do the a higher level job, without giving you that promotion, which would've given you that raise.