Whoa. I haven't posted for a long time. No disasters, fortunately, just mind-numbing stress of various sorts. Accompanied by exhaustion. Just in case you're wondering or worrying: I am still frugal. Today, I am inspired to write because--while following my frugal path--I got the death stare from a few employees at Home Depot.
I was trying to buy a large utility shelf for Frugal Son. Poor guy. In addition to inheriting some good stuff from me (fast reader, good at taking standardized tests), he also inherited my extreme problems with order and clutter. After reading a zillion books, I kind of know what to do, but--as always--the divide between theory and praxis remains. If someone had told me about all these things when I was in my 20s, I would have kissed their feet. Frugal Son, however, is extremely resistant to advice, something he inherited from my father, another slob.
Frugal Son lives in a tiny space with a tiny closet (maybe 3 feet wide) and hardly any other storage space. And people of our ilk don't hang things up anyway--we drop. So I bought Frugal Son 2 overdoor hooks (wonderful!).
Then I told him I was getting him a utility shelf for his birthday. He actually did not refuse this time. I went to Home Depot armed with the knowledge that they had 9 in stock. When I got there--10 minutes later--I could find but two, both broken.
I summoned three employees. After looking everywhere, they found a display model. I asked about the other 6. "I guess we need to update the computer inventory." UGH. I said that I checked so that I wouldn't waste time and that I felt I deserved a discount on the floor model. To which the youngest employee said, "We'll give you a discount if you get us a raise." To which I (inspired) said, "You're getting paid for being here. I am losing money by not being at work." This silenced the young sassy one.
I once again asked the oldest employee if I could have a discount, and he agreed! So $35 reduced to $20. Mollified, I said, "I'm sorry if I seemed a little crabby." To which: SILENCE. And a DEATH STARE. And eyes that said "B*TCH." He hated me.
Whatever. I love the shelf!
By the way, overdoor hooks and a utility shelf are two of the most useful organizing devices for hopeless cases. I learned that from a wonderful genius, whose books I have recommended before.
P.S. Many thanks to readers who left comments during my long silence.
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10 comments:
I would have asked for a manager if an employee spoke to me that way--what terrible customer service. I work in customer service, and sometimes patrons can be trying, but that doesn't excuse a bad attitude on our part. Besides, you didn't do anything that was beyond the pale.
I've bought a display shelf from Home Depot myself, and a discount was offered to me. Get on 'em, FS!
Nice to see you back, fully-feathered!
Just found a shower curtain for son at chain hardware store. Only one available was the display, the very kindly man (at least 65) who served me gave me a discount (his idea, I lack the killer frugal gene) and carefully checked to make sure the grommets were in good shape.
Then at the cash, the cashier had a stunning Tiffany blue parakeet, not even in a cage, just its little shallow box, at her elbow. You can't make this stuff up, I loved that encounter- and you know where IZ am going to get the rest of the stuff he'll need.
I love everything about this post, including your honesty about dropping things! I myself had an unpleasant experience at Joann Fabrics on Monday - no discount on Vogue Patterns Magazine because "patterns are excluded." Huh? When did a magazine turn into a pattern? Then the clerk refused to hand me my bag, gesturing to indicate I should pull it off the bag stand myself. I told her that was very poor customer service. If I want Wal-Mart service, I'll go to Wal-Mart.
Anyway, good for you for standing your ground and getting your discount!
Wow, that was an incredibly rude thing to say to you. I usually sympathise with people who work retail, because it sucks, and I wouldn't be suprised to learn that Lowe's doesn't pay well, but that's no excuse to attack a customer out of the blue.
Wow! You're more patient with fools than I am. I'd have turned on my heel and walked out.
Would've headed for the nearest Ace or Tru-Value Hardware and, failing that, searched for a utility shelf on Amazon.
My parents were neither one tidy by nature, but I expect my behaviour was learned rather than inherited. I have some cheapo plastic shelves that I've owned forever and they are incredibly useful. I'm afraid anything other than what I regarded than helpfulness from staff would have sent me straight to a manager, out the door, possibly both.
WELL. I almost don't care how little you're paid, it doesn't warrant acting like that to someone who has nothing to do with your employment arrangement. I'd definitely have flagged a manager for that and the nasty look.
Glad to have you back, though!
I'm impressed by your quick witted retort. Awesome comeback. People getting paid minimum wage are often crabby unless they're the retired type just doing it to keep busy. I try not to hold it against them.
@Everyone--Thanks for all the support! However, both Mr FS and Frugal Son think I over-reacted and was mean tot he poor kid. So, I am wracked with remorse...
Try flylady.net for de- cluttering & organizational tips. Especially those things you "wish you knew when you were younger".
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