Late Nights

Originally posted December 17/2006 on "Allison Wonderland (Livejournal)"

YAAAAAAAAAWN! (OK, so it's only midnight. That's past my bedtime, people!)

We had another late night at work- the store closed at nine, and we strolled out at 11:15. Why, you ask? Because I work in a huge, understaffed thrift store, that's why. But more than that, it's because we have the messiest customers on EARTH. Those hours we spend there after the store closes? That's just cleaning up after people. People who take clothes off the racks and drop them on the floor. People who pick things up in one section and decide to leave them in another (Yes, we actually have to fix that after you leave). People who can't be bothered to actually bring their unwanted items out from the fitting rooms with them, or even (heavens above!) HANG THEM UP. People who bring their paper coffee-cup in and then can't be bothered to actually locate a garbage can when they're done their cuppa joe.

I could go on, but you get the idea.

It's not everyone. There are probably more good customers than bad ones... at least, I choose to believe that there are. If I didn't, I'd go nuts. But you don't get a chance to notice the good ones, even when you try to. Not when you're sidetracked by people bitching about the prices the store has to charge in order to (under)pay the staff, people haggling over a 99-cent unicorn figurine, and (let's not forget) cleaning up after them. And not just the clothes; you should see the state people leave the friggin' bathroom in. Disgusting! Learn to AIM, people! Are we savages?!!

If you're one of THOSE customers (but of course, you're not, right?) you're probably thinking, "Honey, that's what you get PAID for." People have actually said this, as if by making a mess they're keeping me employed. Let me share a secret with you, darlin': Maids and janitors make a heck of a lot more per hour than I do. And those high prices you love to complain about? Maybe they'd be lower if the store didn't have to pay the staff to stay until 11:00 at night cleaning up after you. Just a thought.

As for those of you who try not to make a mess, who CAN be bothered to put back the stuff you don't want (or heck, even just drop it off at the fitting rooms so we can find it), who make our lives easier with kind words and sympathetic smiles: Thanks. I assume you've worked in customer service before, and you know what a difference it makes. I wish there were more of you.

And to the woman who brings her little dog in with her, who let it crap on the floor and then left it there so another customer could drive a friggin' cart through it?* Thanks a million. Please take your business elsewhere; I don't get paid enough to deal with your (or your dog's) crap.

*note: this didn't happen while I was working, thank God. But I feel the pain of the guy who had to clean it up... GAG!