Holly S Sales Training Ch 04

---How to deal with disrespectful customers and control your emotions---

Hey there, Holligans! Back again, bringing the bang! Are you ready for a trés chic newsflash? I got lots to tell you guys! But first, I brought you an overview of all the different comments I've received after my last post.

*IAmClawdeen: Oh bae! U okae? That drubbing sounded horrible! That old fucker needs to arrive in the 21st century. Spankings are so outdated. U know, revenge is a dish best served cold! I'm sure ur determined enough to make sure he gets his come-uppance! Wtvr, ur fashion tips n reblogs are still the best out there. So stay tres chic, bae!*

"SirBelty: Your boss just saved your job and gave you good advice and what did you do? Nothing, no gratitude, no humility. So typical for generation whine. You should ask for a daily maintenance spanking.*

Oh yeet! Oh yikes! See? My fashion fam represents the full spectrum. Some comments are encouraging and some disparaging. Some are approving and some disagreeing. Welcome to the internet! I sus, my chic clique is super diverse with different backgrounds and ages and stuff like that. So fire!

Anyway, you don't need to worry about my butt! I got thick skin (literally and not literally). Granted, it was hella hard to get out of bed after everything that happened yesterday. No wonder, the way my ass felt. The radiating red glow was gone overnight, but my round rump was still super sensitive. Still, I was real proud that I made it to work on time and didn't need an unpaid day off. #PlayHardWorkHarder

That was all well and good, but there was still a minor problem with my uniform. Remember the instruction when male customers enter the store? By now, it had become so routine that I hardly gave it a thought anymore. This time, it was different, though, because the booty shorts legit lived up to their name. They were so short that you could see some of the marks on my lower buns when I pulled the green top up and tied it to a knot. Yikes! #BattleScarsChallenge

But whatevs! Thank god it's Friday today and you know what that means, right? Sadly, it doesn't mean another visit from the big boss! Instead, we've been real busy at the store! Ever since the expansion, business has been booming. I'd argue, though, that's mainly down to our awesome performance. But again, this time it was different (that seems to be the theme of the week, doesn't it?). Our sales were significantly lower than usual. So, we had to do something about it.

Even Matt realized that sales were bad (that's how you recognize the severity of the situation)! Consequently, he acted more driven and dramatic than ever (which meant his brotalk became even more obnoxious and insufferable). It also led to him activating his band of bros. As a result, one of Matt's fratmates came to the store during lunch time. As it turned out, he was looking for a Valentine's present for his new girlfriend, so a lingerie set was just the right thing. It basically suggests itself! #ValentineSpecial

Remember, I had promised Mr. von Stein to improve my relationship with his son (aka the store manager). And I was fiercely resolved to keep this promise. For this reason, I tried to support him and took over the sales advice. After all, I was the only one who could offer a female perspective because Tia was on break. And yet, I quickly regretted my willingness to help. In fact, I loathed the young dude from the very first second. Sorry, not sorry!

Believe it or not, but the fratboy was so extra that it was super cringe. To give you an image, picture a swole jock and legit hypebeast wrapped up in one frat star. He actually looked like he just stepped out of a 'frat fashion 101' catalog. Sheesh! Just remembering it makes me cringe again! What really took the cake, however, was his name. I almost groaned in disbelief when he introduced himself as Chet. Does anyone else know a more cliché fratboy name? Thought so!

Never mind the stereotypes, the dudebro managed to top that first impression when he started bragging about Matt being his role model. Not only was he doing the most to earn the douchebro's respect, but he was also trying too hard with the brotalk. Just when I thought he couldn't be any more extra, he lifted his arm. As he did, the sleeve of his polo shirt slid up and revealed a tattoo on the inside of his upper arm. My jaw when I saw the tat in all its gory glory. It dropped to the floor, and for good reason! It wasn't just any kinda tattoo. Instead, the words 'Bros B4 Hoes' were inked on his bizep. I can't even... with this player-in-training! #BadInkspiration

No need to be a psychic to know that my dislike was cemented forever! And it didn't get any better after that. Of course, the youngster had to pick the exact white vinyl bra set that I had modeled for Mr. von Stein. You can't make this stuff up! Sure thing, that hit a nerve with me. This was too much! I couldn't do it! I couldn't let this wannabe macho crack sexist jokes and talk down to me while I was wearing my boss' outfit. The memory was too strong. The reminder was too intense, I swear! #MemoryLane

