Review: okay writing, not what I was expecting
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 07 19, 2013
Based on the title, I thought this would be more of an insider's view of retail and how things work behind the scenes. You do get a peek at it, but mostly it's the author's personal stories of his life (fighting with girlfriends, getting drunk with buddies) that are just okat stories -- not to be harsh, but it's sorta "slice of life" that isn't terribly unique or insightful.As far as the "secrets" that he reveals, it's mostly how to slack off at work. He worked at a mega retailer (something along the lines of Best Buy) and talks about how annoying customers are and how to call their bluff to discourage refunds -- basically, call the customer a liar when they say the product doesn't work for them. Which, okay, but why? What difference does it make to YOU as the employee? Let them handle their return/exchange and be done with it. It's no money out of your pocket anyway. The other "secrets" are basically time-wasting techniques and tricks on hiding out in the breakroom or warehouse to avoid customers. Those aren't exactly secrets.Overall, the story was okay but nothing exciting. And as far as an insider's look at retail, it basically confirms what most shoppers already suspect: the people working there don't really want to be there and they will go out of their way to avoid work and helping you.