Personal shopper happy to help those too busy to buy for themselves
by Emily Graham
- Rebecca Beard
- Anna Zhao
Although Internet grocery services like Webvan.com have sprouted up across the country, few grocery chains have started their own online services. When Harris Teeter launched its Internet shopping service in January, Zhao became one of the company's eight home shoppers. Zhao fills online orders at the Merchants Exchange store on Roswell Road in Marietta. When customers come to pick up the groceries hours later, she meets them at the door, bringing a personal touch to the e-commerce transaction.
Although new to the grocery industry, Zhao came to the job after years of managing McDonald's and Burger King fast-food restaurants. A Taiwanese immigrant, Zhao taught Chinese literature before moving to the United States more than 20 years ago.
How did you get this job?
I was a fast-food manager. I never worked in a store before, but I tried for the job because I had computer experience and I was a manager before. I take service seriously. Most people would never hire me because I'm short and I'm Oriental. I do have a college degree in my country. Harris Teeter, when I applied for a job, hired me right away.
What's a typical day on the job like?
When I go to the store, the first thing I do is sign in on the computer and see if I have any orders. Then you pick your order. You might be shopping for the order three or four hours, depending on how big the order is. You've got to find exactly what they wanted. When I'm shopping [for myself], I see something that is 16 ounces, and I might take the 24-ounce one. When you're shopping for a customer you have to get exactly what they want. It's not that easy.
Who uses the Express Lane service?
Full-time mothers use it the most. They have one or two kids and they really don't want to shop with a couple kids and get a lot of junk food. There is a good cross-section of people, really. Some are single. Most are professional people.
What's the average order size?
Usually, it's about $100 to $150. The first time people order, they only buy a few things to see how it works. Once they try it, they love it and they make larger orders.
Do you like to shop?
I didn't shop in there very much before. It's challenging for me, really. When you go out and take the food to the customers, you see their happy face and talk to them. They say they'll come back again.
What kind of computer skills do you need for this job?
I believe anybody can operate things here. High school kids all know how because they learned computers in school.
How many hours do you put in?
I work 40 hours. Before when I was a manager of fast food, I worked 50 hours, 60 hours sometimes.
How does it pay?
The hiring wage is $10 an hour. Right now, we have a lot of customers, so due to the popularity of this program, I think we're going to have it in more locations and more hours, and more people also.
What goals do you have for your work?
I really enjoy the work because all the kids are grown and I don't like to stay at home. I'd like to become a manager one day. I like the relationship with the people.
Do you want to be a teacher again?
No, because it would be harder here in the States. But I like poetry and I like theater. My passion's a good opera.
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