At A Loss For Words

Customer: “I would like to buy these.”

I scan the items.

Me: “Sure, no problem! Okay, sir, your total comes to $20.10.”

The customer hands me a $20 bill.

Customer: “I just don’t want to break another bill; can you give me the 10¢ off?”

He comes off as very rude in the way he is saying it. He has the money to pay for it but just doesn’t want to.

Me: “No, I am sorry. I do not want my till to be short. You will need to pay the proper amount.”

Customer: “Fine, then! I will take something out. Your loss!”

The customer picks something to put back.

Customer: “Here! I won’t get this one!”

Me: “Okay, sure.”

I delete the item off the screen.

Me: “Your total is now $16.79.”

Customer: “Ha! See?! Your loss!”

The customer gives me the $20 bill again. I hand back the change.

Me: “Here’s your change, $3.20.”

We no longer use pennies in Canada, so everywhere rounds them away.

Me: “Thanks have a great day!”

Customer: “It’s your loss! Ha!”

I stand there, looking bored, while I stare blankly at him and his outburst. The item he put back will get sold eventually anyway, and I get paid to be there either way. The customer is walking out, mumbling.

Customer: “Your loss, your loss!”