Office Disaster - Don't know what to do

[Secretary99]

I have just come back from the dry cleaners (almost in tears) as they have lost my dry cleaning. I put a suit in for dry cleaning last week but they cannot find it.

This puts me in big trouble as I’m wearing jeans (not office clothes) and whilst my boss is not in again until Monday, I have to deal with a client at 11am to sign some accounts.


I have only been working as a temporary PA/Secretary at this firm of Accountants in West London for the past five weeks. It is a tiny office and there is just the boss and me. She and I don’t hit it off and presentation is her middle name.


I am broke until Friday, so I cannot buy more clothes and I live about one and half hours away, so I cannot go home.


What should I do???? I could do nothing and hope the client does not complain or ever mention me wearing jeans and no one is any the wiser.


But, if the client did mention it to my boss then I could be fired instantly and the employment agency would not give me any further bookings.


But, if I telephoned my boss to explain now then I still might get fired. It is so unfair. What should I do?

[mccfluff]

you only have one outfit suitable for the office?

[Secretary99]

No McFluff but I was expecting to collect my Dry Cleaning

[NOX]

No charity shops nearby? Explain to a friendly member of your office what's happened and borrow a tenner to buy a white blouse and black trousers or go to Asda they're sometimes cheaper than charity shops- or phone in sick.

[factor-fiction]

In the time it took to type this you may have been able to get something from Marks& Spencer (and then returned it tomorrow). I doubt the client will mention it- tell him you've come in on your day off just to see him

[China Doll]

Apologise to the client for your casual attire and give the reason. Perhaps mention it to your boss when they come back.

To be honest, even if all my work clothes got destroyed today, I still have some dresses I could wear or skirts which I generally keep for outside of work but could be dressed down so that I still look office like. Do you honestly have nothing like that? Just jeans? Think about it for tomorrow, there's probaby something in your wardrobe that will do the job.

I'd also prepare for a bo110cking when boss gets back since they'll probably hear about it. Take it on the chin and apologise, I imagine it's unlikely they'll fire you for it.

[Ellipsis]

Apologise to the client and explain what has happened. Don't mention the "broke" bit, that's not important, just the fact that your dry cleaning has been lost. Brave it out with a smile. They will understand.

Learn from your mistake. You should not have relied on the dry cleaner. To lose your dry cleaning was unfortunate but, even if it wasn't lost, it still may not have been ready.

[Secretary99]

Can't go to Charity Shops or M&S as I have no money until Friday

[Old_Geezer]

I'd go with he explain to the client bit too. Perhaps if you can establish a rapport, get them on your side and ask for it not to be mentioned to the boss.

[Secretary99]

Should have said, the client picks fault with everything. He is only 24 and thinks he rules the world. He might use the fact I am wearing jeans as evidence the company is not very professional and thus further his calls for a reduction in the bill. Would not want to give him the satisfaction of begging him not to tell my boss.

[EcclesCake]

What have you been wearing to work since you dropped your suit in to the cleaners?

As others said simply apologise to the client and put it down to a foul up at the cleaners.

[Ellipsis]

No, you don't beg him not to tell your boss. You just apologise, explain and get on with your meeting.

[snags]

Sigh... all this stress and worry over 'the wrong trousers'.

Be honest: mention to the client the reason you're wearing jeans and apologies (but don't go overboard). Whatever happens after that is out of your control.

[jackthehat]

The bill your client pays is for the service your boss has provided and *not* the attire the staff wear.

Be pleasant, polite and confident; offer him a coffee and ignore the fact that you are wearing jeans.

If he mentions anything, explain with a smile.........that's as much as you can do.

He will either say something to your boss, or he won't; but I'm afraid that is out of your hands. I am sure that the issue of jeans aside, you are clean and presentable and capable of handing him his accounts to sign.

Just concentrate on that!

[coccinelle]

Can't you get a friend to help out? Either with clothes or a bit of cash?

[FrillyPancake]

Tell the client that you spilled coffee all over your suit, and were planning on going out at night time with friends for dinner, hence the reason you had your jeans with you. The coffee on your suit smells to hight heaven and you had to change into your jeans as they were soaked right through! Simples....

[EvianBaby]

I like Frillys idea. Except I would say someone else spilled coffee over you. Then you won't sound like a clumsy idiot.

[FrillyPancake]

Oh and mention it's a "cream coloured suit". Accidents happen eh?!

[woofgang]

No. Lying is not a good way to deal with any problem. Pre empt the customer complaining by making a brief apology and explanation, then get on with the meeting. The rest is out of your hands. If you are sacked on the basis if this, you could try an industrial tribunal for unfair dismissal but ONLY if you have told the truth from the beginning.

[FrillyPancake]

Jees Woof. It's a white lie. And anyway, it saves any embarassment, gets her off the hook and saves any future moments of retaliation by the client who sounds like a "right one".
I think sometimes white lies are just the ticket of getting you out of a sticky situation. I wouldn't even be thinking contemplating what will happen if she gets the sack - because she won't, as I say "accidents happen". End of.

[Canary42]

Woofgang's right.