Random Question?

[Thebeef83]

I've recently been promoted to ASM of my store after only being employed at Blockbuster for a little over a year. I've led sales for the entire time I've been there (onlines, rewards, and now reserves) and recently carried our store to be number 1 in the district against quite a few larger stores. I know that it is against policy to discuss pay but recently asking the former ASM as well as ASM's around the area I've found out that I make at least $1.50 less (but up to 2 or 3 dollars) than everyone else. I contacted a person in charge of HR in our district (who I think doesn't like me, have no idea why-I'm completly professional) and she "re-calculated" figures and gave me .50 more. I now make $9.50 an hour doing a better job than any of the ASM's in the district who make still quite a bit more than I do. My question is, who else could I talk to about this problem other the the HR person? The HR person told me they couldn't give me any more money, on top of that suggested that the alternative was not to take the position, while telling me there was no one else to talk to. I not only feel taken advantage of, but that along with other complaints, have been mistreated by the company. What should I do?

[Ziggyj]

HR is the best guy to talk to about this. Blockbuster really dont like to pay people money. Ive been an ASM for 6 years and Im only making 10.50. Ive asked for more but they always give me BS. Man I first started out as an ASM I was makeing 8. You got lucky on what your getting payed. Good luck with everything. Just keep talking to your SM, DM and HR.

[Thebeef83]

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I'm planning on talking to my DM this weekend, since we just won the sales drive (which was promoted by saying everyone in the store would get an ipod; I'm sure that will happen) it seems the best time to prove my worth. I'm seeing though that people being promoted within the company make less than those just starting at the position of ASM. I have trouble accepting this as our worth should be more since we have more committment to the company. The BS that the HR person gave me was that the previous ASM had more experiance than me; my argument is if I'm being paid just for previous experiance than it's not a problem if I really don't do my job. Of course I'm probably not going to say that; but seriously, short of finishing the standard ASM job procedures, the previous ASM did nothing and was paid $11.50 an hour. He also quit after a month and a half. If the HR person can't help me, am I pretty much SOL? also, would I be putting my job in Jeopardy by talking to the DM after I was told I couldn't make any more moolah? I know you can't be fired for asking questions (unless you're rude) but I also have observed some quite horrible treatment of hard working, committed employees.

[BBIinsight]

It depends on your area's economics. Here they do not hire a Sales Manager for less than $11 but that is rare as most are $12-$13 some have been as high as $14.50 with experience. You can not demand pay but if find you are being brought in for less than others equally qualified you do have legal options. Big Blue does not want you discussing pay because they do not want discrimination suits.

[Thebeef83]

Well that's what I'm interested in just in case; I was brought in as a CSR a little of a year ago. I progressively got promoted to ASM within this year but the employees making more than me have started and been brought in at their position. However, including the year at Blockbuster I have about 8 years sales experiance which is only about a year and a half less than those making either $10.75 or $11.50. Do I still have a valid complaint? and if it comes to it, what are my legal options?

[zooworker]

You should have negotiated before accepting the promotion. By accepting that pay your are basically screwed. You were lucky to get an additional .50 when you complained. Now if you keep it up, you will be branded as a trouble maker. If you need more, I suggest looking elsewhere.

[Thebeef83]

Negotiating was an impossibility as the 2nd DM we've had in a year was fired right after transferring me before I could negotiate pay; The HR person basically told me how much I was making; there was NO negotiation or even a discussion with me. The complaint to HR for the additional .50 was all that was discussed, and I ended the phone call unsastisfied after she told me the other option was not to take the position.

[smit1979]

I've been with the company almost seven years and only make 11.75. I too was hired as a csr(5.85 an hour) and promoted w/ in a year. I think my pay when I became an ASM was like 8.40. I'm saying all this b/c it is probably what you can expect in your situation. Every year I get what I am told is the maximum raise which is normally .40 to .50.

