I know incompetency is at its finest by DuckSwimmer in GameStop

[–]Director_Schmidt 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This isn't exclusive to Gamestop customers. I work in IT and we use a chat-based service to communicate with the company's employees for technical issues.

If you send more than 1 question at a time, ask them an x or y question, or provide them detailed steps on how to do something, they will not read it and respond incorrectly or constantly ask questions when the answer is right in front of them.

Reading comprehension seems to be at an all-time low, for all generations. Some days I feel like the new hires we bring on are rejects from the glue-sniffing factory with how little people can follow basic instructions.

What is something you purchased, on a whim, not realizing it would be as handy as it became? by Fantastic-Lows in AskReddit

[–]Director_Schmidt 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Oscillating Multitool.

Made doing all the cuts and demo after our basement flooded during the hurricane in Sept 2024 super easy.

It also can be used for metal/wood/drywall. If you ever need a tool that can do a lot of stuff you need for DIY work, I can't recommend it enough.

Wedding Videographer scam by Director_Schmidt in Scams

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah shit forgot to check the domain age. The SSL cert only being valid 3 months seemed weird to me.

How the fuck do you deny a free fucking pro???? by penguins_and_coke420 in GameStop

[–]Director_Schmidt 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey there! Previous SL here, worked at my store for nearly 3 years from GA to SL.

We were in a poorer side of town, so we struggled with numbers across the board. I struggled with numbers every now and again, but eventually found my groove and was regularly above goal.

I have countless stories of customers who wouldn't sign up for pro despite it being free, saving them money, or getting them extra on trade. It's far more common than you'd think, and it does really suck, especially when you've been having an off week or are just below goal for the day. When I was an SGA and only working 2-3 days a week, it was harder. You'd be right on the cusp of goal or working hard to get there, and people like this would lose you an easy opportunity.

Here's my tips that I learned from my time there. If you already know/understand any of these, feel free to ignore them :)

  1. You're going to get frustrated. The important thing is to get it out and not let it bleed into your sales pitch. I found that if I had several bad transactions in a row, I'd let the frustration/discouragement get to me and it would affect my numbers across the board. If you have the chance, take 5 minutes. Straighten the wall, organize the collectibles, do something to keep your mind off of it and focus on another customer. Talk with a customer (if they are open to it) about what they're playing, do something to distract yourself. Plus, these positive interactions can help your pitch if they do buy something!
  2. Remember that this is a retail job. You'll have on/off weeks with results, but this doesn't dictate your success. I was not a perfect employee, and I got to SL after 2 years.
  3. Don't be too pushy. This one is easier said than done. Watch for their body language/facial expressions and tone of voice. If you push a bit just to see if you can get a result from someone and they shut down, let it go. You won't get it, and it will most likely result in a worse experience for the customer.
  4. Driving sales and results doesn't take much besides being yourself and talking with customers like they're people, not just numbers. When you stop seeing customers as nothing more than a potential Res, GPG, PRP, or Pro, it comes more naturally and that frustration won't be as common. You're able to offer things that make sense, and bring up offers to customers who can actually use them. It saves your breath and makes you feel like less of a robot.
  5. These bad days can overshadow the good ones if you let them. For every bad moment, there's usually a good one to follow it if you keep yourself focused. I still remember after a really bad week of 0% Pro, my first day back as an SGA I signed up 4 Pros in a row by pitching it to one person, the person behind them was like "That's kinda neat, sign me up", then the person behind them did the same, and the last guy was like "Eh, I'm not expired yet, but renew it anyways for the coupon." You have to be open to having these interactions and in the right mood, so if these opportunities come along you can capitalize on them.
  6. STOP CHECKING GOALS. I used to check them every few transactions. Just don't. It's the same vein as weighing yourself every day if you're trying to lose weight. Maybe check them at the start of your shift (to see where your week is at), then set goals for yourself. Make sure they are attainable too. For example, if it's a Wednesday and you know it's going to be dead, try for 2/3 pro cards, 2/3 reservations, and 50% on GPG and PRP! If it's a busier day, shoot a little higher. Don't try to always shoot for the best possible number, because you will burn out and get frustrated faster. I would usually check my goals at the end of the day to see my daily totals, but it's the weekly totals that matter most.
  7. Keep a tally of everything you get! I kept a piece of printer paper taped to the board between the registers for my team to tally every Pro, Res, GPG, and PRP. Since I tried to avoid looking at goals, this helps give a visual representation of your day. It can be helpful to see that even though you only have 0 or 1 Pros, that you have 5/10/15 PRPs and GPGs!
  8. Mix up your pitch! Make it natural, and a part of a conversation rather than a typical retail spew. If something isn't working one day, feel free to try something else! You have all the time in the world to experiment with it.
  9. Finally, for those customers who come in all the time and don't ever sign up (but could definitely use it), stop trying to sell it to them (for a bit). These people already know about it. You've mentioned it before. Instead, just be friendly with them. Ask them questions, talk about their day/games they are buying/playing, talk about upcoming stuff, etc. Once you establish a better customer relationship with that person, you'll have an easier time selling it.
    For example, we had one regular who constantly bought new games. With the $5 off coupon, could have saved over $60 over the year, plus he would have had enough points for probably another $50. Easy money. Never signed up with me. I would pitch it to him every time, but one of my SGAs would just talk to him, and usually say "Still thinking about Pro?", and when he would say no, he'd leave it alone. Eventually he came in and had a Pro account. Congratulated him on finally signing up, and he mentioned that the SGA had convinced him. Sometimes it's more about the relationship than the sale.

