Incommodious

A couple of months ago I registered with a few merchandising companies, who contact me when they have work available.   There must  already be a lot of contractors in my area, because so far I've only completed one assignment (which was restocking gift cards at several gas stations).

Two weeks ago I received an email from a company asking if I could install a display for a company at a grocery store.  I accepted the job, but since there were no detailed instructions included I wasn't sure exactly what it would entail.  Eventually I received another email telling me the materials would be delivered to my house, and on Monday I came home to find a large flat box (approximately 36"x48"x2") on my front porch.  Inside the package was the cardboard display, four plastic feet, and two pads of coupons.

The package wasn't  heavy, but it was pretty bulky and awkward to carry.  I leaned it against a wall in the dining room, and last night put it in the back seat of my car in preparation for doing the task today.  When I got to the store I double checked to make sure I had everything I needed, then got the box out of the car and awkwardly carried it across the parking lot and into the store.  I stopped at the Customer Service counter, who told me I needed to find the door by the bakery counter at the rear of the store and go through it to the vendor office.  Thank goodness the store wasn't very busy; otherwise I would have a problem maneuvering with my box. Everyone I passed did a double take, and one of the deli associates commented aloud. 

Eventually I found the right office, signed in, and put the lanyard holding the large VENDOR tag around my neck.  When I found the department manager and showed her my materials, she rolled her eyes and said she didn't know where they would put it.  However, she allowed me to set the display up (which took about ten minutes) and place it in a corner until she consulted with a second manager.  I took her name, thanked her for her time, and went back to return my tag.  Before I left, though, I folded the display packaging materials into quarters so I wouldn't be so obvious leaving the store.

Five years ago today: Looking Good