[Thebeef83]

It is true I've screwed myself because I'm constantly thinking or even possibly expecting fair treatment from this company, which has yet to happen to me. I've busted my ass for this silly place for over a year, while going to school full-time and taking care of a dying family member. I'm still talking to the DM, and if I'm branded a troublemaker who cares; while I'm completly replacable it's still irritating from a common sense standpoint that they risk losing sale-profitable employees, increasing the turnover rate (which in my district in unsettling; we have multiple stores operating without SM or ASM's at all) while the replacements will get paid more for doing less. This is one of many reasons why the company loses money.

[Thebeef83]

I do appreciate everyone's input, this is interesting.

[OzMan]

I'm seeing though that people being promoted within the company make less than those just starting at the position of ASM.

Sad but true.

But there's your answer right there. Look for an ASM position elsewhere. And do it from a position of power (ie, whilst you still have this job), then give your two-weeks' notice (don't screw anyone over, it could come back to haunt you).

As for your DM, if it were me, I would be more upset about you going outside your chain of command to get a raise than asking me about it every time you see me. But this sort of thing really needs to start with your direct supervisor (SM), get him (or her) on board, and then you have someone to help you get to the next level (DM), who then can make it happen....

[Propoxy]

OP, you should also be aware that there are caps in pay at stores based on the stores' volume. You mentioned that your store won against several larger stores, so I take that to mean your store is a fairly low voume store, which would mean that everyone there will be paid less than employees at higher volume stores. Experience definitely plays a role, too, but there are budgetary contraints as well.

I got screwed, too, sort of like you did. I was hired as a CSR by a SM at minimum wage. So now, even though I have worked my way up in the company, and was friendly with previous DLs and HR, I still make less as a SM than brand new outside SM hires. It sucks.

[Youdontknowme]

Unless you set a condition on your promotion, they're going to promote you for as little as possible (15% is the standard raise I believe). I knew I was underpaid as a SL in my area (8.33/hr), so I told them I wouldn't work as a SAM for less than $12.50/hr. SM and DM pulled some strings and I got my raise :). Course, now if I screw up it's the first thing that'll be brought up in the conversation.

[URBAN_COWBOY]

One thing everybody (OZ I can't believe you didn't) has yet to point out is the OP's lack of time in the new position as compared to the other ASM's.

To the OP- While you may have excellent sales numbers, you have yet to prove yourself as an ASM. Your responsibilities will include much more than a CSR. You cannot ask for the same amount as someone who has been at the position for a year. While your sales numbers may be better on a personal level, another ASM may be better and more proven at managing the overall business, including people. You say you deserve more, but you base this arguement on sales alone. That in and of itself is not enough to warrant said raise. You have yet to prove yourself as a Manager of both people and the overall business.

As a Store Manager for another company, someone who has promoted numerous people from entry level to AM and AM to SM, this is critical to me. I have a guy in my shop right now that can sell his ass off, but cannot deal with customer issues or employee issues in an effective manner. Therefore, no promotion to AM.

My suggestion is you give it 6 months. With the added responsibilities it is possible that your sales numbers will drop. If they don't, and you have proven to be an effective leader as well as salesman, your SM should have no problem going to bat for you. By the way, this is where you start. If I had an AM go over my head to HR for a raise, they would be looking for new employment very soon.

Finally, no, you have NO legal options whatsover. BB has done nothing wrong and will use the very reasons I have given you to justify it.

[rk237]

One thing everybody (OZ I can't believe you didn't) has yet to point out is the OP's lack of time in the new position as compared to the other ASM's.

To the OP- While you may have excellent sales numbers, you have yet to prove yourself as an ASM. Your responsibilities will include much more than a CSR. You cannot ask for the same amount as someone who has been at the position for a year. While your sales numbers may be better on a personal level, another ASM may be better and more proven at managing the overall business, including people. You say you deserve more, but you base this argument on sales alone. That in and of itself is not enough to warrant said raise. You have yet to prove yourself as a Manager of both people and the overall business.

As a Store Manager for another company, someone who has promoted numerous people from entry level to AM and AM to SM, this is critical to me. I have a guy in my shop right now that can sell his ass off, but cannot deal with customer issues or employee issues in an effective manner. Therefore, no promotion to AM.