So, I did the only sensible thing and declined. Storming into the manager's office, I told Matt tight to his face that I wouldn't do it. Everyone's got that one line they wouldn't cross, and this was mine. So, how do you think my skeevy supervisor reacted? He was completely understanding and sympathetic... believed no one ever! Instead, the royal jerk was just as unamused as his little minion. But that didn't matter to me. As if! I had made my decision and didn't waver. Sometimes, you've gotta make a stand, right? #StandYourGround

Anyway, I tried to sell the rejection as nicely as possible. After all, Chet was still a young dude. As an alternative, I suggested he stay and wait for Tia's return. After all, my busty boo looked insanely hot and was legit into the whole frat thing. I was sure she'd be all over the dude when she saw the tattoo. But it didn't work! Showing him a few pics from my bae's socials wasn't enough and he walked away high-key pissed. So you see, guys, my readiness to help turned into a costumer lost and a blow to Matt's reputation among the frat squad. #FratPrestige

In my humble opinion, the financial downside was way worse than any personal glory. But what do I know about business, right? Matt's reaction was much more important anyway! Even though the douchebro looked mad angry, he let the matter rest, at least for the time being. That was a real surprise! But only at first glance. Come to think of it, he had to be grateful to me. After all, my intervention with his dad had earned him the promotion to store manager. So, I had real clout! Frankly, he should be thanking me, not lashing out at me! You know the line 'nothing's so hard as a man's ingratitude'? That's so true! #NoGoodDeed

So, what do you say, my fashion fam? Am I succeeding in slowly educating these disrespectful boys and teaching them manners? It's a work in progress, I know, but someone's gotta do it. Anyway, love and kisses to all my Holligans out there!

---How to control your temper before it controls you---

*Eagerrrl: Oh, hun! I agree that good manners are essential. But sum men will be resistant to ur guidance no matter what. U can't teach an old dog nu tricks. There's a lotta truth to that. Sorry, hun!*

*BushMaster55: Haha! Look who's getting to know the harsh realities of life. Legions of women have been tryin to teach their men since the beginning of time. But men ain't dogs! It didn't work before n it won't work now. But don't fret! There are good men out there. They just don't look like your bad boys. You're seeking tigers n lions, so don't whine when they roar at you.*

Oh wow! Looks like I've struck a nerve with my fierce followers! It's a heated debate. Mosdef! Several points were made, and it'll probs never be settled. Even so, I'd like to add my two cents to the discussion: Of course, I'm not so naïve to believe in rapid change. How stupid do you think I am? It takes time and only works step by step. Nevertheless, we've gotta start somewhere, even if it's in a retail store, right? #AlwaysForwardNeverBackwards

Never mind my believe in a better world, one thing's clear: I've given up on seeing any change in our resident fratboy, ever. And today has only reinforced my opinion! After lunch, our sales hadn't improved much, so Dickhead Matt decided to help out on the floor and personally advise some customers. Of course, that worked out just fine... said no one ever! Instead, the douchebro focused on the few middle-aged couples who visited the store and managed to give each of them terrible advice on truly age-inappropriate clothing. The end result? They all stormed straight out of the store, never to return. #SelfDoSelfHave

Fair to say, watching Mr. Son-by-Profession try to make sales was a trainwreck. You wanted to look away, but you couldn't! As fun as it may sound, there was a legit downside. We were losing revenue left and right! And it was all our manager's fault. The longer I watched the clumsy sales attempts, the harder it became to hide my annoyance. In the end, I couldn't help but roll my eyes and scoff in disapproval. Of course, my reaction didn't go unnoticed and the douchebro called me out for it, stat. #StickToWhatYouKnow

"You think you could do better?" The toxic troll asked, high-key annoyed. "I bet you'd go-ahead n throw some s**t in their face."

"Sure, I can." I instantly clapped back. "Hell, I'm proving it all the time."

For the love of god! I was right and I knew it! Blame me if you like but I was still in a mood from yesterday's events. So, my bratty reaction was hardly surprising. At the same time, though, the memory of the savage spanking reminded me of what my boss had said. Remember, I had promised to give his son a fair chance to prove his worth as store manager and my respect for the head of the Vonderfam commanded me to stick to it. So I must admit, I had thrown shade far too hasty.

