ADVERTISEMENT

Nearly every profession has secrets that the general public is unaware of. Many businesses claim that their goods are fairtrade, hand-made and eco-friendly when, nine times out of ten, it’s not. However, humans are curious by nature and are always trying to find out what’s going on behind the curtains.

So when the popular Twitter account UberFacts asked its 13.6M followers, “What company secrets can you reveal, now that you don’t work for the company anymore?” the thread quickly went viral. From bankers to hospitality workers, people started opening up and sharing some insider knowledge about their former jobs.

Take a look at the best tweets we have collected from the thread and upvote the ones you may not have known about! And if you’re hungry for more posts where people spill their industry secrets in plain sight, be sure to check them out here, here and here.

Image credits: UberFacts

#1

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

TitanLyarrah Report

Add photo comments
POST
vandahamilton avatar
Oopsydaisy
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are they allowed to return them? This is a disgusting policy, and impacts badly on small business, which can't afford returns of unwanted goods. I think Americans get a bit of a shock when they try this s**t on in other countries.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#2

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

_ayoslim Report

Add photo comments
POST
ian_smith avatar
Ian Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some of these types of practices are to abide by government food safety regulations or to protect against lawsuits

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

It’s no news that every company has its own skeletons in the closet that remain virtually invisible to the general public. Chances are that you will probably never look at the companies mentioned in this post the same way ever again. But the more we know, the better—that’s why shedding a light on these dark secrets is the first step of dealing with them.

Bored Panda has contacted one of the Twitter users who replied to this thread. They preferred to stay anonymous but were kind enough to discuss the bad practices that some businesses carry out and why we are so eager to learn about them.

They told us that they were previously employed in the hospitality industry: “I worked on and off at a few bars for some extra cash when I first moved out at 23.” Finding out what was happening in the background was quite shocking, so they tried talking about this with some of the other servers. 

#4

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

prettymskiller Report

Add photo comments
POST
adiiantryx avatar
adiiantryx
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a diamond obtains its monetary value not from any intrinsic property or usefulness, rather from the value we give it in society, which itself was manipulated by marketing campaigns from mining conglomerates advising people to gift diamonds to their partners for weddings, it's like a successful scam like the whole apple a day thing

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Apparently, “they said they’d experienced the same at every bar they’d worked in. We worked out between us that most of the bars in the area did the same thing—some were really established places.” 

“After I worked there, I had table service a handful of times at other bars, each time the bottle came out already opened with a pourer in place and a sparkler. When I looked closer at the bottle (as I knew what to look for), the foil seal looked really old, the bottle was chipped and scratched,” they explained that it looked like it had been around the block a few times.  

#5

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

Pbabinose Report

Add photo comments
POST
janetclarke avatar
Hiker Chick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My frames just broke for the third time and the eyeglass place told me "oh, well, you bought the cheap ones, nothing we can do unless you spend $100 to replace them." My dollar store readers have lasted longer than my prescription frames!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Looking at how many Twitter users contributed to this viral discussion, it seems like people not only like spilling the tea about their jobs but also think it’s relevant to get a little sneak peek into the profession. The former bar worker believes that people are mostly interested because there’s a suspicion that “companies are not always run above board.”

“I did notice a lot of people replied to my tweet in denial of the goings-on and I think, socially, people hate having to accept they’ve been conned,” they mentioned. “I think my tweet was particularly interesting because people are usually drunk and, therefore, vulnerable in a bar/club environment.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#7

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

Tosfoy Report

Add photo comments
POST
janetclarke avatar
Hiker Chick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on the store. Two of my regular stores keep stock in the back (different sizes of clothes, additional products that ran out on the shelf).

tstafford81 avatar
Tiffany Stafford
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think OP is simply saying we should trust them about whether there's any backstock. If they do, they'll take a look. If they don't, they're just avoiding a conflict with the consumer.

