Clash Back

I’m at the service desk, helping a couple with a return.

Me: “Okay, so your refund will go back on the card you used to purchase the item.”

Wife: “No. We want cash.”

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am, but store policy is that refunds go back the same way they were originally paid.”

Wife: “It’s a debit card, so we have the right to ask for cash back instead.”

Me: “No, ma’am. Refunds are processed the same way the original payment was made. It will go back to your debit card.” 

I repeat myself a couple more times, but she refuses to accept it. Finally, she turns to her husband.

Wife: *Loudly, right in front of me.* “I’m supposed to get cash back. This b**** just doesn’t want to give me my money.”

My retail smile immediately drops. I just stare at her blankly.

Me: “This b**** doesn’t get paid enough money to give a s*** about yours. Store policy is store policy. If you don’t like it, write a complaint, but don’t take it out on the minimum-wage worker who’s the only one here trying to help you.”

Wife: *To her husband.* “You gonna let her talk to me like that?” 

Husband: *Calmly.* “I will. And I wish more people would.”

The wife storms off, swearing at me the whole way. The husband lingers just a second, mouthing a silent:

Husband: “Thank you.”

Then he follows after her.