It is rough, and I do empathize. I'm not a fan of this system anymore than anyone else. My ideal would be
Kafkaesque... *dreamscape music*
"Porphy stands behind a podium setting the work beat on a tiny drum. Wookies frenetically slave away mixing juices into ever smaller quantities, while adding flavors, and shining bottles. The neutral tones of the environment keep the workers in a drone state, near ambulatory, just enough effort to produce work on a massive scale without revolting against the oppressor. In the distance a black phone rings on a desktop." *flash, you are awake!*
Seriously though, if I could process orders all day everyday and just keep the profit at a maximum I would, but I know my limitations and that of my employees. If we tried this we would be sunk. The number that we set for each day is substantial (I can say 100+ without giving away too much) and we're sure that it gives us plenty to do each day (we start around 6am and finish around 6pm, sometimes earlier and sometimes later but always 12hours or more). I just want to reiterate we are truncating the orders so we can wake up the next day and tackle the next set, we're not truncating orders to take time off or to leave people without (our main goal is to help our customers).
We do have an incredible customer base, that is true. Numbers aside I believe that I have some of the most awesome customers out there and they are getting taken care of. The draw back is that we're still "mom and pop" style so we have to handle a large customer base differently. We started this Black Friday trying to break out of that shell and failed miserably, we're down two employees rather than expanding LOL... One we had to let go in order to speed up, and Rafa's namesake found greener pastures (better opportunity elsewhere and we're happy for him).
Now we are looking forward to being open full time within a week or two, we are arranging to have the website streamlined and redone, and looking ourselves to greener pastures (some place to expand the business and set-up a storefront). This is a self-teaching exercise for my wife and I and I feel that we're doing well and I hope many people see it the same way. We are not exemplary though,
you are right and again I do empathize... we'll get back to normal as soon as I can get us there. I don't think you're being unforgiving. I know the feeling when frustration builds for so long you have to let that energy out in some medium or burst and the fact that you stated your case well shows you've looked at it from a few angles. I'm just glad the forums are here to allow that expression and if nothing more than to keep that fire under my back end burning.
