Trouble with Customers
I currently left the Southwestern internship after working in different cities of Washington for 7 weeks. Honestly, I worked hard for 6 weeks, and by the 7th week, I gave up. After traveling from city to city, taking orders down for customers who wouldn't give me a deposit for reasons that made more sense than the ones Southwestern told me to feed them, I got tired of feeling scared for the upcoming weeks and decided to quit. I over drafted on my debit card, left with a -345.00 dollar balance, remitted 1, 340 to the company out of the 2,000 I should have turned in, and I tried to deliver to as many customers as I could before leaving. I only delivered to about 9 out of the few who did pay. In total, I had 31 customers, and most had not put down a deposit. This is where I need some guidance.
I'm back in my home, in Los Angeles, California. The summer is not yet over, and I was told that the customers I was not able to deliver to would be transferred over to another intern. However, I'd have to pay a $10 fee for each customer. When I was delivering, most of my "Zero" orders, or those that did not pay, seemed to have backed out. I don't want to pay that fee for a bunch of customers that are eventually going to back out. I don't think the southwestern company understand that I'm more broke now than I was before I came into the program and they expect me to have $300 laying around for those fees. I talked to the manager who recruited me, but she keeps telling me its no big deal- I think it is, though.
Now, I'm trying to figure out how it all works out because no one took the time to explain to me thoroughly before I left and I want to make sure I get things right this time. I don't want to have anything to do with this company anymore; I'm so sick and tired of them!
I think it would be really helpful if you had an article or blog written on the measures students need to take before leaving. I know that not many leave, but for the few that do, the process is confusing, shameful, and downright scary. Right now, I'm praying to God that I break even. I have a feeling I may be in debt with them, but until I get in touch with Susan, some secretary, I can't be sure. Please, respond to this letter... I know you must be busy, but some guidance or simply knowing you understand would be of tremendous help. Take care, and thanks for reading my letter.
Received: August 27, 2008
