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News & ArtsTuesday, May 24, 2011
Life / Mailbag Dear Concessions Workers: Please Use A Lighter Touch with the Up-Selling
Posted by David Schmader on Tue, May 24, 2011 at 11:30 AM
A sensible plea from a concerned parent, submitted to I, Anonymous:
It is true that I could have used a nicer tone. And I understand that you want to be a good corporate, minimum-wage making schmuck. I get it. You are doing your job, and so I don’t object when you tried to supersize my daughter as she purchased a small coke and popcorn at your theater. We have prepared her for this, and she politely told you no. All is good.
But this is what I don’t get. You then try appealing to me, her parent, in your effort to persuade my daughter that more must mean better. That although the small popcorn and coke already contain more than ½ the calories that she will need for the entire day, she was being foolish for not spending the extra 25 cents to get even more of that greasy popcorn and sugar water you call food. Do you really expect that any semi-sensible parent would support you in that undertaking? That we would want to encourage our children to develop those habits that will inevitably lead them to becoming obese. At least with this, I suspect you won’t make the same mistake twice.
To all the popcorn-scooping and sugar-water dispensing jockeys out there, I am not asking you to be a superhero. I am not asking that you defy the Man or anything so banal. I’m just asking that you consider foregoing the hard sell when the customer is a child. No one will be the wiser and you will have done a small but nonetheless good deed for the day.
1
I recommend you and your offspring drink the real Coke, the bottles with sugar, from Mexico:
http://jabailo.tumblr.com/post/574133086…
http://jabailo.tumblr.com/post/574133086…
3
Complaining that the supersize coke and popcorn will damage your precious child while still buying the small portions is like the fat person ordering 4 Big Macs and a diet coke "because I'm on a diet."
6
Do people really go to theaters anymore? They're so icky. Bad snacks don't compare to a bed bug infestation you picked up at the movies.
7
Unfortunately, the "no one will be the wiser" part is patently false. The Man's eyes (and cameras) are everywhere. Address these concerns to the masters, not the wage slaves, otherwise you're just being an ass.
Trust me, the workers hate the upselling doing more than little you can ever conceive -- you only have to deal with it at one single transaction, one time. For them, it is a Sisyphean labor which fills every moment of every one of their miserable working days!
Trust me, the workers hate the upselling doing more than little you can ever conceive -- you only have to deal with it at one single transaction, one time. For them, it is a Sisyphean labor which fills every moment of every one of their miserable working days!
9
Or you could just say "No." when attempting to be upsold. Oh wait, you can't That's why you fucking whine about it.
10
@3 - No. It's like a person buying their child ONE hamburger and ONE soda, ONE time a month as a treat, and preferring that the counter person doesn't push a milkshake or fries on top of the order.
But you're probably one of those assholes bitter that you aren't allowed to push fat people down the stairs.
But you're probably one of those assholes bitter that you aren't allowed to push fat people down the stairs.
11
The tone of the letter seems to imply that the employee is only required to attempt the upsell.
Have we considered what happens to the worker who has sold too many small beverages or popcorn cups?
Perhaps this worker is about to lose their job due to their inability to upsell enough. Companies pay for results! Not for effort.
Have we considered what happens to the worker who has sold too many small beverages or popcorn cups?
Perhaps this worker is about to lose their job due to their inability to upsell enough. Companies pay for results! Not for effort.
12
"although the small popcorn and coke already contain more than ½ the calories that she will need for the entire day"
So bring your own snacks, if you really cared.
@7: "Unfortunately, the "no one will be the wiser" part is patently false. The Man's eyes (and cameras) are everywhere. Address these concerns to the masters, not the wage slaves, otherwise you're just being an ass."
Exactly. I groan, and I hate it, but I'm not going to get someone fired for my temporary comfort, if they're otherwise doing a good job. I will simply stop frequenting the establishments if it gets overwhelming.
So bring your own snacks, if you really cared.
@7: "Unfortunately, the "no one will be the wiser" part is patently false. The Man's eyes (and cameras) are everywhere. Address these concerns to the masters, not the wage slaves, otherwise you're just being an ass."
