Change Is Down For The Count
(A woman comes to the front, followed by another woman and a young boy. They have one item and three carts between them, and the first woman, who has the purchase, is busy with her phone while I ring her up.)
Me: “All right, your change is $78.81.”
(I count out $78 and hand it to her, but she doesn’t notice. Since I need to open a roll of quarters to get the rest of her change and it seems like they’re in a hurry, I put the money on the counter and reach for the coins.)
Customer: “Excuse me.”
Me: “Yes?”
Customer: “Did you just put my money down there instead of handing it to me?”
Me: “Sorry about that. It’s just that you were on your phone, and I needed both hands to get the rest of your change, so—”
Customer: “I don’t like it when people put my money on the counter.”
Me: “I’m sorry about that—”
Customer: “I didn’t put your money down, did I?”
Me: “No, you didn’t. I’m sor—”
Customer: “It’s just rude. It disrespects me.”
Me: “I’m so sorry. You were busy, and I thought you were in a hurry. Here’s the rest of your change.”
Customer: *to the other woman* “It’s just inconsiderate, isn’t it?”
(The other woman agreed and they left, muttering about how inconsiderate and rude I was, all while leaving the three large carts out in everyone’s way and ignoring my cheerful “Have a nice day!”)