My suggestion is you give it 6 months. With the added responsibilities it is possible that your sales numbers will drop. If they don't, and you have proven to be an effective leader as well as salesman, your SM should have no problem going to bat for you. By the way, this is where you start. If I had an AM go over my head to HR for a raise, they would be looking for new employment very soon.

Finally, no, you have NO legal options whatsover. BB has done nothing wrong and will use the very reasons I have given you to justify it.

I was too lazy to post that, but that's exactly right. I was an SL paid more than most ASMs because of how long I'd been around, repeatedly saved the store's ass in tough situations (years of working doubles, covering other stores, filling up voids where other people were slacking, contributing zeal, general leadership), and had basically proven myself a worthy investment time and again. It takes a lot of time to establish an enduring reputation. A one year or so history with the company is good to set the groundwork, but you need much more than that to fully prove yourself to get the kind of pay you're looking for.

[URBAN_COWBOY]

I was too lazy to post that, but that's exactly right. I was an SL paid more than most ASMs because of how long I'd been around, repeatedly saved the store's ass in tough situations (years of working doubles, covering other stores, filling up voids where other people were slacking), and had basically proven myself a worthy investment time and again. It takes a lot of time to establish an enduring reputation. A one year or so history with the company is good to set the groundwork, but you need much more than that to fully prove yourself to get the kind of pay you're looking for.this is actually a pretty fresh conversation for me on a couple of levels. 1. I just had an assistant from another store ask why my assistants make so much more when their sales numbers are just as good. My answer was that they had been around longer and have proven themselves as both good salesmen, but effective leaders. Both are on their way out the door to be promoted to SM. 2. I am in line for a promotion after the first of the year to Junior DM. Another SM who has more time in than me, asked our DM why I'm being considered and he's not. The answer was I have proven more in less time. I have only been with this company for 2 years and coming up on 1 year as an SM.

It all goes hand in hand. You have to have the time in and be able to prove yourself effective in all facets of your job requirements.

[rk237]

Yeah companies are successful because they are smart with their money. If you want some of their money, you have to convince them you're worth giving it to. They won't go out on a limb (beyond reasonable risk) unless they know you're a good investment.

The thing is though, with Blockbuster, and it took me a while to figure it out, is that they don't necessarily want long-term hardworking individuals who demand higher pay. I'm certain now the company labor model is designed to encourage a fairly consistent turnover. Since training new employees is rather cheap, it is more economical to maintain a roster of fairly new employees than a roster of veteran employees who demand more pay. It's awful at the store level, but I think this is part of the grand plan up above.

[OzMan]

One thing everybody (OZ I can't believe you didn't) has yet to point out is the OP's lack of time in the new position as compared to the other ASM's.

No, you're exactly right, Cowboy. But you know me, I believe in the power of the free market. I told the OP to look elsewhere because if he's worth more, he will find out soon enough; and if he's not, he will also find that out soon enough.

And the truth is, many external hires are paid more than internal promotions. One reason is, as Cowboy said, they may not have been with BBI longer than you, but they may have more experience than you did. Secondly, their bad habits are unknown, and they get to talk about all of the good they did, so a good salesman will really impress a new company.


By the way, this is where you start. If I had an AM go over my head to HR for a raise, they would be looking for new employment very soon.

And this is something I did say. Follow the chain of command, especially if you want your chain of command to support you when the time comes.

I should add, tho, that many a time, a company will have caps on promotions and raises, but have more "wiggle room" on new hires, so that is one reason why it is important to get as much as you can up front. And if you don't, do you really have anyone to blame but yourself?

Oh, and congrats on the upcoming promotion, Cowboy.

