Anyone else get suckered into putting together and doing a demonstration of "the hot new toy" at a large retail store? I agreed to do the assignment because I was told I could keep the toy, valued at $60. Then I get a call from the purple portal telling me that I have to bring my own folding table and disinfectant wipes (to wipe off the plastic balls after little kids test out the toy). I am then shipped a table cloth, 4 big stacks of brochures, a t-shirt to wear, foil balloons, and coupons.

What an ordeal!!!! It took me almost 2 hours to assemble this toy, which had about 30 parts, plus 20 screws. This toy is so large that I had to borrow my friend's SUV and even then it was difficult to fit it in. The employees at this large discount store were so rude to me, I couldn't believe it. I mean, I know the holidays are a stressful time, but I'm just doing my job. Even the store manager was pretty much a jerk to me.

I get everything set up and an employee walks over to me. She's smiling and asks, "So what do we have here?" and I tell her all about the toy. She inspects the table, gets a dejected expression and glumly says, "Oh, I thought you'd at least have some cookies or something" and sulks off.

All in all, an awful experience. And the toy is loud and obnoxious. I've already dismantled it and stored it in the basement.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 12/10/2012 04:05AM by Phoebe70.

Oh, noooo, Phoebe70. Your experience sounds dreadful. Demonstrating is hard enough at the best of times. Demo'ing was my first job at a painfully shy age of 14, but my mother was an area manager for the demo company, and presto! I was kicked out into the wonderful world of work kicking and screaming.

I still to this day remember the not-so-kind store employees, stupid jokes from customers who thought they were the ultimate gift to comedy, or some of the ridiculous products I had to demo. Seriously, who wants to sample a PICKLE? At least I can be thankful I didn't have to do the demo my sister did. She had to hand out free trial size bags of cat food while wearing a really idiotic outfit.

But I do have to admit, your story about the dejected employee missing out on a cookie grab did make me smile.

What toy is this? any hints? Loud and annoying? I want it to send to my "friend" that has kids

Smile! You're on Candid Camera!

It rhymes with Lallapalooza and involves lots of plastic balls. The manufacturer's initials are FP.

tucsondirect Wrote:
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> What toy is this? any hints? Loud and annoying? I
> want it to send to my "friend" that has kids

I did this one last week. Hubby helped put toy together and I borrowed the table from the store.
I had a blast with it - I got paid to play with toys for a few hours. I have a van, so the transport was no big thing.
Now I am listing the toy on Craigslist.

I did it Saturday. I put it in the front seat of my car. I had no problems with the employees. I gave it to my grandson. My only problem was figuring out which grand baby to.give it too.lol. A

I also did this demo. The toy took me almost 3 hrs to assemble on my floor. My husband said I was a genius to have put it together. Cost $32 for the helium at a local party store. I sent my receipt off to headquarters today. I had no transport problem. Big van. Manager and employees nice. Had fun with demo.

Wow, I guess I must just be a grinch. I HATED the assignment. I drive a Honda Accord, so there was no way I could fit the huge toy, box with the brochures AND a folding table. Crazy that we have to supply the table, and it didn't state that on the description. I used the helium tanks at the store, so at least I didn't have to incur a fee.

Maybe it's just this particular store, but 3 employees were downright rude and snippy with me (including the manager who signed my form). I doubt I even sold one of these toys.

A total waste of about 6 hours (including set-up and putting the toy together). I can't believe people are paying $60 for this piece of junk

I swear, I really did go into this with a positive attitude LOL

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/11/2012 05:29PM by Phoebe70.

I did the job and had my son put the thing together. I had no trouble once I got it to the store but since they wanted it on a card table it was too high for small children to reach the area to put the ball. I either had to hold the child up or the parent did. I love Fisher Price and this was why I did the job but it is not a toy that I believe will get much use with my grandchildren. My three year old played with it a total of 5 minutes and he left it.

I saw the same shop posting and I knew I could not do that...too much for little pay and time.

Not a grinch - just got a bad assignment. Some do and some dont. Hopefully next time will be better for you.