Me: “Congratulations! Because you’ve spent over $30 on our beauty products you can receive a complimentary tote bag. Would you like it in black or brown?”

Customer: “What’s a tote bag?”

Me: (holds up bag) “It’s a bag. Rather large…you can put things in it…it comes in black or brown.”

Customer: “Oh well, that’s nifty isn’t it?”

Me: “Yes it is ma’am. Would you like it in black or brown?”

Customer: “How much does that cost?”

Me: “Normally, $14.99 but yours is complimentary because you spent over $30 on beauty products.”

Customer: “Oh, well I wouldn’t pay $15 on that!”

Me: “You don’t have to pay for it.”

Customer: “Why not?”

(Other customers are beginning to become aggravated by this woman’s stupidity so I call up Ashley, another cashier.)

Me: “…because it’s complimentary.”

Customer: “Oh, why’d you call up Ashley?”

Me: “Because the other customers are waiting.”

Customer: “Waiting for what?”

Me: “Waiting to pay for their items. Now would you like your free bag or not?”

Customer: “I don’t like your tone, young lady!”

Me: “I’m sorry ma’am. I’m just a little late for my break. Now, would you like your FREE tote bag?”

Customer: “Oh, it’s free?”

(This exchange went on for about ten more minutes, as the woman had to go through about five different cards until she found one she could use…making me fifteen minutes late for my fifteen minute break. Rest assured, she eventually learned the meaning of complimentary.)