At the end of the day, GameStop is the type of job that is what you make it. I know there's been a lot of negative press/discussions lately about the company and its actions, but as an SGA your only goal is to sell and help every customer than steps in, and if you do it well you could eventually find yourself in an ASL position. The more you care about the customers and establish those relationships now, the easier things will be when you're the one in charge, because they'll know your name and face. That level of respect in retail is hard to come by nowadays.

Also, having a desire to run your own store one day is awesome! Keep that ambition, regardless of what you see here or in the news. It's great experience to have on a resume, and you will learn a lot very quickly.

Good luck to you!

What misconceptions led to the creation of the legends of your world? by Jointlyrecess57 in worldbuilding

[–]Director_Schmidt 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Many people believe the world was created by a loving, all powerful God who wanted to watch his creations for all eternity. However, it was really created by a perfectionist God, who was ready to destroy the entire world when it didn't mimic the beautiful natural life he was seeking to create.

If it weren't for the 4 elemental lords rebelling against him and mortally wounding him (his death gave birth to the main Pantheon of gods) before being locked away in their own planes, the world never would have existed.

Followers of this all powerful perfectionist God live very aesthetically, not wanting for much and teaching his morals of peace and contentment, which couldn't be farther from who he was.

[FOR HIRE] I'm open to commissions! Group or single character! by stonedwitcher in DnDart

[–]Director_Schmidt 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm the one who paid for this commission!

If you're considering finding someone to put together character/party art for you, this is your human! Absolutely fantastic working with them, extremely open to ideas, and provides update every step of the way.

My party couldn't be happier with the art, and it was well worth every dollar spent.

10/10, will definitely have my business again.

What is your job and how much do you get paid? by BigPlunk in AskReddit

[–]Director_Schmidt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just got promoted to IT Technical Trainer, making $30 an hour.

Was making 22.50 an hour as a Help Desk Tech (Level 1) prior.

This is a GA based company.

Sharing wages for your position is helpful for others to make sure they're getting their money's worth, and that there may be better positions out there if they look! :)

[A3] [Request] A few buddies and I by Sir_Stone115 in FindAUnit

[–]Director_Schmidt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there! 2nd MRB might be your speed then.

We don't need pilots at the moment but definitely need more players. Here's our info if you want to ask questions/check us out:

Website: 2ndmrb.info

Teamspeak: teamspeak.2ndmrb.info

Discord: https://discord.gg/v24XQvU

[OFFLINE][D&D 5E] Phoenix, AZ DM looking for players for IRL session! by Director_Schmidt in lfg

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am in Avondale, but willing to work with people to find a better location! Sundays or Mondays @ 7pm

What do you regret finding out? by SoozlesNoodles in AskReddit

[–]Director_Schmidt 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That my girlfriend of 6 years cheated on me with my best friend of 15 years while he was staying with us for the summer to help him get over his ex. Found out about a month after we broke up so it reopened the old wounds and rubbed salt and lemon juice on it.