Exactly. I groan, and I hate it, but I'm not going to get someone fired for my temporary comfort, if they're otherwise doing a good job. I will simply stop frequenting the establishments if it gets overwhelming.
14
@3 - ugh, I am sick to death of that stupid "haha fat people drinking diet coke to save calories" bullshit. No one drinks diet coke because they're on a diet. People drink diet coke because it tastes different than regular coke and they personally prefer the taste of diet. Like how some people prefer Pepsi and don't like Coca Cola, and vice versa.
16
kids want to buy something AT THE SNACKBAR, not bring it from home. its exciting and grown-up when you're little.
17
@14.. i drink diet coke.. after chinese and mexican food.. don't know why but it isn't complete util i've had a diet coke.. and yeah.. i'm a diabetic.
18
@5 Varia - I, as the kids say, laughed out loud.
I like to get the big popcorn and save the leftovers for snacks for the next few days. But then I'm a weirdo. And admittedly I've had a few unfortunate butter leakage incidents. Still I persist. For the value!
I like to get the big popcorn and save the leftovers for snacks for the next few days. But then I'm a weirdo. And admittedly I've had a few unfortunate butter leakage incidents. Still I persist. For the value!
19
This is clearly child abuse in action. A good parent would have forced the child to have the super large popcorn with extra extra butter and the half gallon of soda.
20
Not that I disagree with the sentiment of the letter writer, but
a) As others have pointed out, the employee is likely trying to keep their own butt of a sling by pursuing the upsell, and
b) "It is true that I could have used a nicer tone. And I understand that you want to be a good corporate, minimum-wage making schmuck" is a pretty cunty way to start a letter.
a) As others have pointed out, the employee is likely trying to keep their own butt of a sling by pursuing the upsell, and
b) "It is true that I could have used a nicer tone. And I understand that you want to be a good corporate, minimum-wage making schmuck" is a pretty cunty way to start a letter.
21
I've had to work a corporate job where we were watched constantly and if we didn't up-sell we were penalized. I am not a salesman, and that was very uncomfortable for me, but I needed my job at that time, since I was 18 and fairly unemployable. How about, as pointed out by others, you speak to the manager or write a letter to the corporate office instead of raging at some kid working a minimum wage job, which I'm sure he/she really loves? And really, the soda and popcorn are already terrible for your child.
22
@ 3, comparison fail.
@ 9, she did. If you don't like the fact that she then vented here, that's your problem.
@ letter writer:
You should be pretty well acquainted with how many unsensible parents there are. I bet upselling like that works.
@ 9, she did. If you don't like the fact that she then vented here, that's your problem.
@ letter writer:
You really expect that any semi-sensible parent would support you in that undertaking?
You should be pretty well acquainted with how many unsensible parents there are. I bet upselling like that works.
23
Just about every commenter needs to have their reading comprehension skills retested. LW said the employee tried the upsell TWICE. It's right there in the first paragraph:
"We have prepared her for this, and she politely told you no. All is good."
So yeah, employee was being a dick.
"We have prepared her for this, and she politely told you no. All is good."
So yeah, employee was being a dick.
24
@14: Wrong. I drink Diet Coke (on the occasions I drink any Coke) because I'd rather expend my daily calorie intake on something more appealing than regular Coke -- such as another beer later that night.
25
@3 I've never understood why people use this argument. I drink Diet Coke because, yes, I like the taste. But also because if I'm going to be drinking out of basically a bucket, I want it to be calorie-free. Why is that such a stupid decision if I'm already consuming too many calories(with the knowledge, of course, that I'm choosing to eat something unhealthy)?
Sometimes I want a greasy burger, but not even MORE cals with the drink. Some people, I am one of them, will have to spend their whole lives struggling to maintain a healthy weight. I know very well that I'll pack on the pounds if I don't exercise and generally make wise diet decisions. So if I want to splurge, I'm not gonna go ALL OUT wild! You've got a silly, silly argument there...
Sometimes I want a greasy burger, but not even MORE cals with the drink. Some people, I am one of them, will have to spend their whole lives struggling to maintain a healthy weight. I know very well that I'll pack on the pounds if I don't exercise and generally make wise diet decisions. So if I want to splurge, I'm not gonna go ALL OUT wild! You've got a silly, silly argument there...
