Hello SG World! 😘
This week’s blog homework is about customer service nightmares, and having worked the customer service desk at Bed Bath and Beyond for many years; I almost lost all hope in humanity! I have tons of horror stories, from Bridezillas, coupon warriors, little old ladies, and misogynistic assholes. However, all of those instances I have been able to shake off easily as I was able to walk away or call a manager as needed.
Fast forward to my job now as the manager of a locally owned organic day spa. I am who the problems get escalated to, so I can’t walk away if I get uncomfortable. I am a super non-confrontational person, so luckily these situations don’t happen often. But there are A LOT of pervy and sexist men who come into spas, as well as relentless opinionated trophy wives.
Anyway, the worst thing I’ve ever had to deal with happened just last week. I had 86’d guests for bothering my front desk staff or loitering, even a few who felt they need to argue with me about our policies. But I never had to kick a man out for sexually harassing one of my practitioners. I’ll spare you the details. But I would like to just say that if you are expecting a ‘happy ending’.... you can FUCK OFF.
Honestly, this guy even came in with products from the company he worked for, gave us samples and left business cards because he wanted us to carry them in our boutique... and then he had the audacity flash a boner at my newest massage therapist and brandish $100 at her. And that is only a fraction of my employee’s experience. The spa owner and I had to accompany our MT to the police department, file a claim, and we had to give his information to all the fellow local spas in our area.
It was, and still is, a nightmare. Years ago, I never could have imagined handling a situation like this. It really made me appreciate all of the men who fight and advocate for women so much more. I am super grateful that all of the men in my life share the value of equal respect for women.
Overall however, I rarely have to handle difficult situations in my workplace. Most of the guests are regular members who bring me gifts and will take all my time up with conversation if I let them! Either that, or they are tourists who are incredibly respectful. And for that I am grateful!
Do you have any noteable stories from working in the CS industry?
As always, thank you @rambo and @missy for the blog homework topic 💘💘
Until next time.
Warmly,
Pixen
