Walmart Shopping Cart Hell?

Question

I work at Walmart as a "stockman" (tricky title.. it tricked me and now I "stock" carts..) in NC. Recently they replaced the old carts with newer ones but there's a huge flaw in their design. There's a piece of plastic on the bottom that when two or more carts are pushed together the back wheels of all but the very last cart lift off the ground. Before with the old carts one stockman could operate the electric RC pusher and gather a huge number of carts with no problem but now these carts slide like a snake and the same number of carts need at least 2 or 3 people to control. We've all had near misses with these carts almost hitting cars. Unfortunately there aren't enough stockman at this store so we're forced to push all of the carts by hand limiting the number between 7-9 at a time (not to mention that we have to walk sideways with the carts just to prevent them from sliding down hill). Only one stockman closes each night. Is there anything I can do to get these carts replaced? Thanks

Everyone at the store including the manager knows of the issue but since we're still getting the job done (even though the work load has been increased by at least 5) no one cares. Almost no help and bad carts equal the worst job I've ever seen. Stockman aren't respected at all especially in the cold weather where the cart door has to stay open all the time.

I call it a 'flaw" because the design is very hard on the workers but it's intentional. It's designed to push easier and prevent wear on the back wheels.

Answer 1

This is one of those places where the squeaky wheel gets oiled, and if enough of you Stockman get together and squeak loudly enough, the manager has got to hear you ..

Now whether or not your manager is receptive and has an open door policy maybe what determines if you get anything done not ..

Most managers do want to know anything that is going to cost more money to operate. Taking all lot more extra time to get the carts now compared to what it used to take is an inefficient way to conduct business.

You have to talk in terms of money when you are talking problems because that's the bottom line. If you can show him how much time (time is money) is involved in what you guys are doing, you might actually make a difference . .

Good luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like the carts are taking more time than the old ones. Not an efficient way of doing business. I'd give corporate a call, annoumously though.

Answer 3

have all the stockmen talk to management about the design of the carts and the difficulty you all have with them. they should beable to return them and get something better. if the cart company has any sense they will watch out more for these flaws as the companies will get more and more complaints from those who purchace these poorly designed carts. merry christmas.

Answer 4

Why can't customers grab a cart before they go in the store, It would be a big help to the cart guys.Who have more than enough work.

Answer 5

Yes let the manager know of the problem.
Then if you hit a few cars, say Hey I let the manager know.

Seriously most retailers have a employee tip line for saftey and security issues. Call the1-800-925-6278 number and let them know.

Answer 6

haha I'd rather run over those whiny brat kids in the toy aisle. edit: Ahh that kind of person. Yes, especially when I only need to grab one simple item :|

Answer 7

unfortunate for you, I don't own a shopping cart plant....

Answer 8

stop complaining,you got a job get on with it.You want somebody to stroke your thing while your working.You are one of these trouble makers that want waltmart to become unionise.