Bring on the Daddy's

Most days I am used to watching mom's rush in and out of the toy store; and they typically know exactly what they want. It is the dad's who keep us going. Fortunately the men who come into our store are usually good looking, and if they weren't blessed with good looks, they tend to be very friendly. It is the cutest thing to watch a dad/man wonder through the store. They look so lost and confused. It is my job to come to their rescue and tell them exactly what it is they need to purchase. I never understood why their wives/girlfriends, or any female figure int heir life would send them by themselves to pick out a baby gift. Note to all women...never send your man to buy the gift! As much as they may love you and will tell you it's no big deal, they have no idea what they're doing. They will not know the difference between a burpie and a bib; so unless you send them off with the exact name or purpose of the item, he is doomed. It is our job and pleasure to help these lost souls so no worries on our end. Personally I think they enjoy the opportunity to be rescued by a female, especially when it comes to something they feel they should know nothing about.

There was this one dad who came in last week who I had every intention of helping out until he revealed his true colors...or should I say, his lack of. First, I approached him like I typically do to customers, then asked him if he needed any assistance. Without even acknowledging me, he just turns the opposite direction and continues to appear very important on his blackberry. I figured maybe he didn't hear me so I shrug it off and continue to clean up after his children's mess that they had left for me (lucky me!). Twenty minutes later,after his kids had successfully beaten the shit out of the store, he is ready to check out. Still nose deep in his blackberry, he tosses the gift onto the counter. "Hello sir, would you like this wrapped?" I asked. "Sure" he replied. I handed the gift to my co-worker to be wrapped while I ring him out. "That will be $21.25 please" I tell him. He hands me his card; still no eye contact! "Would you like debit or credit?" I ask. "Ahhh...it's debit?" Now another note to customers; if you hand me a debit card, typically you have the option of using it as credit as well as debit, so please don't give me attitude when I ask...after. I'm only trying to be polite. So I ring it through (as debit) and hand him his card back. As he waits for his gift to be wrapped, I notice his kids are continuing to mess shit up. I walk over to the mess/kids and start cleaning up, advising that they be careful. STILL NO EYE CONTACT or acknowledgment from their father. I was so disgusted by his behavior. He didn't even have the curtsey to thank us for our help.