Unfiltered Story #217673

(I work at a popular clothing store founded in Australia which now has many branches overseas. We socialise specialize in affordable basic clothing, e.g. jeans/t-shirts, but also sell accessories like headphones. This happens while I’m working the register during a busy public holiday.)

Me: Hi, how’d you go?
Customer: I need to return this.

(She’s very abrupt and visibly nervous which is a giveaway that this return is going to go against store policy, so I do the usual checks.)

Me: Not a problem at all, was it faulty?
Customer: No it was a gift. I don’t want it.
Me: No worries, do you have the receipt on you?
Customer: Yes I do, this time.

(She hands me the receipt which shows that the product was bought on the 26 December 2016. Our refund and exchange policy states that items must be returned within 30 days. It is now June of 2017.)

Me: Ma’am I’m sorry but this purchase was made on the 26th of December. Since it’s June now it is well and truly outside our 30 day return policy.
Customer: Well I came in in January but they wouldn’t let me return it without a receipt and I haven’t had a chance to come back until today.
Me: Ok, well if it were within even a few weeks of the policy end date I could offer an exchange, but since it’s been over 5 months since the purchase I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do for you today.
Customer: THIS IS RIDICULOUS! I SPEND SO MUCH MONEY HERE! AT LEAST GIVE ME A CREDIT NOTE OR SOMETHING!
Me: Ma’am I understand your frustration but I can’t make an exception from our policy, especially this far out from the purchase date.
Customer: GET ME YOUR MANAGER RIGHT NOW!
Me: It’s only me on floor today ma’am. You’re more than welcome to come in during the week to speak to him.
Customer: I WILL HAVE YOUR JOB!

(She called head office and was allowed a full refund. Makes me wonder why we even have a policy at all.)