Your mileage may vary, but I felt low-key guilty! I was so determined to be less emotional! And yet, my temper had gotten the better of me at the earliest opportunity. My bad! As you see, guys, I'm still learning. Looks like I still need the patriarch and his strict guidance, because there's work to be done. #WorkingOnABetterMe

"What about this?" I made a half-hearted attempt to make up for my rashness. "We both advise the next customer. Let's see who can make the sale."

To be honest, it wasn't much of a bet. Does everyone else think I was the runaway favorite here? I certainly did! Still, I pretended to treat Matt like a worthy contender, praising his recent efforts while raising his profile by affiliation. And yet, the obnoxious jerk was far too proud to show the slightest bit of hesitation. His ego wouldn't allow him to weasel out of the bet. Absolutely not! #AttitudeAF

"OK, Holly honey! Only problem... what you got to offer as wager?" My mean manager tried to sound as confident as possible. "I could bet your whole month's salary without batting an eyelash."

Sweet jeez! What a total jerk move! I guess our resident fratboy wanted to sound powerful, but he only came across as arrogant. Once a douche, always a douche, right? For sure, my skeevy supervisor knew how to trigger me with just a few words. He was like a red rag to me, I swear! #Swagalicious

Needless to say, I can't afford to spend that kinda money for a bet. And yet, this was easy cash. The bag was as good as secured, because my win was all but assured. Whatevs! Logic didn't reign supreme at that very moment. As if! The toxic troll and his pretentious bragging incensed me to a point that I had no other choice. I simply had to follow my sense of justice. No way around it! Somebody had to put the trust fund baby in his place and that somebody was me! #LetsGetThisBread

"Easy!" I clapped back. "If I win, I get to wipe that grin off your face."

Oh wow! Does anyone else know how it feels to see your archrival lose his cool? Simply put, awesome! I had wished to smack the smug off his face for far too long. So, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity! And yet, I hadn't really meant it literally. It was a joke! So obvi! #SeriouslyNotSerious

"Ditto!" The douchebro accepted without hesitation, making me cringe from the terrible accent.

Oh yikes! Matt hadn't caught my drift! Unlike me, he was dead serious! Dang it!

Before I realized that my skeevy supervisor meant business, the bet was already made. No way to back out without losing face! Tough luck, but OK! I would have been too proud to back-pedal anyway. But I didn't even get the chance to negotiate terms. Literally on cue, the next customer entered the store.

But it wasn't just any rando, it was a woman in her early thirties. That was a legit surprise! Ever since the brand split, her age group has become an unusual clientele. And yet, it was a happy coincidence! It made me mad happy because it strengthened my faith in victory. This was gonna be a walk in the park! Let's face it, the royal jerk had no clue how to deal with confident career ladies. #EmancipatedConfidence

Whatevs! The power woman was looking for a gift to make her husband's birthday a memorable celebration, so the choice was easy. The sexiest piece of lingerie I know is a garter belt. Nothing compares to the hotness of seeing the lace belt and thin straps connected to a pair of sheer stockings. Any man would be counting his lucky stars to see his wifey dressed like this, I swear. #GreatMindsThinkAlike

And so, things took their course. Everything went as expected. The way the lady reacted, I had hit the mark with my suggestion. In the same way, Dickhead Matt acted exactly as anticipated. He chose something that was way too bold and blunt. This went like clockwork for me! I could already sniff the victory!

Oh right, guys! You want all the juice, so here's the details: The douchebro suggested a sheer g-string with a sequined butterfly front and a crotchless panties. Men are simple creatures, he argued, and the crotchless string offers fun without all the circumstances. If you wanna be real feisty, let him in on your little naughty secret in a public place, like a restaurant. After all, anticipation is the greatest foreplay, and it turns any hubby into a raging bull. That's exactly what the mean manager told the customer, I swear. #Manspective

But that wasn't the end of it! Matt had to go one better. As the final nail in the coffin, he suggested the color pink for the blonde woman. What an overflex! The douchebro actually thought it would serve as a signal color for men. He seriously argued that a little glimpse of pink on the way to the restaurant could do wonders to close the deal. Oh come on, No respectable women would flash her pink panties in public. Never!