Load More Replies...
assistanttodj avatar
Karis Ravenhill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends which store and country you're in. In the UK we have so much stock back in the stockrooms and almost always have to check the computer's inventory, we don't just 'know' what's back there. When I moved to USA, it surprised me how many stores just don't even have a back stock room anymore, what's on the floor is all they have. Last time I found a place that had a stockroom in america was the shoe department at Dillards.

lyndsey-macd avatar
LynzCatastrophe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can confirm. Unless stock showed up, I knew exactly what was in all the backrooms. I'd often take that moment to sit down for a few seconds.

tduenkel avatar
Tim
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked retail and I would legitimately look, especially shoes, because there are so many sizes, and you can only put so many out. Plus, there were like 9 million SKUs, how am I supposed to know that a specific one is out of stock.

linda_riebel avatar
Linda Riebel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually, asking for that has worked for me -- there WAS the item I wanted in back.

cynthia-vengraitis avatar
Cydney Golden
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just asked for a product at Trader Joe's the other day. The person went in the back and returned with the product. Sometimes especially these days stores don't have enough personnel to get the shelves stocked quickly.

jennyshmurak avatar
Jenny Shmurak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most of the time when I asked this in clothing stores, the sales person came back with the product. So, not always true.

caywoodmelissa avatar
Great Panda Mamu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I generally just ask if it's possible there is more in the back. Most stores just don't have a big back room and keep all product out front if possible. A big back room is wasted space that could be used to sell that product instead of hiding it away.

stienbabe avatar
Becky Samuel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This contradicts one of the posts from yesterday where they said that they deliberately held stock in the back to create artificial scarcity.

marythepoem avatar
Mary Peace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That just proves (again) different stores and different experiences. Nobody has worked everywhere, or even everywhere in their own country, so no-one knows everything in retail.

Load More Replies...
rustylewis99 avatar
Rusty Lewis
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've done the retail gig....and if I told you it's out of stock, you could d**n well bet it was out of stock. If someone asked me to "check the back", I would whip out my order sheet and show them to their face. Yes, I was in charge of stock ordering for my department, and did not put up with the "go check" thing. Had better things to do.

zalzanygames avatar
Zalzany Games
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would unless i knew it was out. I had people go "you out of chicken in deli! Check the back no f*****g way!" Its like oh my god the chicken cooler why didn't ever look in there for more chicken! Oh thank god you were here, I would never know to look there I just been using the chicken we leave on the counter all day to cook with! I never say that I will go "no I am sorry, and super angy ones I will go in back, vent a little come back and go "yep still no chicken."

mybeautifulparanoiax avatar
toxxic
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where I work we actually do go back and look, because sometimes stuff doesn't get filled. The only time I've said "what we have is out" is when I know we went through the back and filled what could go out.

jaybird3939 avatar
Jaybird3939
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my stores has really cheap kitty litter. At least a couple of times, they've been out. I asked about it, and they had boxes in the back, so I ask at least at that store.

llsewer avatar
Jaguarundi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I used to go out on the loading dock and have a smoke while they waited. We didn't keep current merchandise in the stockroom.

mertltimo avatar
Mertimo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In IT support the customers sometimes didn't believe when I said something is just not possible, and in these cases my Hail Mary was "Please give me a second and I will ask my manager about this procedure". Then I muted them for a couple of minutes, did other stuff on my computer and got back to them like "Thank you for waiting, I'm sorry but my manager also said that this won't be possible due to company policies". And they were always like "ohh, okay, thanks for trying" :D

perstephone29 avatar
Persephone
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well... it depends: is marked "in stock" on their website? Are they actually in the process of restocking the store? You can usually tell. I wouldn't ask if they don't meet that criteria.

nicholas_mcshane avatar
Nicholas McShane
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a fellow who wore a badge reading, "There is no Out the Back"

galinatsoneva avatar
SlartyBlartFast
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, your wording is ridiculous - if I ask someone, this does not mean I am forcing them. Second of all, no, they don't know what's in the back - in a big store offering hundreds of items at a time, there is no employee, regardless of rank, that will 1. know each item by heart and 2. know each item availability at a certain moment of a certain day.

ravenanimealchemist avatar
Raven Greer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Retail employee here. Our breakroom is back there so we are walking past stuff all the time and have a pretty good idea what we have in general and a certain idea of what we have and can easily get to you. Just because it's in the building does mean I can get it to you unless you are willing to wait the hour it will take me to find the person in charge of lowering huge pallets down from the ceiling, then have that happen, then unwrap the pallet, then scan that crap into the store. Also if I checked for the item yesterday and a trunk hasn't come in I am very certain we still don't have it.

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

Many people replied to the user saying they could tell the difference between alcoholic beverages which, for very few people, could be true. “However, after a few drinks, most people will happily drink whatever you give them without question.” 

The user hopes that people who read this thread would actually take this new information into account and “maybe make better decisions” in the future. “Just buy a drink at the bar and have fun with your friends, there’s no need to look flashy,” they advised. 

