Altered State Of Mind

I work as a receptionist and clerk at a bridal store. We offer alterations on dresses purchased at the store. When Brides take home the dresses before alterations, we have them sign paperwork and notate the dress has left us in our system. We also send texts and emails for appointment reminders with what to bring.

A woman walks in, carrying her purse and a box of her shoes, and comes to the front desk.

Me: “Welcome! What brings you in today?”

Bride: “Hello. I’m [Bride’s Name] and I’m here for my alterations appointment at 11 AM.”

Me: “Welcome. I’ve got you all checked in. Did you need us to hold your shoes to get your dress from your car, or are your guests bringing your dress?”

Bride: “No. My dress is at home. I’m here to have it altered.”

Me: *Internal face palm, sighs quietly.* “Let me see if I can fit you in later today so you can come back with your dress. It looks like I can fit you in at 3 PM today, but there may be a wait to be seen by our seamstress.”

Bride: “No, your seamstress can see me now that I’m here. She just needs to hem and take in the top.”

Me: “Ma’am, I understand, but our seamstress needs the dress physically here so she can work on it.”

Bride: “Well, I was not made aware that I needed to bring my dress. Why can’t she just work on it?”

At this point, my manager comes up to my desk and hears her.

Me: *Internally frustrated, outwardly polite.* “It looks like we sent three reminder texts and emails, all of which include what is needed and expected. And the appointment was confirmed via text after we sent the message three days ago.”

Bride: “Well, I didn’t read them. And no one told me to bring in my dress. I don’t understand why I have to bring it with me to have it altered.”

My manager steps in.

Manager: “Unfortunately, Ma’am, company policy is for the dress to be here for our seamstress to work on it. While our seamstress is incredibly talented, she cannot work on something she physically does not have. She’s not a miracle worker. Let me look at the schedule for today to fit you in.”

Me: *To my manager.* “I offered her a 3 PM time slot with a possible short wait based on the schedule.”

Manager: *To bride.* “Yep, that is a good time looking at our schedule; would you like us to book that time for you?”

Bride: “I actually have to work, but I’ll come in. But it has to be a fast appointment because I’ll have to get back to work.”

Manager: “Perfect. We will see you soon with your dress. Drive safe.”

She leaves, and I turn to my manager.

Me: “I need a quick break. It’s too early for that amount of stupid.”