Over the past year and a half, I have worked at Target. I was originally trained to be fitting room, which means I have had lots of experience behind the phones (in case you didn't know, most phone calls that are made to Target get sent to the fitting room/clothing attendant, not guest service). With great experience comes great phone calls, and I have seen it all-- the angry guests, the confused guests, prank calls, and the just plain weird requests. As a disclaimer, this isn't to make fun of anyone specifically-- if you have questions about our store or items, please do call, I am happy to help always. But if something you said is particularly strange or funny, you may just end up on a list like this.
The pad prank calls.
This is a given. "What's your biggest size pads you carry, my flow is everywhere...? How do I use the extra large pad? Do they come in cool designs?" To the genuinely curious, you have my sympathies. To the giggles in the background, hope middle school is going well for you.
The thong call.
This actually just happened a few weeks ago, and it still leaves a weird taste in my mouth. Basically, someone called anonymously and started asking about what type of underwear or spandex they should wear under leggings for work. It started off innocently enough, but of course, it got weird fast. After being asked to describe the difference between bikini and thong underwear, it went from what type of underwear THEY should wear to what type of underwear I wear, on a daily basis, and for how long, and how comfortable it is, and the material. Nope. Nope nope nope. I had drawn the line long ago, but when they asked me if I liked the way the thong made my butt feel I had to nope out of that call.
The dead grandma call.
One of the first memorable phone calls I've gotten. Someone had asked me if it was alright for them to return a ripped but unused box of adult diapers originally bought for their grandma, who had actually died the day prior. But I mean, priorities, right?
The condom call.
I was asked what was the largest AND the smallest size condom we sell, for undisclosed reasons.
The kid calls.
My personal favorite. When little kids either take their phone after their parent had called and accidentally redial the number, or when they're trying to prank me by asking me about my refrigerator running. It brightens my otherwise likely dull day.
Heavy breathing, and that's it.
I've gotten a few of these. Don't call into a store and just breathe heavily into the phone. Just don't. I won't be sleeping anytime soon.
The question of morality.
This was another recent phone call. A lady had asked me if it was both legal and moral for her to pay someone to stand and wait in front of the door before we open one day to see if they can get her a Hatchimal toy for Christmas. I don't know about how right that is, but considering how hot that toy is, you might want to just ask Santa for some help.
The angry teddy bear call.
This was a little bit scary. I didn't personally answer this call, but I was there to witness it at least. A lady had cussed my coworker out due to the fact that we sold out of our oversized teddy bears within 30 minutes on Black Friday, because ya know, that is definitely the workers' faults.
The TV call.
Might as well end the list on another pointlessly angry call. This was again on Black Friday, but this was last year, and I was the one to be on the receiving end of it. It went something like this.
Guest: "Hi, my daughter was standing outside in line for an hour to get inside and you guys sold out of the TV we were going to get."
Me: "...Yes."
Guest: "Well, I was just wondering if there were any more in the back or something. I mean, she was out there for a whole hour in the cold, and it was gone by the time she was by them."
Me: "Well, TV's are our most popular item on Black Friday, so this is not uncommon. They sell out really fast, especially certain styles and sizes. We don't keep any in the back because of this, they're all out on the floor."
Guest: "*scoffing* Is there anything you can do for us then? Like can we get them on the Black Friday sale price but a few days later when you get more in? Or can you go and see if you have any more?"
Me: "I know for certain we don't have any more, and I am sorry. If she would have gotten here a little bit earlier, she may have had a better chance of getting it, as there are people who wait outside for three hours. You can definitely try another store."
Guest: "But I want it from here. My daughter is already in there."
Me: *running on my wits end and handing the phone over to my team lead* I can't do this anymore.
I didn't hear the rest of the conversation, but it was basically a repeat of my exact conversation with her. Like, I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do for ya buddy, as much as I want to.
Sincerely, your local store operator.
