Archived What Do You Think?

[BrohemianRapcity]

So a couple days ago I was working my shift when one of my ETLs comes up to me and she asks if I could stay a full shift for Hardlines. In my 4 months working there, I've hardly had the opportunity to work in Hardlines so I excitedly said I would. Come time for me to go to Hardlines, I am told I'm going to be pushing/pulling. (Not sure of the proper term).

Come time for me to clock out, the line looks untouched. Mind you, I did 3/4 carts in 4hours by myself because we had a few call outs. I also should mention that the carts I finished were full of small things like HBA and such which did take me a while. I also didn't see that some carts had the Priority Pulls sign on them. At the end of my shift I ended up leaving like 8/9 carts.

That being said, I can't shake the feeling like I didn't help out at all having to force someone else to pick up the slack. I definitely don't want that ETL to get in trouble for me not doing a good/fast enough job. I also don't want any of the ETLs to think I can't do a good job in Hardlines so they stop asking me to help out.

Does anyone have any sort of advice on how to be better at pulling/pushing? Am I overreacting when I feel kinda bad for not being able to finish or do most of them? Was it unrealistic to begin with? I definitely want them to take me to Hardlines more often since I've pretty much gotten the most out of my official work center but did I blow it? Are these too many questions? Will Jon Snow come back? Lol. Nah but seriously any advice/words of wisdom are appreciated.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

I hope you did tell the lod that you don't know hardlines. Take care of guests first. Ask your lod or tl for hardlines training.

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

From our guide section:
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 or mydecice
- 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
On. My device, use item search.(barcode icon) login into it.
- 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

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

Thanks
Fast service

 

[Hardlinesmaster]

Knowing parts of the label helps too.

 

[Signduck]

@BrohemianRapcity likely they will take into consideration things like how busy it was, where you pushed, how busy THAT area normally is. How many guest firsts. How much you do not know that area.... Etc. on the flip side: what is your "normal" area. Sometimes common sense dictates. How full were those carts? I've had a cart take me 2 hrs before. That being said, I'm a key employee. Between normal guest interactions I often get stopped by EVERY EMPLOYEE UNDER THE SUN for this that & the other thing. Then throw in breaks & meal. (& I know the whole store WELL!! Lol. ) It's easy to see how it can take a long time to get through a fully loaded, lets say hba cart. Or tiny item grocery.

 

[tgtguy]

@BrohemianRapcity . First of all, the fact that you are worried and or concerned shows that you have a great work ethic. Most people wouldn't give a second thought if they couldn't complete certain tasks...and they wouldn't feel guilty at all. From the sound of it you did the best you could . IF its bothering you I would just touch base with your etl or the etl/hl. Let them know your concerns and that you just wanted to let them know you did your best and would enjoy working hardlines again if they need you. This will show them that you have a strong work ethic and you are willing to learn to new things to get hours etc.

 

[Marvin Martian]

I am in hardlines. There are some days where the pushes seem to never end. Other days there are just a few. I enjoy doing hardlines. AS others said just let them know and they will understand.

 

[Bosch]

If you were doing something productive don't really worry about what you didn't get done. The LOD is supposed to keep tabs on the line(push) if they weren't freaking or told you to hurry or that you were behind, you did fine.

HBA/cosmetics are the most hated push and with call outs the line will stack up.. Priority pulls should be worked first but if you don't know how to push that well or don't have equipment pass on those. They are pulled for specific places and sometimes the in stocks team may not want people to push them. Mostly end caps and second locations. This is store by store though, check if the team is there. If they are gone try your best. My store? No one touches them but us.

Its about just keeping a lid on the fire when its busy and you are short handed.

 

[BrohemianRapcity]

@BrohemianRapcity likely they will take into consideration things like how busy it was, where you pushed, how busy THAT area normally is. How many guest firsts. How much you do not know that area.... Etc. on the flip side: what is your "normal" area. Sometimes common sense dictates. How full were those carts? I've had a cart take me 2 hrs before.

My usual area is the Front End. I'd say each cart I did was about 60 to 70 percent full. There were other carts that I would consider easier since they just had sporting goods, F block, etc. The thing with me is that I usually do the most difficult tasks first since I know others won't want to do it and take their time to avoid it until it just piles on.

On that note, I talked to the ETL and she pretty much said that she appreciated it but next time it's better to leave a few carts of difficult push than to leave eight carts of easy. Now thinking about it, it does make sense. Lol.

But since that chat, she's actually been extending my shifts into full ones so I can work more Hardlines/Fulfillment. Thanks for your advice guys!