uchiha101

3 hours ago, Batman1fan said:

What is your hangup about a cash register?  As anyone who has been following this thread for any length of time already knows, if you had any real desire to work a cash register, along with the ability to work one, there are dozens of places you could work and run a cash register, for pay no less.  They are called fast food restaurants and retail stores.  For the sake of argument, let's assume that there is no place in your area that will hire you to run a cash register.  Actually, if potential employers were to read this thread, that's a pretty good possibility.  Why not take a leap of faith and try the following: Instead of just jabbering about volunteering, why don't you actually GO VOLUNTEER at the comic shop you're talking about? According to you, they are on such a shoestring budget that they can't afford employees and have to rely on volunteers.  Why don't you stop babbling about volunteering and go volunteer there?  If they take you on, Great!  If they turn you down, what does that tell you?

 

You're assuming again or did you not know that I have applied to places that use cash registers and other people that had experience took priority.  I'm not jabbering I'm telling you the reasons why I do things and why I'm trying to buck up the courage to do it. I'm not sure what it would tell me if the turn me down, I guess they wouldn't need any more volunteers at the time?

5 hours ago, Patriot6 said:

I feel that there is somewhat of a disconnect between your desire and reality. The comic shop's register is going to be nothing like the registers in a franchised retail or fast food, so if your end goal is to be proficient on a register, you might as well learn on the register where your job is going to be. The register they will be using in the CS will be old fashioned compared to the touch screen versions in the 'real world.' It is not using the register that is the skill, it is understanding the business, whether it be comics or Big Macs, that is the real skill you should be looking to acquire.

 

 

Yes it is an older one and I have used a touch screen one before but only a week. Don't worry I'll also be keeping my eye on what's hot and what's not, how they run and learn from my mistakes that I made. 

3 hours ago, revat said:

I've seen some 'volunteers' at some of our local LCS's.  Usually they're just people who love to hang out and chat and/or friends of the employees and/or people waiting to play magic or other games.  They're usually helping out with some of the most basic tasks, like bagging and boarding books, alphabetizing shelves or back issues, helping set up tables in anticipation of games, general cleaning and sorting of the shop.  Some of those same people help out during free comic book day or big sales to answer questions or as theft prevention, those types of things.  But I could conceivably see someone helping to sweep up or put up decorations or displays or something, or break down boxes or take out the trash.  I don't know if its formal 'volunteering', or more just dudes (and the occasional lady) helping out their homies while they're chilling at the shop anyways...

 

Yes, they have friends that help but not everyone that volunteer is a friend but an actual volunteer. I also said that I don't mind doing basic things but my eye is on the cash register since I haven't been hired for a cashier job this is another way to get what I want.

6 hours ago, revat said:

Ironically, the lack of gravity that the OP assigns to the cash drawer duties automatically precludes him from being qualified to work the cash drawer. 

 

I wouldn't mention cash drawer at all upon asking to be a volunteer.  I wouldn't want a volunteer that has ANY thoughts about ANYTHING to do with the money.

 

That's your opinion and I already said that I'll be asking them.

6 hours ago, revat said:

I've heard similar things about SK in terms of the need for workers, especially in terms of entry positions/unskilled labor.  I know a lot of people are somewhat attached to their hometowns, but it doesn't sound like the OP is living in an ancestral home that his great-grandfather built or anything like that, nor do you appeared to be anchored by an awesome job, family, or significant other.  And moving to SK may not advance a 'comic dealing dream', but I think the first goal should be a 'productive member of society capable of sustaining a life for myself.'  You work hard (and sometimes take risks) now to give you more options in the future.  That's how life works.

 

My answer to that is no I'm not moving there.

6 hours ago, 1Cool said:

Good luck Gabe.  I didn't have any luck volunteering at the white house after I kept talking about being very, very close to the president.

Yes, about Trump I don't follow him anymore.

3 hours ago, Iceman399 said:

I know the shop that Gabe wants to volunteer and "I don't remember the last time I saw someone in the shop that didn't belong there...are you sure they aren't hired help"

 

I'm positive because I heard them say just yesterday that they can't afford to hire any people so they get volunteers 

3 hours ago, W16227 said:

I did not misunderstand you at all. I made a suggestion with respect to your pitch that would greatly improve your chances.

You then did what you always seem to do - ignore sound advice and make up reasons why your way will work.  

Asking for access to a cash register is a bad idea for your pitch. You gain trust by doing the tasks assigned to you - and work your way up.  

 

I've been paying attention to what the volunteers have been doing and if you think I'm making things up so be it. Also, unlike other time I watched before I said anything so no I'm not doing the same things as before and you keep bringing up the cash register all the time when I already explained why I need it. Trust issues are something you seem to have regarding when it comes to me and the cash register and they also have camera's all over the place.

9 hours ago, Patriot6 said:

Hey there,

If the jobs market is lousy out East and it is tough to fill out a work week, then I have to tell you that we are desperate for workers here in MB and I just recently saw a CBC piece that stated that SK and BC were the same. We need to bring in foreign workers to work in the meat packing plants and the potato processing plants.  Those are good paying jobs. We also have to bring in foreign workers to work McDonalds and Tim's. These are all jobs that amount to 40 hrs a week with a fair amount of upward mobility. Basically any retailer is desperate for workers out here and trades. 