[Thebeef83]

Unfortunately I don't really have a chance to elaborate on everything. I used sales as a justification because in my district since it's difficult to make an impression on DL's due to the fact that they either quit after a few months or are fired, my general management skills are irrelevant. However, after being there for only a few weeks now, while my sales carry a little over half the stores numbers, my CSR's and shift leads who sold nothing before I got there (I became privy to this info after investigating) are now selling there asses off. I've come up with several strategies to make the work enviroment more enjoyable to motivate their morale as well as opened communication to disallow a general lack of knowledge for my employees as well as give them more ownership and pride in their job; yes, even though it's a silly rental place. Despite having fun, I'm also stern, I'm in the process of elimnating a large majority of needless bad debt due to reckless credits and not asking for the old practice of one of two forms of indentification. In short without waisting my time typing, I do a damn good job all around. My problem isn't just with pay, it is with the HR justification that my effort doesn't matter I'm paid solely on my experiance which is only lacking by the previous ASM by about 2 years. (and despite the small volume of the store, he was hired in at $11.50; once again to clarify also did absolutely nothing as I'm told by the SM, and can tell obviously by numbers). While pay is annoyingly low, my general agitation comes from the fact that I kick ass at what I do, not just sales, but wholistically as an ASM and they could care less. The attitude of the HR is unacceptable, and promotes a working enviroment that is not conducive to productivity; which is why when I visit other stores to absorb their enviroment and strategies, I notice the somber "I wish I was dead and not here" look on every worker's face. My district is riddled with a massive turnover rate and potentially good employees who have a sour taste left in their mouth's after the district business model wears them down. Like previously mentioned I'm a full time college student and employee; I'm 24 years old, yes while I appreciate all input it has to be understood that while the most logical solution is to look for another job, my anger wants me to focus on changing things in my immediate enviroment; which is my fault as it is an impossibility. I couldn't negotiate pay because the person who promoted me, who was seemingly the most by the book guy I ever met, was let go; I was then told though my SM how much I was making-not how much I was going to make followed by a request to call someone...this is not good Human Resource handling. (Idealistically, of course). For Christ's sake I'm not even a business major, and this irritates me. The only reason I planned to stay with the company is that I would like, if it's possible to transfer to a store new New York when I move, so I could have some measly income while I Intern for my friends Father. 1. Our district and my store can afford quite more for my pay 2. I could not negotiate; I did everything I could with HR whose response was I just shouldn't take the job. 3. I go above and beyond the call of duty with all of my Manager responsibilities not just sales; I mention it because in my district they could care less about anything else other than numbers. 4. I didn't think I had legal optoins, I was only suggested that by another poster. However I could have a lawyer type up a deposition concerning discrimination pay based on age and experiance but it wouldn't be worth it as I'd probably be either fired or branded to be fired and it would cost some dough. -I just wanted input from other employees as I find it interesting and beneficial. Once again I do appreciate all of it and I'm sorry if I've started you all off on tangents of negativity concerning all of our lack of pay from Big Blue. Thanks

[Thebeef83]

O.K, now I am getting irritated. I have to respond to the comment "Blockbuster has done nothing wrong" in what little I explained earlier on, that is correct they had not. Let me describe some of the idiocy that is my district. I was a shift lead for a year before my promotion ( I was actually offered ASM in a city about an hour and a half away from my apartment, but it was for $9.00 from my first DM who quit,-I explained that I couldn't take the position for that amount of pay and offered interest in negotiations and they simply hired someone in at more money who eventually quit after 4 months.-This was 5 months after being a Shift lead and exhibiting the skills above mentioned.) and with my first DM I made quite an impression but he quit. I continued my work ethic through the new DM, and as I forgot to mention, my latest ASM promotion was to another store, down the street form where I live; my previous store for which I was hired in at, was and is run by somone who completly lacks responsibility; having multiple times, forgot to schedule an opener leaving the store on lockdown until 11 or noon (this happened recently). This SM did not confront CSR's after having multiple customer complaints or even catching them stealing-I had to; which isn't a problem but these incidents didn't occur on my shift so by definition they are the SM's responsiiblity. Finally, I observed an internal theft problem and collected hard empirical evidence of the SM supressing it; I faxed all evidence along with a phone call to the DM only after confronting the SM about it and watching that person squirm and run away. There should have been an investigation-there wasn't and the new DM was eventually Let go. Through this time period, the SM also hired a full time SL and took away all of my hours using the excuse that her thought I was transferring while I repeatedly told him I couldn't. This issue was the first I brought to HR as the DM was unresponsive; my first encounter with HR was similiar to this one-I was completly professoinal and while I made some progress (she gave me more than one day a week) she was rude, biting, and told me that there was nothing else they could do without really apologizing for the incident given my excellent record, or holding the SM accountable. Despite a flood of idiocy from my previous store, internal theft, and the SM's inability to make anyone on his shift meet goals or finish work, he still has a job-in fact he makes more money the half of the SM in the area-guess what because of his sales numbers. His management skills are terrible (and to clarify he didn't hire me, the SM that did was quickly promoted to SM of a larger store and considered for another promotion but promptly quit due to the high level of stress, low pay, and the fact that she was a full time student and psychology major who didn't have time for this horrible place) his employee's hate him-and I didn't promote complaining about him during my tenure but it was obvious due to massive call-offs and asking me or the ASM not to schedule them with the SM; not only all of this we had over 20 customer complaints about the SM; his creepiness and lack of professionalism. All of these points have been brought up to the DM with no avail. So I guess what I'm trying to say about all of this silliness is I've changed my mind you're right Blockbuster hasn't done anything wrong. I mean that sincerely. It's just the HR person along with an SM, and a few DM are terrible at their positions and I have no idea other than looking for another job how to fix it. It's very likely quite a few stores in our district will be closing, and maybe this is the passive aggressive strategy they take; either way it's unethical.

