The absolute most horrifying job I've ever held - Sales Associate Vans Employee Review

1.0
Aug 19, 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There's no positives working in an unhealthy environment. If you're planning to apply or work here, please look for much better opportunities where you will be treated with decent respect.

Cons

I was belittled and embarrassed daily, either before opening and/or during store hours, literally in front of customers. Many of my coworkers, and I myself, couldn't handle the emotional abuse where we were almost pushed to tears. No matter how much we surpassed our daily sale goals or how spectacular our UPT was, management always found a magical way to degrade your skills and make you feel inferior. Management itself is the biggest joke, basically high school all over again. We had no choice but to keep our schedules open, also known as open calls, where we weren't able to plan anything because we never knew if they were going to need us or not. Tallk about inconsiderate. The pay? Another huge joke. We were basically paid so little to be a walking Vans-pedia. The hours? Only 4 hours EACH day. They'll only offer you more hours if someone called. That itself, speaks volumes. If I had known about a 12 hour week split up into 3 days, 4 hours each day, I would've rejected immediately. I wasted more money on public transportation than acutslly earn a livable wage. You can't even pay ONE BILL with these hours. I reported my former manager to the district manager for all the unprofessional things we trailed through and treatment we had daily from him. Unsurprisingly, no respond or action yet. Never will I support Vans or even recommend anyone to work for 4 hours a day. Not everyone has the privilege of living on Miami Beach or even have their own car.

Explore other reviews about Vans

5.0
May 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Everyone was so nice and the job was very fun! I miss it every day.

Cons

Sometimes I didn't like the shoe designs.

3.0
Apr 22, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The environment is absolutely amazing with my coworkers and they are always supportive. Any issues that arise are met with a high level of humanity - on the base level of the people I work with, because I haven't really delt with corporate. It genuinely feels nice to work here when you have a team like mine. The culture of skating is absolutely amazing to learn about at VANs and be a part of as well. I like the history behind some of the shoes, but that's probably just because I'm a history nerd.

Cons

Part time doesn't get many hours or enough pay to survive off of. However, you can't become full time unless you get a higher position. Sadly, they are incredibly hard to get, due to the fact people seem to stay with VANs if they get that promotion, just because it seems to be great to work here once you have that higher position. As well as the usual shift is 4 hours, and sometimes you only get one shift a week. It's just incredibly hard to stay here when it can't even give you enough money on your paychecks to get a small amount of groceries that'll last one person two weeks.

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