Charged Up With Anger–If Nothing Else, Part 2

(I work at a retailer where we frequently sell and install car batteries. I am currently installing one with the customer constantly looking over my shoulder.)

Me: “Sir, one of these bolts is stripped; I will have to replace it or the car will not start.”

Customer: “I’m sure it will be fine.”

Me: “But, sir—”

Customer: “JUST LEAVE IT!”

(I finish hooking up the battery and the car does not start just as I told him.)

Customer: “Oh you really f****** up! You just ruined my wife’s $60,000 truck! I need to get an emissions test done; now it’s going to fail. Do you even know what the f*** you’re doing?”

Me: “Sir, there is nothing wrong with the truck. Like I told you earlier, the bolt needs to be replaced. I’ll be more than happy to do it free of charge.”

(I begin replacing the bolt silently, all while he is screaming and questioning my intelligence. I finish and the car starts up immediately.)

Customer: “YOU KNOW WHAT!? You don’t know what you’re doing; I don’t want your battery anymore! Put my old one back in; I’m going to the dealer!”

(At this point I’ve heard enough, and politely oblige and quickly go back in to help another customer who has been patiently waiting. 30 seconds later, my original customer rushes back into the store.)

Customer: “YOU DUMB-A**! My car won’t start! I knew you had no idea what you’re doing! And now my $60,000 truck is ruined because of your stupidity!”

Me: “Sir, your car isn’t starting because you told me to put your dead battery back in, after I had it running with the new one. Now this customer has been waiting patiently; I will gladly help you after I help this gentleman.”

(The original continues to have a fit in front of all the other customers, insulting me and my intelligence. I turn to the next customer.)

Next Customer: *in a very cheery voice* “Hi, how are you today!?”

Me: “Oh, I’m just wonderful. What can I do for you today?”

(The next customer looks at the angry original customer, then back at me with a huge grin on his face.)

Next Customer: “Yes! I have truck outside that needs a battery. Would you mind installing it for me?”

Original Customer: *lets out a moan of disgust, and storms out*