Inspired by the first Petsmart store unionizing and by all the recent posts about inflation/people struggling to get by, I want to share how I contribute to the cause.
I work part time at a Petsmart to help me stay afloat during university. Everyday I work, I see people struggling to provide the best lives for their pets.
Once a really old man came in and wanted to ring up some prescription cat food. He asked if he could use this app called “Afterpay,” because he couldn't afford the entire cost of the food and needed to pay in installments. I was new to the job and had no idea how to work the app, so I tried helping him, but I had to ask management. It was a busy day and he was causing the the line to build up pretty heavily. The manger didn't know how to help him either and told him to step aside and figure it out hisself. He was so ashamed and kept talking about how he didn't want to hold up other people. He was out of prescription cat for his very sick cat and told me that he would just have to figure something else out because he couldn't afford it. I told him that it was okay, to not worry about what the manger said, and that I would make sure that he was able to get the food. I reassured him that people won't remember having to wait an extra five minutes in line and that his cat needed the food. The whole time my manger was making a fuss and I told her the pg version of fuck off. We eventually figured it out and I applied the highest discount I could without alerting management. He told me thank you and told me he'd never forget it. After that experience, I completely radicalized my approach to being a retail worker.
1) I always make sure that the customer knows how to get the best deals. Whether it's signing up for the rewards program, handing out coupons, or whatever I always let them know.
2) I always take a percent off or change the price whenever they mention something. No need to check, if you say it's five bucks cheaper then bam it's five bucks cheaper. Of course, I am only allowed to do this if the discount is below a certain amount.
3) I never if check 50 or 100 dollar bills are real or not. I don't give a fuck.
4) Sometimes I don't scan things. This is tricky because customers are honest and will say something, so I only really do this if a lot of money is being spent and it's not too noticeable.
I also work as a pet care worker which means I help maintain and sell the animals. Here are more ways I help:
1) Tell the customer if there is a cheaper and healthier option somewhere else. For example, Petco has cheaper tanks and telling the customer that means they are more able to take proper care of their fish.
2) Spend as much time as possible talking to customers who ask for it. If someone asks how to properly take care of a leopard geckos, they will receive a through walkthrough on how exactly to take care of them and the best and cheapest way to do so.
3) Petsmart does not provide the proper food and supplies to take care of the animals, so I take whatever I need of the shelves.
4) I send them to local pet shops I respect. I always tell customers that blank shop has blah and blah for healthier and cheaper.
5) Always wash your hands on company time. If washing my hands takes a minute out of my break or lunch, then you bet I'll do that before I clock out.
This are some ways I fight for the cause and I hope it inspires you to find ways you can to.
edit: spelling and grammar