Forum Discussion

westernrvparkow's avatar
Jul 27, 2013

What is so facinating about closing time?

We close our office and store at 10PM. After about 8PM it slows down, save for the late check ins. After about 9:30PM we start cleaning, vacuuming and getting things in line for the next day, since the office and store is a ghost town. Then at 9:55 you can almost count on one or two groups to come in, wander around the store aimlessly, picking up and examining every item in the store, not taking any hints that we may be ready to close, such as us turning off the display lights, putting the covers over the computer terminals etc. They will inevitably stay until about 10:15 and then mosey on out without making so much as a ten cent purchase. I know this is common throughout all retail and extends into the dining industry as well. I have a good friend who owns a high end restaurant, and he has the same experience, some diner will linger for an hour after closing and finishing their meals, not ordering anything more expensive than a refill of their ice water, oblivious to the employees who would like nothing more than to close up and go home. And to top it off, he says they are always bad tippers, a problem I don't have to worry about. Just what is the big thrill?

79 Replies

  • You know, I think a simple "Sorry folks, we're closing in five minutes"...would be sufficient to get the procrastinators heading for the door. If not, start turning out the lights....


    Ron
  • another usual rant on people's behavior. like Markiemark said, close at 9:30 and you will be done at 9:45 instead of 10:15 :)
  • Stopping at the office when checking in is all the time I want to spend there. If I have a question later, I use the phone.
    And, I NEVER go to restaurants late (don't want anybody staring at me with THAT look).
    A self-contained fully-equipped motorhome has its advantages. I like to fix my own dinner, and breakfast. In fact, overnighting at Walmarts works great for me (don't have to bother anybody).
  • Ah.. the general public. Your post makes me glad I've never had the pleasure of working in the retail industry.
  • Procrastinators! Need to get something but put it off until it becomes crisis time.
  • Pre-preeping a store before actual closing time is your own wort enemy. Start closing amen the store hours actually are closed. You are open till a certain trike you should expect custoomers until the last second.
  • People are on vacation, they don't want to go to bed at 9 o'clock and are just out enjoying a walk around the park. Instead of complaining I would be thankful they were staying and spending their money at my park.
  • Having spent over 40 years in the restaurant business I can tell you I am very familiar with this phenomenon. Another thing that always fascinated me was why when we had nearly all the tables or booths empty, someone always wants you to clean a dirty table so they can sit there.

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,177 PostsLatest Activity: Nov 19, 2025