Perhaps it is your current location?

 

 

I live in Niagara falls, but I did live in Alberta for about a year.

10 hours ago, Wall-Crawler said:

I know you did NOT consider the ASM #129 a scam.  My point was you were scammed 3 times and then you did a big boo boo when you bought the ASM #129 off ICE that a boardie subsequently bought off you to save your skin.  My point was you were scammed 3 X + the ASM #129/ICE purchase mistake. Plus all the other mistakes and bad buys, like the 1st Doctor Aphra, etc. etc. THAT was also a big part of why you were/are in the hole, not just because of those three instances.

I know I brought the FB post up, not sure why you are telling me that but yeah, it speaks to a whole slew of issues.  However, to keep this to the purpose of the thread, from a comic selling "business", who is going to consign with someone who advertises they have money problems? I see some "unknown seller" with an AF #15 or advertising consignment services, I am going to do some research and look them up and lo and behold, they say they have $$$ problems. Who do you think would buy/consign from you after seeing that? You want to work at a Money Mart? Work a cash register? Yes, by all means, advertise cash flow and potential problems with the government...

Social media serves a variety of purposes. Using it how you are is your choice, yes, but there can be this thing called "consequences".

 

 

Yes, you make a fair point, I do make many mistakes and everyone has problems and besides the fact of money in my city, many people say they're going to bring stuff and never do they just waste my time and that's long before I even made such a post.  Yes, I'm aware of consequences but considering the city I live in it won't make much of  a difference 

11 hours ago, W16227 said:

Because if you try and be direct - you might scare them off. If they do use volunteers - you need to show interest and see what they have available.  Asking for access to the cash register is simply WRONG. You have a very bad habit of over-reaching and over-extending yourself instead of learning the basics. 

 

You misunderstood me, I said I want to volunteer at my lcs not just use the cash register but of course it doesn't hurt to ask and see what they say.

2 hours ago, Wall-Crawler said:

It is the fact that you got scammed three times.  There was also the ASM #129 that you bought off of ICE that a boardie pretty much bailed you out on.  As usual, you are making excuses. Always someone else's fault. Never yours.

You have a caseworker. Ok. What the heck do they do?  You never answered, how many jobs have you applied for in a year?

Also, what does the below mean exactly? You want to sell and consign comics and you are publicly stating you have money problems?  "What the government does"? What about what YOU do (or don't)? 

Oh and your post above that gem is even more special 

Remember I told you about your "digital footprint" way back when too?

 

 

No, you assumed the ASM 129 was something I consider a scam. I didn't. Well, I can't answer exactly how many job applications I sent out because I never counted them.

I didn't bring my facebook post to attention you did and it's exactly what it says, the government is screwing me over and that's all I'll say about the subject if you want to know more pm me.

Yes, I speak my mind about things that's what social media is for and I know you're gonna say "digital footprint" again

9 hours ago, Turtle said:

For successful retail businesses, running a register is less about knowing which buttons to push and more about how well you interact with people.  I can teach a chimp how to push buttons and collect money.  No one remembers a cashier for how well they pushed buttons and counted change, but they will remember cashiers who are personable with smiles on their faces.

You can practice making change and basic math at home.  You should be bringing that part of your skill well before actually run a register.  

This is not advice, just a general statement I find to be the truth.  I know how useful advice is in this thread, so I'll restrict myself to fact-based statements.

 

Haha well believe it or not the places that I worked at I was always know as the "nice kid with the blond hair"

13 hours ago, Wall-Crawler said:

Well, it is good to see that over a year has gone by and all the good advice has gone nowhere.

See my post on page 53 from January 27/16

I did a follow up of sorts on page 111 from September 8/16

In reviewing these it is incredible (but not all that surprising) the amount of good advice that has been given over and over again by several boardies and in over a year, literally nothing has changed.

• Still losing money at comics (or getting close to breaking even), losing money on video games and now going to try cards 
• Still living at home with mom and dad
• No real income to speak of (how many hours per week do you work)
  • In a year, how many job applications have you completed?
  • Are you still seeing a career counselor? Another professional to help with your 'issues'?
• Now we are talking about volunteering. Again. This time though, it is not somewhere that is likely to give you actual skills but somewhere that will actually just be a distraction from making a real living.  The likelihood of you getting behind a cash register anytime soon is slim to none. I doubt you will be pricing comics.  You will be lucky if they let you do basic tasks, like bag and boarding and maybe sorting through drek.  The other thing is they may not even need or want help. What then?

Do you see how quickly a year passes? I know I seem harsh at times but life is whizzing you by. If you look back honestly, has anything gotten any better or more stable for you? 

 

Well if it wasn't for getting scammed three times I would have already broken even. Yes, I work 20 hours a week. I don't have a professional to help with issues anymore and I do have a caseworker and I'm the one that suggested that I should try to volunteer at my lcs to get some experience and get those jobs with more hours then eventually a job at money mart or similar stores as they pay 15-18 an hour with 35+ hours a week. 

