Computer Error

(I’m working the service desk at a big box store when an older man comes up with a plastic grocery bag.)

Coworker: “What can I help you with?”

Old Man: “I’m trying to use [Messenger Service] with my daughter. She can see me, she can hear me, and I can hear her, but I can’t see her. What’s wrong?”

(He then opens the grocery bag and it’s got a webcam, a mouse, and a bunch of random cables inside. He gestures to the random assortment of items as if we should be able to diagnose his problem from the junk.)

Coworker: “Sir, do you have your computer with you?”

Old Man: “Nope, what’s the problem?”

Coworker: “We really can’t figure out your issue from what you have brought.”

Old Man: “This is what I got; what’s the problem?”

Coworker: “It could be any number of things, really.”

Me: “Sir, we need your computer to even begin to help you with this.”

Old Man: “I’m trying to use [Messenger Service] with my daughter, and she can see me, she can hear me, and I can hear her, but I can’t see her. What’s the problem?”

Me: “Sir, this is like walking into a mechanic’s shop and saying your car is making a noise but not bringing the car.”

Old Man: “This is what I brought. What’s the problem?”

Me: “It’s not your car.”

(With that, he gathers up his bag of random junk and walks out of the building.)

Coworker: “It’s going to be one of those days, isn’t it?”