The Industry

Before I get an email saying I’ve been sued for copyright infringement, let me just say this post is no way endorsed, sponsored or in any other way connected to the website notalwaysright.com…. my story today could, however, easily be a part of their website. Now that the legal stuff is dealt with, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this post… customers suck… sometimes. 

I guess I should first explain what “Not Always Right” is. Well, in essence it is a group of stories from people who deal with other, not so pleasant people, spoofing the saying “the customer is always right”. The site is hilarious and is definitely a great way to cure a bad case of boredom.

Now as a community cruiser person, my job is to talk and mingle with people (I know, pretty sweet!), but for some reason people are just weird. I have a theory that there is a “weird gene” that affects some gene pools more then others (it’s quite elaborate, there are pie charts and everything). However, the majority of people that I talk to are incredibly nice and put a big smile on my face, though today for example, the weird/mean to normal/nice ratio was out of whack! 

I was hanging out at this busy market, like I’ve done for the past 4-5 weeks and despite my tent almost blowing away down the street (hadn’t grabbed the sandbag yet, it was a close one) I was having a good time. Then a guy comes up to me. I smile and try to start a conversation:

Nice and Non-Threatening Me: “Hey, how are you doing tonight?”
Grumpy and Bitter Old Guy: “Hmph *inaudible mumbles*” (Points to stuff on display)
Nice and Non-Threatening Me: (Talking about the stuff) “Ya, that’s the stuff I’m giving out, not to shabby right?”
G&BOG: (Instead of typing in all caps, just assume everything G&BOG says is yelled) What no bags?
Me: No sorry, only had a couple of them today (I point back to the podium covered with mugs and stickers and other stuff) but if you would like you can have a mug and the rest.
Guy: No.
Me: (Taken aback) Oh… okay…
Guy: You know last week I was here and you were giving out bags.
Me: Ya I was but I’m all out-
Guy: And now I come all this way to get another bag and you don’t have any.
Me: Ya sorry, short supplies, but there are some of these awesome mugs (picking one up and showing it to the guy. At this point I’m starting to get a little confused).
Guy: Unbelievable. You young people don’t know how to manage inventory or keep your numbers right.
Me: (Dumbfounded that a guy is angry because he’s not getting the RIGHT free stuff). Uhh…
Guy: Pretty stupid (and he starts to walk away).
Me: Oh… okay, well… have a nice night.
Guy: Would’ve been a nice night if I got a bag! (Storms off like a two year old who got the red balloon instead of the blue one)

End of “Conversation/Guy’s Rant”

Now naturally I would NEVER say anything to a customer, or be rude or anything like that. But internally I was laughing. WHAT?!  This legitimately confused me. I am giving you free stuff, good free stuff and you’re mad that I’m not giving you the free stuff you want? Tisk tisk tisk. There really should be a “Being a Generally Decent Person for Dummies” book.  

Did that random guy just call me dumb and unable to control inventory? Was he actually angry because he could only get a $10 mug instead of a $1 tote bag? Really? What makes this whole thing even worse. About 20 minutes later he comes back to tell me how he doesn’t like our station, but then proceeds to grab free stuff off the table. It was at that moment, my head almost exploded from confusion.

“He’s taking free stuff, complaining that he hates the free stuff we are giving out and then is complaining that the station that is giving him free stuff sucks, to the person who works at the station… where is the logic ?”

Whatever, it happens right? Unfortunately, like I’m learning quickly, the demographic of the station has absolutely NO problem telling you exactly what is wrong with the station. Whether “That song you play has too much bass” or “Why haven’t you implemented that obscure and random thought that I, as a professional listener, sent to your boss”. They are verbal. There was about 5-6 of these weird, rude people at the market today… a little draining.

BUT! As I like to remain positive…. There were hundreds of other people that I talked to today that were fun-loving and having a great time, appreciated the free stuff and engaged in some nice conversations.

The lesson is: Apparently as a consumer people feel a sense of entitlement. This leads them to believe that their thoughts and opinions are welcomed by anyone who works at the establishment. This does not mean they are right, it just means, usually, they are the equivalent of 2 aspirins and a swig of water (get it… they’re a headache? MAN! I’m good haha).

Tip of the Day: Before voicing your “legitimate concern” to an employee who has no connection to your problem, think: Will this help? Will this make the person uncomfortable? Is there any benefit to being a sour grape? Then see what your answers are.

I love talking with people, but sometimes the bad apples get under your skin. I’m sure you can relate. I would love to hear if you have any similar experiences!

GAH! I’m all over the place tonight, but this bugged me and felt I would share another “reality” that us radio people have to encounter. HAHA

OKAY! I’m rambling!

-Mitch