26
That first sentence makes me think that the letter writer was probably quite the asshole about it. If you've ever beheld the wrath of the uptight, self-righteous Seattle helicopter parent, you know what I'm talking about.
I remember the guys at movie concessions asking me if I wanted the bigger soda for only x amount of money more when I was a kid, and we went to the movies all the time. My parents said no, and didn't bitch out the concession worker for doing his job. I also did not turn out to be an obese popcorn and soda addict.
I remember the guys at movie concessions asking me if I wanted the bigger soda for only x amount of money more when I was a kid, and we went to the movies all the time. My parents said no, and didn't bitch out the concession worker for doing his job. I also did not turn out to be an obese popcorn and soda addict.
27
How old is your kid?
A 13 year old (but she's still your baaaaaabeeeee!!!!) can say no twice without hurting herself.
A 4 year old doesn't know what an upsell is, and isn't really old enough to be ordering for herself anyway.
I don't have enough information to adequately pass judgement on the LW, and it's all their fault.
A 13 year old (but she's still your baaaaaabeeeee!!!!) can say no twice without hurting herself.
A 4 year old doesn't know what an upsell is, and isn't really old enough to be ordering for herself anyway.
I don't have enough information to adequately pass judgement on the LW, and it's all their fault.
28
@14, 24 - sorry, I meant "no one" in a hyperbolic sense. Clearly there are some people who drink diet coke to consume less calories or due to diabetes (or just to avoid HFCS). But there are tons of people who don't give a shit about calories and just prefer the taste of diet coke.
Mostly I just really hate the "LOL stupid fat people can't do maths, drinking diet coke with their McLardBurgers to be on a diet" joke when it seems pretty obvious to me (and I don't even like cola flavored soft drinks) that someone in that situation probably prefers diet coke.
Mostly I just really hate the "LOL stupid fat people can't do maths, drinking diet coke with their McLardBurgers to be on a diet" joke when it seems pretty obvious to me (and I don't even like cola flavored soft drinks) that someone in that situation probably prefers diet coke.
30
@14:
I drink Diet Coke (although I prefer Diet Pepsi) simply because I want the caffeine-buzz and not the fructose-buzz.
I drink Diet Coke (although I prefer Diet Pepsi) simply because I want the caffeine-buzz and not the fructose-buzz.
32
What they don't tell you is that the theater probably incentivizes that person to push for the upsell-- usually by offering a bonus to the employee who upsells the most, but can go as far as bosses "hinting" that employees who perform strongly on the supersizing are less likely to lose their job or more likely to be promoted later, etc.
33
@32"What they don't tell you is that the theater probably incentivizes that person to push for the upsell-- "
That only works at higher-end retail gigs. It's not like he's selling cars, they just fire you these days for underperforming.
That only works at higher-end retail gigs. It's not like he's selling cars, they just fire you these days for underperforming.
34
Theater employees are not trained to help you monitor and raise your children. How about you do your fucking job as a parent. Fuck You.
35
everyone knows you just teach your kids how to sneak snacks into the theater. My parents taught me not to pay 8 dollars for sugar water and candy when I can get it for a dollar fifty across the street.
36
@34,
Issues much? The parent is raising the kid right; the employee, however, was being an asshole by refusing to take no for an answer.
Thanks for shit-for-brains adults (like you) kids learn at an early age that no one will listen to what they say or will respect their boundaries.
Issues much? The parent is raising the kid right; the employee, however, was being an asshole by refusing to take no for an answer.
Thanks for shit-for-brains adults (like you) kids learn at an early age that no one will listen to what they say or will respect their boundaries.
37
The only person with "shit-for-brains" as you call it in this scenario, is the passive aggressive entitled adult. Theater employees are REQUIRED to upsell as part of their jobs and trust me, they ALL HATE DOING IT. That customer was not required to purchase anything. Every customer is very capable of saying "no". Theater employees are not babysitters. The only person that made the decision in this scenario is to have a kid, feed it junk food and expect to do so in certain doses is the adult customer. A customer service employee is in no way required to teach anyone's kid anything. Also, I doubt a child would make the leap that being asked twice to supersize something means that for the rest of time their opinions will not matter. They are "shit-for-brains" children after all.
