Archived Need some advice

[lifewithtarget]

So, I decided to finally apply for a job and I applied everywhere. I always go to Target on a daily basis and use to during the Summer all the time on my bike with my friends and etc. So, they happen to be hiring and I said why not. So, I applied and had a interviewed and was offered a job. Since October I've been working with Target and I can say it's been a rollercoaster of a ride.

One thing that I remembered that happened a few weeks ago went like so. One night, I had my cart from zoning and was taking it to the front to sort. My friend who was running guest service was chatting while I sorted stuff. The TL came by and chatted with both of us and we joked and laughed a bit. Apparently later on after I walked away, the TL went to my friend and asked "Was he sorting correctly" and so forth. Now, I understand her concern, but the fact that we were chatting while I was sorting and she didn't bother to bring it up, ask me and to this day has not said anything to me about it seems frustrating to me that she doesn't think I'm capable of doing my job. Am I taking it to personal?

Also, when I first got the job, I was on the cashier for a while and then got put primarily on Sales Floor. So, I've been back and forth now due to hours and such. So, I've been on the closing shift more often and I was assigned to zone Market and today I was assigned to zone A. Well, when they did their check ups via walkie, they seemed rather unpleasant and impatient when I told them I was only half way done with my zone. To me, it came off as I was slacking or going way to slow and needed to finish sooner. I realize that they have to get the zones done and such, but I'm working my butt off and going as quickly as I can and also making sure it does not look like crap when I walk through the isles. Do you guys have any advice on becoming a better zoner, being more efficient and quicker so they aren't on my behind everytime?

And I know this question has been asked numerous times, but what advice can you give about red cards. I read the other forums with information, but I want some personal advice. I've always been the type of person that just wants to do their job well and not get yelled at. I don't butt kiss, but I do what I'm told and want to make a good impression for them. However, I can't get the courage to ask for red cards, I try to make myself do it and after a few no's, I feel uncomfortable and stop asking. Of course then I get approached to make sure I'm asking, and I feel bad because I want to ask, but I don't want to make the guest mad, so what is the best way to deal with this.

Thanks guys!

 

[commiecorvus]

Greetings and salutations.
I don't work the register enough to offer much advice but I have shilled the card when I'm standing in line.
Be genuine.
Speak from your experience of using it yourself and the advantages you've found to having one.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Welcome!
Red cards info:
http://www.thebreakroom.org/showthread.php/4017-Lack-of-appreciation-for-Redcards/page3

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Zoning details:

Zoning
- Look at every item, working top to bottom (or vice versa) and do it on a per section (usually four feet) basis
- Cover all diamonds
- Turn all labels to face out
- Use grey dots (if you see one, the item in the location might not be correct)
- Don't move strays/foreign/re-shop to the appropriate aisle every time -- use your cart and leave items on the floor until you finish the aisle (some ETLs might not like this, maybe only do it after the store is closed)
- Organize your cart! Example: bottom tier = backstock, middle tier = strays and empty packages, hand basket = defectives, top tier = re-shop for your current department (this should be worked every time you change aisles if the items are within a five-aisle radius)
- Check multiple locations on the same aisle, don't leave holes if you have product on the shelf above/below
- Pegs are easy to zone, just use the grey dots
- You shouldn't need a PDA to tell if a product is in the wrong spot (most of the time the last five numbers are on the bottom left of the label, the assortment number near the UPC will be on the top right of label, and Target brands have DPCIs near the UPCs and sometimes on the front of the package)
- Know the department - zone where it gets shopped more first (if you have time to come back later) or last (if you only have enough time to get to each aisle once) - Example: Toys then Sporting Goods then Toys if you have time to go back
- Check empty endcaps for backroom locations, if none then pull from home, if no product - flex the endcap with like items, starting with d-code or NOP
- Zone clearance, please, just do it
- Remove grey dots in locations that have the correct item
- Always pull more than one item forward (minimum two, typically 3-4) - if everyone does this, the zone is maintained A LOT longer while being shopped
- Inventory control clips (round rubber things) on pegs should be pulled forward if there are few items on the peg - this greatly improves the look of a peg-heavy aisle

Returns/Re-shop/Strays
- If at all possible, get a PDA
- If you have a PDA, use RF Apps (NOP + toggle to Pricing, LOC, SUBT, etc.) - if you don't know why, you haven't used it enough
- Put the items in your cart yourself - you know how your thought process works more than other people, so you can work through the merchandise quicker (this is critical in HBA or Toys)
- If you don't have a PDA, park your cart near a price check machine (assuming you have the new ones that SF schemetics)
- Park your cart on an endcap, work all of the items within a five-aisle radius (three before, two after)
- Ask CIHYFS - chances are this isn't your first time working returns/re-shop, so you should be able to show guests where most items are
- Remove grey dots from empty locations that you are filling (some stores may not remove the dots if there is only one item, check with your Instocks or Hardlines Team Leaders)

CAF Push
- Fill your vehicle - if there are other vehicles with merchandise in nearby areas (or only a few items) you should grab them, you will save yourself time and effort
- Use the smart labels (that might not be the official term) that is on every single box - it tells you the DPCI, SF schematic, and item name
- Push your vehicle, don't pull it
- Don't stack your vehicle too high, running over a guest is a bad thing
- Learn your backroom (where different departments get backstocked, where to keep empty vehicles, etc.) - this makes backroom TMs' lives a lot easier
- Combine your backstock with nearby backstock vehicles, don't just throw a pink clip on it and walk away
- Keep your vehicle organized - separate backstock as you work, break down boxes, put trash (see: C/D blocks) in an empty box
- Don't overstock - the accumulator isn't perfect, please don't make it worse
- Remove grey dots from empty locations that you are filling

That's everything I have for now, Hardlinesmaster feel free to use any/all of it.

This is from a high volume store, other stores may function differently.

Edit: added a few more items.

 

[Retail Girl]

Most of the time, when salesfloor people come up to help "sort" it's a waste of their time and they are just killing time and we both know it. That will also contribute you to slowing down on your zone if you are off helping someone else do their job.

As for redcards, the only thing you can do is just keep asking. It feels uncomfortable at first, so start with the annoying guests so it feels like you are getting back at them for asking. Then after that it becomes easier to just ask everyone.