Pros
Anyone who works in retail knows how hard it is. At the home depot, it is very much like any other retail but somehow better. You get to HELP people. when a guy comes in and has no idea how to fix something, it's really satisfying to know you can help some one who really needs help. Customers are getting better at taking a womans advice on home projects. I've even had women ask if I really know what I'm talking about. After years of home ownership, I can say that I really can fix just about anything that could go wrong. I really like giving advice to people who are in similar situations. And they trust me to help again and again.
Cons
The Home Depot was started by expert tradesmen who were retired and willing to help. They also brought with them a "mightier then thou" attitude. It's really hard to listen to someone who acts like you're bothering them. If anything else, this is what I see to be the worst thing. The oldtimers are stuck in that frame of mind and it hurts customer service. They won't do anything above and beyond because...they don't have to! They won't fill counters or seek out people because the pay is the same if they don't. I know that this could be a problem in any company but when you are in a store where people come for HELP.......they should get it....politely and without feeling like you're bothering the guy! And one more thing. I have 20 plus years in retail and several in home improvement. When I applied recently for part time work, they started me at $9.65 an hour. When I left the company 3 years earlier, I was a Pro Department Manager and was making $19.00. an hour.(Not nearly what a man would be making). So why start me at $9.65 when I have so much more to offer then someone off the street? I was so sad that that was the offer. I could be placed in any department and feel confident that my service would be outstanding. Is it a girl thing? I'm sure if I were a guy, the offer would have been different.
