scorplove
Well-known member
I know I'm new to this site, but after lurking here for awhile this is the only place I can vent about my "troubles" and people would understand what I'm going through. Let me preface to say THAT I TRULY HATE MACYS.
I've been working for Macys since December of last year. I'm still on a ninety-day probation, but have given my two weeks notice already. The cosmetics counter that I work at MAKES NO MONEY!! The customers are working class and live on a budget. They only buy what they NEED and no more. It's not a huge Macys and the only lines that do well without having to "pull" customers are Estee Lauder, Lancome, and Clinique.
I work for Prescriptives. I wasn't going to say the name at first, but oh what da hell. I wanted to work for Px, because I thought it had a huge following and it wouldn't be a problem making goals or getting clients. Unfortunately for ME, I'm working in a location where people don't have any money to drop. Sometimes, I'll get them in the chair and they'll buy maybe two eyeshadows, but most of the time they want a sample foundation.
Even though I was trained in professional makeup artistry some years ago, I never took it to full time level, because I needed to support myself with an office job. Due to relocating to a new city and not being able to find office work, I decided to get a job doing what I love to do - Makeup. I got hired within the week. Yes, they told me the Px counter was challenging, but I didn't believe it was THIS challenging. Another thing is that my CM never trained me or taught me about "sanitation" issues for the counter. EVERYTHING I know about "sanitation" I learned from reading on SPECKTRA. Isn't that awful?
We had a major event recently and due to lack of communication, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. So, on the second day of the event my AE chews me out saying that during an event "there is always something to do (i.e., assisting the mau, cleaning, etc.)". It wasn't what he said, but HOW he said it that got me angry. I told him that I didn't know what to do at this event, because I wasn't briefed by the CM (who is very young by the way). I also told him that I never really know what's going on at my counter, because I never get any feedback, unless I ask a question. He basically told me that I was making "excuses" and then recounted the story of how he first started with the line and nobody helped him. Instead of "bitching" about it, he would stay late reading up on materials and being the best seller at the counter. Okay fine. Just because those women treated you like garbage oh so many years ago, does it make it right? Shouldn't you be making sure your counters are getting the "best" help and training they can to make their goals?
After his so-called "pep" talk I made it my business to learn what I could about the line, but realized I didn't want to stay with a non-supportive AE. You rarely see him anyway. Also, I would call up my girlfriend who freelances with Px on what was happening and she was SHOCKED by the lack of training I was getting and would school me on what I needed to know. Thank God for her! Now let me tell you about Macys.
Besides being stressed at my counter, Macys is stressing me out even MORE by harassing me to open up those damn store cards!
I've only opened up four or five since I've been there. I had a meeting with my CM and DM who told me that since I'm still on probation I need to open up more (at least 1 to 3 a week). The problem is EVERYBODY AND THEIR MOTHER HAS ONE. I was basically told that if fragrances can open (or try to open) ten or so a week, then I should be able to get one. For one, this is a NEIGHBORHOOD Macys and most of the people already have a card. Secondly, Fragrances is HUGE! You're bound to get all types coming in to get a fragance for someone. Lastly, I'm not getting paid enough for this *ish!!
So between my counter not making its goals (and the AE insinuating it's my fault) and hearing this b.s. about the Macys cards, I handed in my notice. It was such a relief. I have no job prospects, but I don't care. Retail should NOT be this stressful. I could understand if I was getting some major money, but I'm just a couple of dollars or so from minimum wage and gettting $300 a week. SO NOT WORTH IT!
What have I learned?
1) Never too work for a small line that does NOT advertise, 2) Never too work for a low end store and 3) Commission is not everything. Yes, I would like to make a good commission if possible, but I'm also willing to work for a good hourly wage/no commission.
I'm going to fill out some applications today at some high end stores that are hiring. Hopefully, I'll get with a really great line like Chanel or something.
That's my vent and thank you for listening.
I've been working for Macys since December of last year. I'm still on a ninety-day probation, but have given my two weeks notice already. The cosmetics counter that I work at MAKES NO MONEY!! The customers are working class and live on a budget. They only buy what they NEED and no more. It's not a huge Macys and the only lines that do well without having to "pull" customers are Estee Lauder, Lancome, and Clinique.
I work for Prescriptives. I wasn't going to say the name at first, but oh what da hell. I wanted to work for Px, because I thought it had a huge following and it wouldn't be a problem making goals or getting clients. Unfortunately for ME, I'm working in a location where people don't have any money to drop. Sometimes, I'll get them in the chair and they'll buy maybe two eyeshadows, but most of the time they want a sample foundation.
Even though I was trained in professional makeup artistry some years ago, I never took it to full time level, because I needed to support myself with an office job. Due to relocating to a new city and not being able to find office work, I decided to get a job doing what I love to do - Makeup. I got hired within the week. Yes, they told me the Px counter was challenging, but I didn't believe it was THIS challenging. Another thing is that my CM never trained me or taught me about "sanitation" issues for the counter. EVERYTHING I know about "sanitation" I learned from reading on SPECKTRA. Isn't that awful?
We had a major event recently and due to lack of communication, I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. So, on the second day of the event my AE chews me out saying that during an event "there is always something to do (i.e., assisting the mau, cleaning, etc.)". It wasn't what he said, but HOW he said it that got me angry. I told him that I didn't know what to do at this event, because I wasn't briefed by the CM (who is very young by the way). I also told him that I never really know what's going on at my counter, because I never get any feedback, unless I ask a question. He basically told me that I was making "excuses" and then recounted the story of how he first started with the line and nobody helped him. Instead of "bitching" about it, he would stay late reading up on materials and being the best seller at the counter. Okay fine. Just because those women treated you like garbage oh so many years ago, does it make it right? Shouldn't you be making sure your counters are getting the "best" help and training they can to make their goals?
After his so-called "pep" talk I made it my business to learn what I could about the line, but realized I didn't want to stay with a non-supportive AE. You rarely see him anyway. Also, I would call up my girlfriend who freelances with Px on what was happening and she was SHOCKED by the lack of training I was getting and would school me on what I needed to know. Thank God for her! Now let me tell you about Macys.
Besides being stressed at my counter, Macys is stressing me out even MORE by harassing me to open up those damn store cards!
So between my counter not making its goals (and the AE insinuating it's my fault) and hearing this b.s. about the Macys cards, I handed in my notice. It was such a relief. I have no job prospects, but I don't care. Retail should NOT be this stressful. I could understand if I was getting some major money, but I'm just a couple of dollars or so from minimum wage and gettting $300 a week. SO NOT WORTH IT!
What have I learned?
1) Never too work for a small line that does NOT advertise, 2) Never too work for a low end store and 3) Commission is not everything. Yes, I would like to make a good commission if possible, but I'm also willing to work for a good hourly wage/no commission.
I'm going to fill out some applications today at some high end stores that are hiring. Hopefully, I'll get with a really great line like Chanel or something.
That's my vent and thank you for listening.
