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Originally Posted by row4d "Not pristine" is one thing -- abused, mangled and smooshed is another entirely. Some people just don't care about things that aren't theirs, like the gal mentioned a few posts up who sat a stamp label side down on the ink pad and left it there, or the folks I've heard about who seriously damage something through their carelessness and blow it off like it's no big deal. Most of the time, these types of customers are the ones who think that SU! sends us all our supplies for free (yes, people really do think that) and so it doesn't matter if they mash up the brush tip of a marker or slip a few "extra" pre-cut pieces of CS or ribbon into their purses when the demo's not looking. |
True - I am not a demo and I am just getting back into stamping and have a learning curve, so I could totally see myself doing the dork thing and messing someone's stuff up out of ignorance. Non-stampers don't know the investment and are often shocked that stamps, and all of the other accouterments of our hobby, cost what they do.
Having said that, I worked at a craft store for a few years and was the only one who would willingly demonstrate new products and techniques of all kinds. Some of the worst offenders are those who participate in a retail demo. It's one thing if they pay, but we did many free demos and I had to account for all of the product used, recycle it into future demos, or show some sales for loss of product (within reason). The things people do is appalling. I call them the flip flop/ slurpee crowd (from an episode of Designing Women). Just no class, ruin it because they can, would never act that way in another setting, people. Rude to me (or other demos, which is why no one ever did it), let their kids pick their noses and then touch all the glitter and stuff (new meaning to the term "glue goober"), and just generally distasteful in both demeanor and attitude.
I am not a demo, nor interested in being a demo, for all of those reasons and more. And I am most definitely glad I don't work in a craft store anymore.
I agree that you should expect some damage and try to see it as a cost of doing business. However, you do not have to suffer fools and should separate your favorite stuff and consider your guest list carefully.
Jackbuilt