38
@36
Yes, I have issues with the "shit-for-brains" parents who expect complete strangers to know the dietary restrictions that they have placed on their children. Also, asking someone TWICE isn't not taking no for an answer or disrespecting someone's boundaries. The occasional encounter with a theater concessionaire should not overshadow you own parental influence, unless you totally fucked up. Fuck you.
Yes, I have issues with the "shit-for-brains" parents who expect complete strangers to know the dietary restrictions that they have placed on their children. Also, asking someone TWICE isn't not taking no for an answer or disrespecting someone's boundaries. The occasional encounter with a theater concessionaire should not overshadow you own parental influence, unless you totally fucked up. Fuck you.
39
She needs to consider that it's management and corporate ordering the register jockeys to pull that shit, and complaining to the lowest person on the totem pole will do absolutely jack for her "situation."
If you don't want to be upsold, don't buy "greasy popcorn and sugar water they call food" and stfu.
If you don't want to be upsold, don't buy "greasy popcorn and sugar water they call food" and stfu.
40
@10: Once again, if the upselling upsets that "very special treat" the child is getting once a month, the parents can try putting their money where their mouths are and find a new restaurant to get burgers at. You know, instead of doing the same thing over and over and expecting the rest of the world to bend to their whims. Parenthood is not a protected class, you know.
41
@23: Some places require employees to hear "no" three times from a customer before they can stop trying to upsell.
43
@36: I'd hesitate so say that someone who would flip out on an employee for asking her child a question more than once is really doing that good a job raising her child. Growing up to think that no one will listen to her? Yeah right. This kid's going to grow up to model her stupid cunt of a "mother".
44
Yes, it is, you fucking cocksucker.
Back to you, Bub.
Oh wait, I wouldn't fuck you with a rusty saw.
Also, asking someone TWICE isn't not taking no for an answer or disrespecting someone's boundaries.
Yes, it is, you fucking cocksucker.
Back to you, Bub.
Oh wait, I wouldn't fuck you with a rusty saw.
45
@43,
The kid is going to grow up to tell you and other fuckheads who won't take no for an answer to go fuck yourselves. But that's why you're so threatened by this, isn't it?
The kid is going to grow up to tell you and other fuckheads who won't take no for an answer to go fuck yourselves. But that's why you're so threatened by this, isn't it?
47
Sorry, man, if I don't double offer the upsell and make a "strong case" for it, I get written up. Three write ups and I'm out on my ass.
I don't get to make exceptions.
I don't get to make exceptions.
48
@36 Did you actually read what they wrote? The employee the appealed to her parent, which means this parent was standing there with their child. Had they felt so defensive of their kid maybe they should have just said something that moment instead of writing this passive annonymous plea to the general public. And also, the kid needs to learn to deal with these "tough situations" What ever happened to breaking glass in parking lots? C'mon, I hope if someone tries to upsell your kid from a dime bag to an eighth in the future that this valuable lesson at the theater kicks in . . . although, they might need that eighth to deal with the issues their passive, shit-for-brains parents have left them with.
49
@25: Word. Everyone knows a diet Coke doesn't UNDO the rest of the calorie consumption, but at least it is not ADDING to it. Why is this so hard to grasp? "Oooh, you're having a burger. Have a bucket of sugar too! Unless you're in denial, fatty -- LOL!!!!"
@42: Really? I guess Diet Coke is more intelligent, alchemical and vindictive than I had given it credit for.
@42: Really? I guess Diet Coke is more intelligent, alchemical and vindictive than I had given it credit for.
52
Look lady, I'm just trying to do my job, and yeah maybe I'm a corporate schmuck, but I'm a corporate schmuck with a job that I can be stoned out of my gourd at, work for 15 minutes out of every two hours, and watch all the movies I want for free.
I get it, you're better than me.