[Shuke]

Unfortunately I don't really have a chance to elaborate on everything. I used sales as a justification because in my district since it's difficult to make an impression on DL's due to the fact that they either quit after a few months or are fired, my general management skills are irrelevant. However, after being there for only a few weeks now, while my sales carry a little over half the stores numbers, my CSR's and shift leads who sold nothing before I got there (I became privy to this info after investigating) are now selling there asses off. I've come up with several strategies to make the work enviroment more enjoyable to motivate their morale as well as opened communication to disallow a general lack of knowledge for my employees as well as give them more ownership and pride in their job; yes, even though it's a silly rental place. Despite having fun, I'm also stern, I'm in the process of elimnating a large majority of needless bad debt due to reckless credits and not asking for the old practice of one of two forms of indentification. In short without waisting my time typing, I do a damn good job all around. My problem isn't just with pay, it is with the HR justification that my effort doesn't matter I'm paid solely on my experiance which is only lacking by the previous ASM by about 2 years. (and despite the small volume of the store, he was hired in at $11.50; once again to clarify also did absolutely nothing as I'm told by the SM, and can tell obviously by numbers). While pay is annoyingly low, my general agitation comes from the fact that I kick ass at what I do, not just sales, but wholistically as an ASM and they could care less. The attitude of the HR is unacceptable, and promotes a working enviroment that is not conducive to productivity; which is why when I visit other stores to absorb their enviroment and strategies, I notice the somber "I wish I was dead and not here" look on every worker's face. My district is riddled with a massive turnover rate and potentially good employees who have a sour taste left in their mouth's after the district business model wears them down. Like previously mentioned I'm a full time college student and employee; I'm 24 years old, yes while I appreciate all input it has to be understood that while the most logical solution is to look for another job, my anger wants me to focus on changing things in my immediate enviroment; which is my fault as it is an impossibility. I couldn't negotiate pay because the person who promoted me, who was seemingly the most by the book guy I ever met, was let go; I was then told though my SM how much I was making-not how much I was going to make followed by a request to call someone...this is not good Human Resource handling. (Idealistically, of course). For Christ's sake I'm not even a business major, and this irritates me. The only reason I planned to stay with the company is that I would like, if it's possible to transfer to a store new New York when I move, so I could have some measly income while I Intern for my friends Father. 1. Our district and my store can afford quite more for my pay 2. I could not negotiate; I did everything I could with HR whose response was I just shouldn't take the job. 3. I go above and beyond the call of duty with all of my Manager responsibilities not just sales; I mention it because in my district they could care less about anything else other than numbers. 4. I didn't think I had legal optoins, I was only suggested that by another poster. However I could have a lawyer type up a deposition concerning discrimination pay based on age and experiance but it wouldn't be worth it as I'd probably be either fired or branded to be fired and it would cost some dough. -I just wanted input from other employees as I find it interesting and beneficial. Once again I do appreciate all of it and I'm sorry if I've started you all off on tangents of negativity concerning all of our lack of pay from Big Blue. Thanks


My guess is there is no way to increase your pay any more than it is now. That said, it wouldn't hurt and probably would only help to discuss exactly what you've written above with your DL or DM or whoever to show that you are aggressive and want to do a good job.

