Happy November,
So I want to discuss a little hardware store truth vs. reality. I hate to serve up a hot steaming, burn-your-tongue, reality check but I gotta throw some ideas out.
TRUTH
1.) Just because I work in the ______________ (Insert any general Hardware Store Department) doesn't mean I'm a professional ______________ (Painter, Electrician, Plumber, Landscaper, etc.)
REALITY
-Now, that does not in anyway excuse the fact that I should know what the hell I'm talking about, no where product is located, know what it is used for, and have the ability to suggest solutions to your various needs and/or problems. Or exclude the fact that I may have sometime been, worked in, or had some sort of experience with the actual profession of the department I work in.
REALITY CHECK
It is unfair to assume that someone doesn't know anything, or is bad at their job just because they have never been an actual professional. Just like many trade professionals, Hardware Retail is a job that can be learned on the job and over time from experience. And the POINT of our job is really two things 1.) Know all possible information about the product we sell, 2.) Be able to accurately suggest product for you to buy that could help/fix/enhance/refresh/clean/etc. whatever project your working on.
Just because we may have never actually used the product in real life, is actually a moot point. Really, I swear. It's actually not part of the job description. Does it help, Absolutely. Does it make someone a better source of advice, yes. But If you come in and tell me "I want to refinish my deck, how should I clean it?" and I suggest to you that you should use a power washer, and I've never actually used one in real life... That doesn't give you the right to a D*ck.
Basically, if someone is honest enough to say that they don't know the answer to your question and your rebuttal is "So why do you work in this department if you don't know?" don't be surprised if the answer back is
"Sorry sir/m'ame but I don't have any tissues and your being pretty snotty. Have a nice day"
Articles to come:
Vent me Colorblind
Cool S*Ht of the Month
Crazy Customers 1,2,&3
Hardware Haiku
Mas Hardware Retail Etiquette
