This Is Why We’re In A Recession, Part 19

(I am helping a customer set up service at a new address for a friend of hers. I have to collect her installation charge, first month, and a deposit upfront.)

Me: “All right, I just need the total of $123.”

(The customer hands me a $20 bill and two $10 bills.)

Customer: “There, that should cover it.”

Me: “Oh, I only have $40 here, ma’am. I need $123.”

Customer: “Yep, it should all be there!”

Me: “I’m sorry; there’s not enough here yet.”

(The customer digs into her pocket, and hands me some more cash.)

Me: “Thank you. That’s only $3 more though. I still need $80.”

Customer: *grunts* “All right, fine, but now I’m giving you my money!

Me: “Thank you, but now I still only have $46. I still need $77 more.”

Customer: “Okay, give me all the money back.”

(I hand the customer the money back, and she takes out a wad of cash. She pulls out three $20 bills, and hands them to me.)

Customer: “There! Should have it all now!”

(The customer is beaming with pride at finding what she thinks is the right amount.)

Me: “You know, I think we can just bill you for the rest of it.”

Customer: “Gah! Give the money back again!”

(I hand the money back, and the customer searches around for a moment, and hands me a $100 bill.)

Me: “Great! I just need $23 more.”

(The customer hands me a $20 bill, and then stares at me.)

Me: “Good, just another $3.”

(The customer hands me three $1 bills again.)

Me: “Perfect! Here’s your receipt; we’ll see you on Friday!”

(The customer left, and I searched the office for hidden cameras.)

This story is part of the Customers-Causing-Recessions roundup!

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