Tell him you are interested in being a SM one day and want to know the best way to accomplish that. Good DM's appreciate aggresive employees who want to be with the company long term. Then the DM will spend time developing you.

I'd leave out the part about only wanting to stay with the company so you can transfer though.

[SqueezyWeezee]

I am shocked at how little BBI pays their employees.

[URBAN_COWBOY]

To the OP (I'm not quoting that 5-page essay you just wrote)-

I will again state, while you may believe your managerial skills are excellent (I have no reason to doubt that), you still have not put in enough time at that position to warrant any reveiw of said skills or salary position. The SL position, by definition, has nowhere near the responsibility of the ASM. If you really want to earn more money then do just that, earn it. You say that the other ASM doesn't have that much more experience than you. 2 years is more experience is considered a lifetime of more experience in retail.

Next, your bosses performance or lack thereof have no bearing on your current financial position and your attempt to justify your position with this rant is week at best.

Last, you obviously need to grow up. You mention in one post about filing a lawsuit based on age discrimination. How do you suppose to prove this? You don't get your way so you will file a lawsuit? It sounds to be like you are a whiny little shit who wants something to be handed to you before you earn it. I don't think so. This is exactly the problem with a lot of people in today's society. Instead of having the attitude that "hey, I'll work my ass off, then they'll give me more money." You have the attitude of "give me more money now, then I'll do the job I already agreed to do at a lower wage".

[URBAN_COWBOY]

Double Post because I can:

OZ, thanks for the good luck and congrats. Just keeping my fingers crossed right now. I will find out after the first of the year.

Oh wow, look at that, I'm being patient and waiting to be given something until I prove I deserve it.:eek: :rolleyes:

[Thebeef83]

Thank you all for the input it has been incredibly interesting reading all of the insights. I've never posted on a messege board or done anything like that; but I have to say I enjoy reading everything. As I can tell that isn't for everyone (reading everything, or reading in general) as I talked with my roomates father who was telling me about depositions and such, (he's a lawyer) he explained some possibilities which is why I mentioned the lawsuit. I also mentioned that it wouldn't happen because it's way too much work (yes work, I'm obviously too immature to do such things) and will probably get me fired. I wasn't even really considering that, however I notice a lot of people can be stressed at the jobs and take it out on messege boards, like this Urban Cowboy fellow. You are quite rude, immature would be going on messege boards acting like a wimp calling people names. I was very intimadated by your profanity and your manliness, I must say. I apologize that your inadequacies and insecurities make you bitter. You're definately a dick; I never whined I simply asked opinions and vented online; never going to happen again as the situation is pacified. I found another job and am probably going to demote myself to get free rentals and continue to work there once a week, YAY!!! I'm a psych major going to grad school so Blockbuster isn't my life, but while interning in New York and having employment would have helped me this company and obviously employee's like you (If you are one, I don't know, could care less) have discouraged me for working for it. So they can hire somone else in at a higher rate which will do obviously a better job and hopefully work harder than I did for the position after they quit in 3 months. You can go ahead and post and act all manly and tough with typing and the internet because your a big scary internet poster; represent G. Have fun posting you're reply I'll never visit the site again. Go Blockbuster!

[Thebeef83]

I'm sorry the other job said I deserved more pay, better benefits, and better hours. I'll tell them you said I didn't deserve it; then I'll start whinning. I'm truly sorry, though; should've stayed at Blockbuster and waited around for the next 10 years and dropped out of college; actually that sounds better..fuck it!

