SUPERMARKETS..HUGH PROFITS ..but little for their employees and very bad service?

Question

I get realy pissed off each time i go into a supermarket and ask for assistance in finding an item there never seems to be any staff around to help.and when you do see one they dont understand you
they never seem to have enough checkouts open and very few staff look cheerful .One day i asked this of a girl on the checkout and she replied ''would you be happy on my rate of pay per hour''.Idid'nt know what to say to her...what are your expierances??

Answer 1

Competition in the grocery business is fierce. You think the profits are hugh? The markup on groceries is about the lowest among retailers. It takes volume to generate a satisfactory net.

They have large advertising budgets dictated by competitors. Their greatest asset is "turnover". Their deliveries and inventory levels require the strictest control. Turnover is generated from the fact that groceries are purchased no less than once a week, most often more.
Shrinkage must be controlled. IE theft, spoilage, and damage.

Much skill is needed to operate a profitable grocery store. Most all have to pay competitive wages; also dictated by competition. And remember that employees do benefit from discounts, at whatever the amount.

I once worked in a meat market and when meats became slightly discolored, usually rejected by consumers, we enjoyed ample discounts, and prevented total loss, or ground into hamburger which sold cheaper than regular cuts or steaks. These were called "butcher steaks". If ground, bear in mind the bone loss.
Other discounts were also available on any products.

Remember that grocery stores like many others, are open long hours and require more employees. They do try to schedule for peak selling hours and days, such as holidays. It's not like the old days when all the help was on duty for the more limited hours of opening.

Answer 2

First, you should have discussed this with the manager. Management can't be everywhere and they want to know about these things.

Second, supermarkets don't make HUGH PROFITS. In fact, supermarkets generally have the lowest profit margin of any business you're likely to come in contact with. While they do significant volume it's possible that a small change in costs will really muck up their bottom line.

Finally, good service/bad service, it has nothing do do with your misconceptions regarding profits. Take your business elsewhere but until you notify management nothing will change.

Answer 3

I would agree that there are never enough checkouts open. However, most of the employees that I have dealt with have always been very helpful and courteous - especially the cashiers. I have never had a problem finding someone to help me.

Answer 4

Supermarkets usually pay minimum wage, but expect maximum effort. They want fast, dependable cashiers, but want to give as little as possible in return. I have never worked as a cashier in a supermarket, but I know a lot of people that did, and they usually quit as soon as they finished high school and could get something better.

Answer 5

Remeber you get what you pay for.
I have a highr education and mke 90,000 a year and my wife 44,000 a year and we are happy not because we have money but we have God in our life and it make life that much better.
I have family member who are worth lots of $$$$ and yet they are not happy.
Jesus is the reason to be happy