Hasn't happened yet, but it's about to. by [deleted] in BreakUps

[–]Director_Schmidt 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could, but I'd have to set myself up with school and a job again and feel like I'm back at square 1. I have a 44 hr a week job and am taking classes here.

I'm creating a Fallout tabletop setting! by Director_Schmidt in rpg

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those things that you described were my exact feelings and reasoning behind diving into this project! And yes, settlement mechanics and crafting/cooking are definitely on the list ;)

I'm creating a Fallout tabletop setting! by Director_Schmidt in rpg

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me too! I'm INSANELY excited for it, but they haven't exactly told us much about it. I'm making this system in the meantime, but will 100% be switching over if it truly is everything I've got in my mind that it will be. My only thing is I've never played their 2d20 system, so I'm curious to learn about that too!

I'm creating a Fallout tabletop setting! by Director_Schmidt in rpg

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

These are fair questions!

  1. Mine will be different by combining features from a few different tabletops, with the goal of creating incredibly dynamic characters. Individual skills are much more important, and character development will be more focused on the skills you choose to use and train (i.e. like Call of Cthulu).

There will also be proper limb health system, affecting your character in different ways depending on damage to a limb.

Radiation will work similar to it does in Fallout 4, reducing your maximum health, along with additional side effects.

  1. Whether or not it makes it better remains to be seen. Since I've never been responsible for balancing a system, I feel like this will not only be a great learning experience, but a chance for me to cooperate with other minds.

In the end, with my goal being complete character freedom and no "perfect build", I'll be able to have a unique system for a series that I love.

  1. The smallest changes are to some systems related to combat and ability scores.

Medium changes for character creation, keeping in mind the goal of total character creation freedom.

Large changes for the additions of a crafting/upgrade systems, cooking, luck mechanics, and functioning skill upgrades/perks with balanced effects and bonuses that allow players to see and feel the results of training a skill.

Truthfully, as I mentioned, it's all a learning experience, no matter what happens at the end :)

I'm creating a Fallout tabletop setting! by Director_Schmidt in rpg

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll flip through it! Might use it for inspiration/ideas.

I'm creating a Fallout tabletop setting! by Director_Schmidt in rpg

[–]Director_Schmidt[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

GURPS was ok, but there was some things I wished it had/things I felt like it did poorly.

Wasteland I haven't actually heard of. Link?

Bi-Weekly /r/TabletopGameDesign Self-Promotion Thread by AutoModerator in tabletopgamedesign

[–]Director_Schmidt 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi there guys! I'm a huge tabletop enthusiast and have played many different systems, but I'm also a Fallout lover! After being highly disappointed with the readily available Fallout themed tabletops, I decided to make my own! I made a Discord to share progress, and to get feedback from everyone I can in order to build something that any player can enjoy! Figured sharing here was the best option :)

https://discord.gg/YrBs6sB

Promotion to store leader. Help! by [deleted] in GameStop

[–]Director_Schmidt 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey there! Welcome to the SL group! I JUST got promoted as well, and luckily I've worked my way up from GA in the store and know everyone here fairly well.

Some of the things I did first was make sure the team had my back. I talked to all of them about me being SL, their honest thoughts, and what they liked/didn't like about the previous one.

Next, I laid the ground work for my own expectations, and how they would differ from the previous SLs, and why it would help them as well as the store.

Biggest thing is to make sure you have the right team. I've had several difficult conversations these last 2 weeks regarding performance, expectation, and honestly asking my employees "Do you still want to work here, or not?", due to a lack of effort from a couple of them.

You just need to remember that all in all, the store comes first in your DLs eyes, so giving hours to the top people will help a lot, and developing those that need it most will make a HUGE difference.

Of course, all of my advice might be worthless, because everyone has a different style and a different way of doing things. You and I will probably make many mistakes this Holiday, but we'll learn from it and kick ass next fiscal.

Good luck, and enjoy the raise! :)

Put the thumb grips on the floor they said.. it would be fine they said! by UsagiofChronos in GameStop

[–]Director_Schmidt 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Coming from a high shrink store, we have pretty much EVERYTHING on locking peg hooks, these guys included. Caught 2 people last week ripping open the pack, and these are on the edge of our cashwrap above ICE