[URBAN_COWBOY]

glad to see my point was proven.

[sar94pga]

ok, to the OP.....PARAGRAPHS's SERIOUSLY.

to cowboy....sup?

[BBVcasualposter]

this is way to much reading i just stopped in and looked.

[sar94pga]

if he/she had used paragraph's i might had read it. but since they didnt, i am just going to spam the thread instead.

[zooworker]

if he/she had used paragraph's i might had read it. but since they didnt, i am just going to spam the thread instead.
I agree .................

[BBVcasualposter]

I agree .................


I never place pointless spam posts.

I'm also rarely honest

[zooworker]

I never place pointless spam posts.

Hahahahahah!!!!!!!!!!ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!:D :D

[zmobiegirl]

Heh.. Spam is tasty.

OP: No one at my store is older than you. My SM is actually six months younger than ME, and I just turned 23 yesterday.

I don't think anyone was trying to insult you.. It's just a fact of retail. I was an office manager for four years during high school and that didn't matter a patootie when I got hired at BB. They want lots of valid retail management experience. Honestly, with everything I've had to do in my various sundry office positions, I had way more responsibility than any ASM, but.. Like I said, no go.

Congratulations on the new position, but keep in mind that moving up in the world of retail is about dedication and not running from something just because you're unhappy with a situation. Work sucks. It's the nature of the business. If you care enough to want a promotion/raise, you should care enough to stick around and fight it out.

Oh, and see how I put marginal gaps between my thoughts? Paragraphs rock. :)

[OzMan]

I'm sorry the other job said I deserved more pay, better benefits, and better hours. I'll tell them you said I didn't deserve it; then I'll start whinning. I'm truly sorry, though; should've stayed at Blockbuster and waited around for the next 10 years and dropped out of college; actually that sounds better..fuck it!

Isn't that what you were basically told?

What is your loyalty to BBI? If someone offers you a better job, and you don't take it, you're a bigger idiot than the lack of understanding basic English indicates.

If you are offered a better job, give notice, and work it out. I suspect that you have yet to receive an offer, because you seem smart enough (despite your inability to format paragraphs) to get the hell out if there is a better offer.

Then again, is there anyone NOT smart enough to take a better job for more money?

[powerbait]

Since we're discussing pay, I made 13.75 an hour as an ASM. I was with the company for roughly 3 years. I was a CSR for about a year, made 6.90 an hour. Got promoted to ASM at $10. They fired my SM about 2 months later, did a stretch as SM for 3 months. They brought over another SM and gave me a raise to 13.50. Got one more raise of a quarter. That was my pay rate for the last year.

The stores that I worked at were always top 3 in sales in our district, and I usually worked about 50 hours a week.

[BBVcasualposter]

Since we're discussing pay, I made 13.75 an hour as an ASM. I was with the company for roughly 3 years. I was a CSR for about a year, made 6.90 an hour. Got promoted to ASM at $10. They fired my SM about 2 months later, did a stretch as SM for 3 months. They brought over another SM and gave me a raise to 13.50. Got one more raise of a quarter. That was my pay rate for the last year.

The stores that I worked at were always top 3 in sales in our district, and I usually worked about 50 hours a week.

Think the ASM pay variance is big, you should see the window for SM's.

[powerbait]

Think the ASM pay variance is big, you should see the window for SM's.

In our district, SMs made from around 32-33k to about 50k. We had 11 stores. But, we had some tenure in our district as well. They offered me around 35k to be a SM, but TWC offered a job and it is a decision I will not regret. Better pay, better hours, better benefits, less hassle.

Blockbuster paid pretty well for what it was, but it has gotten to be a lot more work than it was worth, for me at least.

However, I know from experience that you get more money as an ASM if you are willing to do everything. I was occasionally coupled with weaker managers and asked to shoulder the burden. And I did it everytime. I think there are a lot of people here like that as well, and if you are like that, you can get a better job at another company that will pay you and treat you better. That is, of course, if you are unhappy at blockbuster.

[melliebird]

Some of the SMs around in CA make even more. If they can get a good hourly and a shitty store that needs fixin' (and therefore can rack up OT), they make bank.