Listen, I'm sorry that I asked twice (did I mention that I was really baked?) but considering how you seem to understand the man's constant demands that I up-sell couldn't you have had a little sympathy for a low-life sugar jockey and just politely said no again? But whatevs, everyone behind you was like 'wow, what a bitch', you're still mad, and I'm about to forget all about it, again, as soon as I post this.
Maybe someday you'll learn to take joy in seeing a movie with your daughter and let the little things wash away.
I get it, you're better than me.
Listen, I'm sorry that I asked twice (did I mention that I was really baked?) but considering how you seem to understand the man's constant demands that I up-sell couldn't you have had a little sympathy for a low-life sugar jockey and just politely said no again? But whatevs, everyone behind you was like 'wow, what a bitch', you're still mad, and I'm about to forget all about it, again, as soon as I post this.
Maybe someday you'll learn to take joy in seeing a movie with your daughter and let the little things wash away.
53
@42, You would have to drink a fuck-ton of diet coke to get any meaningful caloric intake from it. Hell of a lot more than a gallon anyway. It's mostly water, salts, and chemicals the body doesn't process. I think the aspartame is the only thing with any caloric content in diet coke, and that is negligible until you get up to about a teaspoon of the stuff (even then it's a tiny amount), and it takes quite a few cans of diet coke to hit a teaspoon of aspartame.
55
@53 :: If more people put HALF the math skills to work on meal planning and nutritional intake awareness, as you have running to the defense of the 'Better Living through Chemistry' endeavor that is today's non-nutritive sweetener industry, there might be hope for more people reaching adulthood at less than 300 pounds. They might even be able to do division without a calculator... mind boggling!
56
If I wrote an anonymous letter to everyone who annoyed me during a day in any city, then I'd have...a lot of anonymous letters. I have found taking deep breaths to be more effective in getting over it.
57
I've worked at a movie theater... while working two other jobs in college!
I'm sorry but when a manager who has a HUGE list of goals from corporate, holds countless sales meetings about the "values" of upselling and gives the delightful stink eye across the lobby that a clerk making a minimal wage isn't going to ask your bubbling bag of love butter for an extra 25 cents?
Let's be totally and completely honest here MISSY, when you allow your daughter to purchase disgustingly popped buttery popcorn with butter from yesterday, YES YESTERDAY, and soda that's full of carbonated crud...whose REALLY being the good parent now?!
Why don't you use your efforts to fight a bigger battle or do you have enough sports watches already?
AGH!!!
I'm sorry but when a manager who has a HUGE list of goals from corporate, holds countless sales meetings about the "values" of upselling and gives the delightful stink eye across the lobby that a clerk making a minimal wage isn't going to ask your bubbling bag of love butter for an extra 25 cents?
Let's be totally and completely honest here MISSY, when you allow your daughter to purchase disgustingly popped buttery popcorn with butter from yesterday, YES YESTERDAY, and soda that's full of carbonated crud...whose REALLY being the good parent now?!
Why don't you use your efforts to fight a bigger battle or do you have enough sports watches already?
AGH!!!
58
@10 and letter writer and all the other self-righteous parents out there,
Please parent your own children and stop expecting the rest of us to build our lives around your decision to procreate. Teaching your kids moderation and how to politely refuse someone is a valuable lesson, one of the many opportunities to teach your children that you squander when you act entitled and arrogant.
Thanks. And by the way, I am not a baby hater. I think kids are awesome, but I don't think having one makes you any more important than anyone else, particularly in the day-to-day situations in which so many of you get up on your high horse. Here's a shout out to all the parents (like mine) who approach parenting with humor and as much dignity as they can muster.
Please parent your own children and stop expecting the rest of us to build our lives around your decision to procreate. Teaching your kids moderation and how to politely refuse someone is a valuable lesson, one of the many opportunities to teach your children that you squander when you act entitled and arrogant.
Thanks. And by the way, I am not a baby hater. I think kids are awesome, but I don't think having one makes you any more important than anyone else, particularly in the day-to-day situations in which so many of you get up on your high horse. Here's a shout out to all the parents (like mine) who approach parenting with humor and as much dignity as they can muster.
60
Ugh, clearly this lady has never had to work a shitty minimum wage position. What a condescending bitch.
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