GIFTWRAP TIDBITS OF INFORMATION

Please take time to read this information BEFORE coming out to the giftwrap
booth at the mall.  It will make it easier to get into the swing of things
early and to feel comfortable so that you can relax and have fun with this
project!

NEW LOCATION: The Giftwrap is located on the upper level outside of JC
Penney where we were for about 10 years.  We are hoping that this will be a
great location this year.  The easiest places to park are outside Penny’s or
in the front and go through the food court.

1 – Please be on time.  The people before you have worked hard and have
other obligations just as you do when you finish.  Please be respectful of
the previous workers.

2 – Initial your name on the list by the cash register to denote that you
have worked your hours.    This is important and the only way you will get
credit for the time you are working.

3 – SMILE!!!!!!  The customers usually reflect the attitude they see behind
the booth.

4 – Chat about Suzuki Method and talk about the money going for scholarships
and some operating expenses for the school.  Talk about your connection with
the school and about you or your child’s playing of an instrument.

5 – Tell customers about all that the SSA does.   Make sure that the
customers realize that you and everyone else there is a volunteer.  (People
are usually amazed by this)

6 – The Customer is always right.  Well, almost always.  Make the customer
happy.  No matter how tacky the color combinations are, keep smiling (Just
think, it isn’t going under your tree!)

7 – Wrap everything tight and make sure bows and wrap are secure so that
they don’t fall off on the way to the car.  Tape the bow on the package on
both sides.  The sticky tabs don’t hold by themselves.

8 – All papers are the same price.  All packages get a bow, unless the
customer doesn’t want one.  Place a loop of ribbon on the package and secure
it with tape.  Then put the bow on top of it and tape it securely in place
on both sides of the tab.

9 - $$$ Make sure you know how to work the cash register.  Tally up the
amount owed and put it in the register.  If you do not receive correct
change, for example say “ That will be $3.50 out of $10.  This eliminates
any question as to how much the customer gave you.  It also helps to count
back the change.  If you don’t know how to make change, use the calculator
or ask for some help.  We take cash and checks (get drivers license number,
work number, blood type (just kidding).

10 – If you make a mistake, just smile and put the error on the scrap table.
Try to use it later for a smaller package.  Do not patch it up if it is a
little too short.  Start over.  Also, please use the tissue sparingly.  1
piece in the small, medium and large boxes, 2 in the extra large boxes.  2
white and 1 red in the small gift bags, 3 white and 2 red in the large.
(Use your own judgement, just don’t go overboard.)

11 – If you get too frustrated, or if the customer is giving you a difficult
time, hand that customer off to someone else.   It seldom happens, but it is
OK to ask for help instead of letting it frustrate you or the customer.

12 – If there are no customers, look busy by getting to know the other
volunteers, help by tidying up behind and around the booth.  Make sure
everything is well stocked and that we have plenty of bows made.

13 - We do sell bows and boxes separately – Price list will be posted.

14 – If you know ahead of time that you must miss a shift for which you have
obligated your time please try to find a suitable replacement.  If you know
several days ahead, you can leave an e-mail message at
suzukischool@earthlink.net .   Since we do not keep regular office hours and
since we do not have one specific person overseeing the giftwrap, it is
difficult to replace someone at a moments notice.  Please call a friend,
neighbor, relative to fill in for you if you must cancel at the last minute.
When people just don’t show up, the teachers get a call and sometimes have
to cancel lessons to go to the mall and fill in.  Or, worse the booth and
money go unattended.   Please help us avoid this scenario.

15 – Wear comfortable shoes and you may want to bring a light sweater.
There is an air current that sometimes creates a cool breeze in the booth.

16 – Please try to leave small children at home.  The booth gets very hectic
and the first priority is safety.  We don’t want to step on any kids.

17 – Limit food and drinks in the booth and please DO NOT THROW FOOD OR
DRINK CONTAINERS IN THE TRASH BAGS AT THE BOOTH.  They will leak and ruin
the carpet and make a terrible mess.

18 – Please do not use the red tissue in boxes.  It bleeds if there is any
moisture in the air.  Use it only with white also in the gift bags.

HAVE FUN AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR HELPING OUT.