Big no-no to OP....don't discuss your rate w/ others at new job! If you're paid less they'll look down on you, paid more and they won't like you.

[Effigy of the Forgotten]

It depends on your area's economics. Here they do not hire a Sales Manager for less than $11 but that is rare as most are $12-$13 some have been as high as $14.50 with experience. You can not demand pay but if find you are being brought in for less than others equally qualified you do have legal options. Big Blue does not want you discussing pay because they do not want discrimination suits.

It's not discrimination unless you can prove that they're paying you less because of your gender or your race. This is standard practice in the business world, and do you think pretty much every company in America would do it if it's an automatic discrimination suit?

BBI (along with most employers) don't want you discussing pay because it leads to shitstorms like this. This might come off as harsh, but here's a life lesson: if you're not happy with what you're getting paid, don't sign the contract (or agree to the promotion, etc.) and think you can just demand more money later.

[TucsonDesertGuy]

Sorry, I don't post much { But I DO PAY MY DUES to keep the site up}
I have been with the company for 8 years, was a sam for three week, then thrown the keys to a new position, SM and a brand new built store, mind you with now employee's, opening in 3 weeks! Right now I am at

$ 49.700, and some SM''s in my district make WAY more than me. They also have 16 years also. Lot's of people make WAY less. Fucked up If you ask me, as some deserve much more. DM's just seem to come and go like the front door opens and closes. Later everyone:)

[TucsonDesertGuy]

Sorry///"mind you with no employeee's"
"Was a sam for three weeks"
What can I say, It's late!

[zooworker]

What was that all about????

[Shuke]

Sorry///"mind you with no employeee's"
"Was a sam for three weeks"
What can I say, It's late!

What was that all about????


What was what all about?

[jessicakes2006]

I was first hired making 7.00, a few months later got a raise making it 7.15. After being promoted within a year to SL, I now make 8.22. One of the csr's who also happens to be the laziest,has been there for five months, and makes 8.20. She is hoping to become a SL soon, if she gets paid more than I, is this an issue that can be raised to hr? I didn't know, being that we're not supposed to talk about pay.

[Woodstock]

Sorry///"mind you with no employeee's"
"Was a sam for three weeks"
What can I say, It's late!

What was that all about????

What was what all about?

Zoo - CAS was correcting the typo's instead of editing the post.

[bitemyskull]

I was first hired making 7.00, a few months later got a raise making it 7.15. After being promoted within a year to SL, I now make 8.22. One of the csr's who also happens to be the laziest,has been there for five months, and makes 8.20. She is hoping to become a SL soon, if she gets paid more than I, is this an issue that can be raised to hr? I didn't know, being that we're not supposed to talk about pay.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think you're out of luck. That's why you aren't supposed to discuss your pay rates. You can try to talk to your SM, but I don't think escalating it would help too much.

[DavidNewlySL]

Sorry, I don't post much { But I DO PAY MY DUES to keep the site up}
I have been with the company for 8 years, was a sam for three week, then thrown the keys to a new position, SM and a brand new built store, mind you with now employee's, opening in 3 weeks! Right now I am at

$ 49.700, and some SM''s in my district make WAY more than me. They also have 16 years also. Lot's of people make WAY less. Fucked up If you ask me, as some deserve much more. DM's just seem to come and go like the front door opens and closes. Later everyone:)

I wish I made that much as an sm :)

[JackSM]

I wish I made that much as an sm :)

Me too! Even with the dollar to pound exchange rate that's still waaaaaay more then I earn :(

[Propoxy]

BBI (along with most employers) don't want you discussing pay because it leads to shitstorms like this. This might come off as harsh, but here's a life lesson: if you're not happy with what you're getting paid, don't sign the contract (or agree to the promotion, etc.) and think you can just demand more money later.
Yeah, but what if your DM falls off the face of the earth the week before your promotion so you don't find out what your raise is, then you start working the new position in an attempt (later proven to be a misguided) to do the honorable thing?

:(

No good deed goes unpunished.