No Good Deed Goes Unthreatened, Part 2
(I work for a cosmetics store. We’re collecting donations for a popular women’s charity. However, as I am not well off, and cannot donate more than a dollar or two here or there myself, I mention it very casually and do not think badly of those who do not donate, or donate small amounts.)
Me: “Okay, so your total is $x.xx. Would you like to round up your purchase for the charity we are supporting today? No obligation!”
Customer #1: “What does that mean?”
Me: “Oh, we’re supporting [Charity] for this month, so I’m just asking everyone if they would like to contribute any amount, even a few cents. No obligation, like I said, I have to ask each customer. I was asking if you wanted to contribute a few cents to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar today.”
Customer #1: “So, I look like some kind of sucker to you, I guess? I look like I have a goldmine just flowing out of my pockets? No, I will not be donating today. Thank you for the guilt trip!”
Me: “Alrighty, no problem. Your total is [total].”
Customer #1: “No. You tacked on a donation. I want the exact itemization of my purchase!”
Me: “Okay, ma’am.”
(I proceed to go over each item and add it up on a calculator, plus sales tax. Eventually, Customer #1 is satisfied. She’s still standing around, but I move on to the next customer, Customer #2.)
Me: *to Customer #2* “How are you, today?”
Customer #2: “Fine, dear. Also, I’d like to donate 10 dollars towards [Charity] today.”
Me: “Thank you, Ma’am! And please take this gift as a thank you for your contribution!”
Customer #1: “Hey! Why does she get something for free and I didn’t?”
Me: “Ma’am, she made a donation towards [Charity], and we have free gifts for those who contribute certain dollar amounts. It’s on the signs in front of the register.”
Customer #1: *throws a penny at me* “I donated. Now give me the [ten dollar donation gift]!”
Me: “I am sorry, but that is for customers who contribute $10.00 or more towards [Charity]. I can’t give you this item for a penny contribution, although we do appreciate the donation.”
Customer #1: “Well, I donate several thousands of dollars to [Charity] every year! Give me the free gift!”
Me: “Ma’am, I am sorry, but donations that will earn you this gift must be made at this store. I apologize, but you can’t have this gift without a donation for the requisite dollar amount.”
Customer #1: “Give it to me!”
Me: “I’m sorry, but this item is only for customers who make this certain donation amount. It’s a gift we give as a thanks for the donation towards [Charity].”
Customer #1: “You know what? That’s fine! Jesus will punish you! He will send you to Hell for being so greedy!” *walks away singing ‘Amazing Grace’*
Did you find this story using our Lucky Penny roundup?
Question of the Week
Have you ever served a bad customer who got what they deserved?