#10

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

PleiadianWitchy Report

Add photo comments
POST
nmaiewski avatar
Nancy Obertubbesing-Maiewski
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to a taping of America's Got Talent with Howie Mandel and Scary (Mel) Spice as judges. EVERYTHING is completely fake, and I do mean EVERY PART OF THE SHOW. It is all pre-planned and pre-scripted. While I knew some of it was, I just didn't know to what extent. Never will watch any of those type of shows again!

View more commentsArrow down menu

When it comes to bad practices, sometimes businesses purposefully ignore or even enforce them. From the user’s experience, the companies (especially the clubbing and drinks industry) practice a “take what you can get” attitude.

“I’m not speaking for all bars and clubs at all but just a few that I’m aware of,” they specified. “There’s not many checks or inspections, maybe once a year, and—let’s face it—people can look above board for one day of the year.”

ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

Tacocassoart Report

Add photo comments
POST
assistanttodj avatar
Karis Ravenhill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, not in all. Many times call center workers are grateful to put you on hold because we don't have to listen to the customer's whining, it gives us a sanity break.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The former server also wanted to discuss things they saw from a client’s point of view: “There have been many times, as a customer, that I have witnessed sexual assault, drug-taking and men being aggressive and highlighted to security and [the establishment] completely ignored it—paying customers are the main priority it seems.” 

They added, summarizing their thoughts about the thread: “I’m sure there are plenty of companies, in all industries, still practicing a zero-hours contract, not adhering to the minimum wage for cash in hand jobs, no contracts, dodgy tax dealings, etc.” So if you don’t want to be exploited and serve corporate interests, it’s important to call out such behavior whenever possible.

#13

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

KissMyPassport Report

Add photo comments
POST
redemptionhappens avatar
Redemption Happens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Joining a union is one of the very best things to ever happen to me. I’ll be a teamster at my new job. Union busters are untrustworthy despicable selfish people.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

ditavonsleeze Report

Add photo comments
POST
jaclynlevy avatar
Ace Girl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard a great analogy for this. It's like putting butter on bread. Buttered bread left overnight is still soft in morning, whereas plain bread left overnight will be stale in the morning. Just having something on your face will do the trick!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#15

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

Joeforacowboy Report

Add photo comments
POST
janetclarke avatar
Hiker Chick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, why are they charging me $10 for a single generic tablet that probably costs them 15 cents to manufacture?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

cody_gragg Report

Add photo comments
POST
itsjustme223 avatar
Shane S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is true in a lot of cases. Sometimes it takes more energy to recycle than it does to create new product so it’s technically worse for the environment. Try to create less trash in the first place

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

brotharedd Report

Add photo comments
POST
chrisd avatar
Chris D
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Apple was sued and proven that they did in fact make an update slow older phones to user would buy a new one. Never buy Apple crap.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

kyle_scott1991 Report

Add photo comments
POST
peitschen331 avatar
Gaby Almodovar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gross! At my place, the housekeeping is bringing down the glasses from the rooms for the dish-washer every single day.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

lovetampabae Report

Add photo comments
POST
mwangim62 avatar
Rijkærd
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its funny that people are selective over garbage bags...i reuse my shopping bags for that...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

SimonHolly6 Report

Add photo comments
POST
boredpanda_34 avatar
John Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always assumed it was just an animated gif. I would be amazed if it was actually connected to your pizzas progress.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

cazd0n Report

Add photo comments
POST
bp_10 avatar
WilvanderHeijden
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure that in my country they'd wake you up to avoid bad publicity. "Woman dies in Ikea show room bed. Goes unnoticed till closing time."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

kam_glizzy Report

Add photo comments
POST
nathanpogorzala avatar
Nathan Pogorzala
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Airlines are stealing your s**t too. Dumb s**t also, like 1 shoe just to f**k with you.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#26

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

Nobilis619 Report

Add photo comments
POST
zedrapazia avatar
Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like a lot of people should just be fired immediately. They should rather be working at a trash facility where they can throw stuff all day without ruining people's stuff. I had packaged that contained several hundred dollars that were destroyed because of these lazy bastards.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

PghProtests Report

Add photo comments
POST
lisah255 avatar
LH25
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of my mom's works for a local store chain, and they are told never to confront shoplifters. It's supposed to be for the employee's safety. People know this and walk out with all kinds of stuff.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

OHeyHoney Report

Add photo comments
POST
katherineceruti avatar
AtomKat
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Former-Employees-Share-Company-Industry-Secrets

_Ndunge_ Report

Note: this post originally had 83 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.