I've worked for Menards for a year, and while it's not the worst thing I've done, I can confirm that overall, it is a really terrible job. Managers are condescending and rude - even in front of customers. Training is non-existant except for their "in-home" program where they offload what should be paid on-the-job training, and require you to do it for free in your spare time at home (no thanks). Speaking of home, forget about ever being there if you're a good employee. They'll dump task after task on you until you're living out of your car in the parking lot. My managers routinely put in 55+ hour weeks. As a part-timer, I was told 10-15 hours. I average 30 and have been scheduled as many as 54 despite my protests.
Compensation sucks during the week... barely over minimum wage. They do give a reasonable premium for weekends (and I have to admit that I do love weekly pay checks). Keep in mind that this compensation level was what I got despite having construction experience, two higher degrees, and lots of relevant experience. The retarded janitor makes as much as I do. The worst part is their "Profit Sharing" pyramid scam. They really push it during interviews as if it'll make up for the lousy hourly wages, but it's idiotic as it's not based on performance, talent, contributions, ability, or any other reasonable metric. It's based solely on time. That means that I might get a bonus of $400 at the end of the year IF I work enough hours to qualify and the store as a whole is profitable. The retarded janitor, on the other hand, will get a bonus of nearly $6, 000 simply because he's been there pushing a broom around longer than me. I average over $3000 in sales per day worked (roughly $750, 000 in sales this year), and complete hundreds of tasks with a high degree of proficiency, but the retarded janitor, who frankly sucks at cleaning, is rewarded more simply because of time. What a stupid concept - it's like a built-in pyramid scheme that benefits upper management (since no one else can stand to be there long enough to cash in on the higher bonus levels).
I generally like my customers. Sure, they try to nickle and dime us and get discounts on everything, but all in all, I like them - they're the good part of the job, and the only way I'm able to maintain my sanity. The way the managers treat them is another story. Department managers appear to loathe customers and will do EVERYTHING in their power to disallow returns - even very reasonable returns with receipts and all. It's some of the worst customer service I've ever seen. I would never buy a high dollar item from Menards. If there were anything wrong with it, they would do their best to prevent you from being able to return it - even if they knew about the issue beforehand. Take my advice - buy the big stuff (mowers, power tools, etc) at Lowes. If you have a problem, they'll take care of you.
I am greatly looking forward to quitting my job. I'd love to do it in a storm of fury in the middle of an extremely busy day (maybe black friday). However, I've been taught to not burn my bridges, so I'll probably slip out peacefully with a 2-weeks notice. I've not enjoyed my time there at all, and every person whom I've believed to be a quality employee has moved on to greener pastures. I will soon follow, and I won't miss Menards at all... in any way... none.
P.S. If you do any research into the company, they are led by a group of horrible, polluting, cheating, corrupt, unfeeling individuals who do anything for money, and sue anyone who questions their ways. If the love of money is the root of all evil, that explains the Menards leadership team. There's a way to make good profits in business with ethics and integrity. Menards just doesn't do it that way. |
Date
396 days ago by I Work At Menards 
366 days ago by Betyjean 
359 days ago by Menards Man 
