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Don't let it get to you. We've got a manager at work that doesn't know much, he got into an argument with me about the full size of albino Ancistrus plecos. I overhear him telling customers incorrect information all the time, but I've just learned to accept it. All throughout your life, you're going to run into superiors (parents, teachers, bosses) who are basically just phonies. Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about it. They're higher up on the chain than you, and it won't do you much good to correct them or constantly quarrel with them. If you can't subtly make them see things your way, then it isn't worth dealing with them. Who knows, though? Someday you may be promoted, if you work there long enough.

For now, I'd stick with it. You're not going to want to work anywhere else after this job, since lfs work tends to be fun. If you just quietly do things your way, he'll start to leave you alone. If he doesn't...

Is there anyone you can take this to, or is this boss the actual owner?

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Hmmm... IMO it would depend on just how you said it...

"Clown Triggers will bite your fingers."

...kinda does sound worse than, say...

"You should be careful around Clown Triggers. They may bite your fingers." 'Cuz of course, it's also 100% true that some people don't get bitten by their Clown Triggers. Obviously, the same applies to the Lionfish and such, but it does depend just a smidge on how you present yourself (...okay, I lie; a lot of it actually hangs on presentation...).

On the other hand, it's ridiculous that he doesn't expect you to spend time helping customers. I can hardly imagine many fish stores that would be so packed and so busy that there aren't enough workers because they are all helping customers. A lot of the stores here just have their workers sitting around anyway most of the time, so I think it'd be better that you're actually doing something while you're working...

That's my take on the issue... As to whether or not you quit, that is your decision. On the other hand, the guy can accurately be described as an asshat.

Last edited by Shinigami at 06-May-2005 23:11

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The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.

I understand where you are coming from...its not uncommon for most LFS to have that outlook on things.

Keep your chin up and keep doing the job the way you know it should be done. Helping to educate people so they dont waste their money is a good thing....dont let him tell you different.

Just think of all the customers you lose because of the fish that he said would be ok in their tank with the other occupants and they werent. Most customers after losing a significant amount of money either quit, or start to research. If they research then they are going to start going somewhere else that has a good knowledge base and employees who care about the end result.

I applaud you for having morals instead of just trying to make his pocket book fat!




[hr width='40%']Now who will be the one to dry my tears?
Who will be the one to chase away my fears?
Your love was like a guiding light
That kept me safe all day, all night.
Without you here in my life
I'm scared, I'm lost. Nothing is right

Ferretfish

You have two choices as he is the boss do as he demanding of you, or find another job.
If you can get one in the same area quietly tell your customers you are leaving and will be working at.

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

Your boss has no idea what the term "customer service" means.

Keep doing a good, informative job. People will remember your vast knowledge and come back for more, when they are done with the information gathering phase of their aquarium. Trust me, building customer relations is one of the best, and most reliable way to get more business. That good experience leads to word of mouth praise to other people, and soon enough you have a crowd of people you don't even know wanting to talk to you.

It's happened to me, it'll happen to you.

Keep up the great work!