You doubt too many things, while it's true that they can say now I've been with them since the store first opened about a year ago.

7 hours ago, W16227 said:

That is it right there. Do not try and dictate your role - just see if they are interested.  You already trying to get on the register would signal all kind of warning flags to any store owner.  Let them offer up what they have. You might just be handed a broom/mop for the first several weeks. 

 

Why did you take the rest of the context of my pitch? I never seen the volunteers clean anything that I'm aware of 

11 hours ago, Wall-Crawler said:

The benefits of you volunteering (in absence of actual work) were discussed months ago were they not?

With regards to the comic shop, I think what people are trying to say, is if a shop does let you help out there, don't expect to get anywhere near the cash register or high end books, at least not for a long while, until you prove yourself and to be doing very basic and potentially boring tasks.  

If you decide to proceed with speaking to the manager/owner, what is your "pitch" to let you volunteer there? Why would they want you there? Might want to work that out instead of just strolling in and maybe want to make sure you are dressed half decent and well groomed.

 

 

I can't remember if they were or not but if you do you can bring it up.  In the lcs my comics were so of the highest valued wall books apart from other keys and what the store owner had so it all depends on what they say. 

I'm not sure if I need a pitch but I would say that "I was wondering if you need any more volunteers to help bag and board, price comics and help with running the store? It would help me improve my customer service experience and I would also learn how to use the cash register so we both win"  

2 hours ago, Bird said:

because the first two are selfless and community oriented - volunteering kinda implies helping others. The comic shop helps you and him but really doesn't add much to society at large. Volunteer at a hospital children's ward and bring them comics, that type of thing. You still learn skills and network and get your face out there but it also helps those less fortunate. And there are always those less fortunate.

 

Implying and what the definition actually is are two different things, so am I to feel guilty for wanting to volunteer at a comic book shop? I'm not sure about the kids in the hospital for two reasons; I don't want to catch anything and I hate seeing people in pain. The community garden isn't a bad idea because I was considering how to grow veggies anyway.

Updates

I know have a phone number that allows me to call for free to both Canada and US as well as free texting

7 hours ago, revat said:

I've seen it at more than a few places, usually from guys who are friends of the owners, or 'would-be' friends of the owners (the occasional weirdo who just loovees hanging out all day and the owners don't know how to get rid of them).  They'll sit there waiting for someone to play magic with or what not, or chatting about the newest Dr. Who, and in the meantime help sort books or put books in bags and boards, or help put books on shelves.  Usually not something too physical (for liability purposes), and not usually anything that involves going behind the counter or handling money.

I think compensation typically involves getting a discount on comics, or first opportunity to buy variants.

But I think the OP can benefit from this, at least watching interactions, watching people make some decisions, being responsible for things (even small tasks).  When you're starting at the bottom, moving in any direction is progress.  As some have noted though, this should absolutely not take the place of working for money or seeking an opportunity to work for money.  Additionally, if you have time to volunteer at comic store when you don't have a real job, you should probably consider doing some ACTUAL volunteer work, like helping out at a homeless shelter or planting some veggies in the community garden

 

Why do you consider volunteering at a homeless shelter or planting veggies and different than volunteering at a comic book shop?

2 hours ago, shadroch said:

I had a few people who would volunteer to bag comics and the like in return for discounts, but no way they are getting on my cash register(or champagne box in the case of my first store)

I also had two students decorate my window in a New Universe mural for an art project.

 

I can use the experience regardless and being able to use the cash register would help me open more doors.

8 hours ago, 1Cool said:

Wow - is getting volunteers that easy at a comic shop?

I would assume so, I've seen 6-10 different volunteers already

I also changed my ebay prices 

5 hours ago, W16227 said:

While this is not a bad idea - make sure you have reasonable expectations going in. 

Cash register? - doubtful. Even if they know you well, this is not a reasonable position for a volunteer. Same with customer service. If a shop trusted you as being their face and handling cash ( and had a need for this from the store perspective) - this would be a paid job.

If they take you on, you will likely be performing grunt work. Sorting the cheap bins. Moving longboxes. Setting up bags and boards. Things the manager does not want to do themselves - and where free labor makes the most sense.

 

I realize that and I've been watching what the other volunteers have been doing, using the cash register, bagging and boarding, pricing comics and re-arranging and organizing things. It doesn't hurt to ask as well what I'm expected to do.

9 hours ago, Foley said:

That sounds like a bit of social anxiety Gabe, and it's normal for a lot of people. I get nervous in certain situations too, especially public speaking. It's something you can work on and get better at. I'm not sure if you're still seeing a psychologist or counsellor, but cognitive-behavioral therapy is very effective for this. The important thing is you have to actively practice what you learn on your own time.

Best of luck.

 

Thanks, I'll check it out.

4 hours ago, Batman1fan said:

Okay, Gabe, that's not a bad idea.  Instead of just thinking about it, why not go to your LCS tomorrow and volunteer your time and services, and let us know what they say?

 

You may not believe it but I get nervous when I talk to them about certain things especially when I deem it important