I worked at a store to be unnamed for over a little under 2 years. I directly wasn't ripped off but this is to inform any of you who randomly read it, maybe I'll open some eyes and explain how it works from the inside out.
Sharper Image is a company who tries to sell new and cool products. Remember years ago when no one but the rich could shop with them? Oh, and now all of a sudden, its a family store? Wrong. The company tries hard to get 100% customer satisfaction, which don't get me wrong is good, its the way they come across doing it which SUCKS!
They have a warranty program from NEW. This is a big big big part of the store they're pushing. On products Sharper Image makes, they offer a 1 year warranty, there called, Sharper Image Design. NEW allows you to get a replacement for up to 3 years. See, the thing is, when you try for 100% customer satisfaction, aren't you going to run into problems with products that don't work without a NEW warranty? Of course, any major business does. What sucks is, they push the employees so hard for a minimal $8 an hour *AGAINST DRAW* to sell extended warranties, its pathetic and should be against the law its so bad.
They threaten to take action against the employee who doesn't sell X amount because they make so much money off each one, yet give the customer what they want with a warranty or without! Amazing, they bitch and complain about selling them yet give in and let the customer have there way no matter what they've bought!
Next, the great and all mighty air purifiers they sell that are "so good" are really crap! The $500 dollar version costs roughly $50 bucks-plus/minus which retails for $500? INSANE! Nothing else in that store is even worth a look yet this pathetic company has such high business because its still riding off of the NAME.
Yes, people, its the NAME that draws people from years ago when products were actually worth more than a bag of peanuts!
Don't believe me? Think I'm just wasting my time by writing this? Try this. Go to a store, and look at the product. Look at it, touch it, screw with it. Hey, if you're going to buy one, wouldn't you like to know if it can take atleast SOME abuse? Every single product they sell is plastic, and made of 4th or 5th grade care. They make so much off each product they're able to have 50% off monthly specials every month and it just draws customers. Simply amazing!
Management; Years ago AT&T got sued for hiring only "gay" managers and lost. I wouldn't be surprised if the same allegations we're brought against this half-assed company. Now, nothings wrong with peoples personal opinions or the way they rock the boat, but isn't it sad when of 10 stores, 3 managers per store (store manager, assistant, 2nd assistant) 25 are or look gay?
This company is so two faced, corrupt, and just simply run incorrectly its a shock they're still in business.
Its a sales job, so of course they'll be arguments between associates... When management is notified, isn't it supposed to be dealt with? Yes, How far is it supposed to go? When the 2nd assistant manager is notified, they deal with it, but how far can they actually take it? Nowhere! Assistants the same, the store managers for the most part are the most corrupt, ignorant, liberal people (as well as extremely feminine) you'll find in the USA. Which only go above to "HR" or otherwise known as, Human Resources? Do I even have to get into what a joke they are? This company is the type that will write you up for copying the answers of the monthly product report (when they choose to) and let other sales people literally steal thousands of dollars from your paycheck if they steal a big-time sale.
Customer service runs off product codes such as "SI730" being the air purifier they sell so many of, and if you ask them for help on a product coming/going through the factory, they're clueless! Call them, ask about a product you've seen and make sure you don't give them the code, "Uh... Sir/ma'am, I'm not sure!" What is that?
One thing that was happening while I was on my way out was the stores cracking down on customer returns. The funny part is, calling the 1-800-344-5555 number will get you a "return number" which has NOTHING to do with the stores and more of an annoyance than anything. A thinks something different from B and B thinks different from C.
That's Sharper Image in a nutshell, unorganized, corrupt, cheap, lying, liberal as all hell, and a poorly run business.
If you took the time to read this, check it out for yourself. The products are ALL made in China and fall apart quicker than cheap toilet paper. They knock other companies such as Brookstone who actually sells NAME-BRAND products, not having another company make a crap product and putting there name on it! Everything in that store is crap and you people are now warned, BE CAREFUL!
*Against draw means you need to sell a certain dollar amount, depending on the stores sales to break even, going above it will get you 4% commission and 8% over $25,000. Its not hard to understand, but what is, is how this company stays in business!
Dave
Doesn't Matter, Florida
U.S.A.
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