Oh yeet! Let's break out the swab and wipe the smug grin off Matt's face. I was born ready for this! In my mind I was already doing a happy dance! This was gonna be fire! And long overdue! #FTW

But then my jaw dropped! The businesswoman acted completely against her own best interests. For whatever reason, she chose the crotchless panties, even though they were high-key tacky and low-key sassy. What a swerve! Unbelievable, but true!

Holy smokes! That feeling when I looked at my fellow female. I was shell-shocked! But her reaction was even more unhinged! This confident, empowered woman only giggled in response. I can't even... with the ladyverse!

To make matters worse, it was my kindness that had gotten me in this predicament. All of this happened because I was trying to keep my promise to Mr. von Stein. The irony! Paying compliments and respect to his incompetent son had legit backfired. Say what you will, but I had been too nice! #WickedGame

So, tell me, my Holligans! Were you as shook as me about the lady's decision? As fellow fashionistas, you surely agree that it was a bad move on her part, don't you? XOXO

---How to settle an argument when it feels like you'll never agree---

*AnniDoll: Sorry to break it to you, holly hun. Youre [sic] a nice girl but a bit naive. The wifey chose Matts [sic] outfit cause she wants to spoil her man. Your manager told her what a man wants from his wife in the bedroom. You told her what a high-class escort would wear to a date. Sorry, but life's not pretty woman.*

Oh sheesh! Getting negative feedback from a fellow female makes it that much more impactful. You might have a point, though. Maybe, I was a bit naïve in that respect. But then again, it's kinda cute to believe in a better world, ain't it? Anyway, I love pretty woman, so I'll take it as a low-key compliment. Yasss!

*Cliff_the_Stiff: C'mon, cunt! You lost control mainly because you're a stupid cock hole. Maybe you should just stick to what you're good at - folding and filing. When you get that wrong then just fall back on trying to get through life by sucking and fucking. #StickToWhatYouKnow #SemiProfessionalCumDump'*

Oh, Stiffy, another try and another fail! I'm neither good at filing nor organizing stuff. That's why I'm not a secretary but a creative fashion designer. No cap! Granted, I was too confident and overplayed my hand. But whatevs! These things happen! After all, I'm young and still learning. I feel like I'm getting a crash course in cold reality and hardworking life. But hey, better it happens on an internship than later in the workplace. At least, I'm evolving! That's the most important thing, ain't it? So, let's look forward, not back!

Anyway, time to get back to topic. The inevitable happened and quick! Our resident fratboy approached me as soon as the woman had left the Vonderstore. My feelings when I looked at his evil grin. I held my breath! My face when he reached out. I brazed myself for impact! I still couldn't believe this was happening. It was so ridiculous! And yet, I was frozen in shock. That's why I didn't move when Matt's hand reached my face.

And then he patted my cheek. No kidding! He was hella gentle! Strike me pink! I was so perplexed that I almost lost faith. He didn't slap me, he didn't give me a smack upside the head either! Nothing but a bit of caressing. So weird! #ColorMeSurprised

"See? I'm not my old man, I'm nothing like that strict-ass motherfucker." He told me.

Holy snap! I had seen that coming... said no one ever! To be frank, the statement shocked me more than anything else. And yet, it had a calming effect on me. Matt's douchebaggery already felt like a slap in the face, so I wasn't keen on getting a bunch of real slaps from the douchebro, I swear!

To be perfectly honest, it baffled me how much the trust fund baby wanted to distance himself from his overbearing father. In fact, it wasn't hard to see that the patriarch was a dominant figure looming over every aspect of his son's life. And yet, most people seem to point to the similarities between the two. In my eyes, however, there are several significant differences. Both are alpha males and macho men, that much is clear. But aside from that, their brand of dominance is completely different. Matt is more of a bully, constantly belittling 'his chicas' with sexist jokes. His father, on the other hand, is more of a strict master who demands obedience. And you can guess twice which style I prefer. #TwoSidesOfTheSameCoin

Whatevs! It didn't matter if Matt was determined to cut his own path or not. This was the kinda success, he wasn't gonna let go to waste either way. The result gave him the right to declare the debate over. There was no longer any doubt that his sales skills were superior to mine, at least in his opinion. I sus, that's why he let me feel his superiority as bluntly as possible, sending me to the storeroom to do a menial repricing task. Ugh! That assignment was worse than any other punishment I could imagine. Yikes!