Asking For A Raw Deal

(I work at a national pizza chain. We get the most random requests from customers.)

Me: “Thank you for choosing your local [Town] [National Pizza Chain]. Will this be carryout or delivery?”

Customer: “Delivery… but… um… can I make a request?”

Me: “Sure! What can I do for you?”

Customer: “I want two pizzas, but… I only want one cooked.”

Me: “So… you want an uncooked pizza? Like… raw?”

Customer: “Yeah, um… My wife hates the way your ovens make the pizza taste. She wants to cook hers here, at home.”

Me: “Okay, well, I’m sorry, sir, but we can’t sell you uncooked food. It’s against health codes. We could get shut down.”

Customer: “But… I’ve done this before. Many times. I know the general manager. Just tell him who it’s for and he’ll tell you it’s okay.”

Me: “I’m positive he won’t; I’m also positive you’ve never gotten a raw pizza from us. As I said, it’s against health code policies. If someone here had ever sold you an uncooked pizza, we wouldn’t be in business anymore.”

Customer: “Huh. We’ll see about that. I’m calling corporate and reporting you for not giving the customer what they ask for. What was your name again?”

Me: “That’s fine, sir, but I’m sure they will tell you the same thing. My name is [My Name] and have a great day!”

(He ended up calling corporate, and my general manager asked to speak to me the next day. He had an email from the head at corporate praising how I had handled the situation and telling how much of a valued employee I am.)