Crumbling Under The Weight Of The Task

I’m working self-checkout when a customer scowls at me, beckoning me over.

Customer: “Your stupid machine keeps telling me to ‘place item in the bagging area.’ I did. Three times!”

He slaps the machine for emphasis.

Me: “It uses a weight sensor, so if the item’s not fully on the scale or if something’s already there, it won’t register.”

Customer: “Then maybe your machine should pay more attention.”

He slaps the machine again.

Me: “It’s a scale, sir. It’s not ignoring you, it’s just being literal.”

Customer: “I’ve used self-checkouts before. I know how they work!”

I can see the customer has placed an apple outside the bagging area. I put it back, and the machine goes back to scanning mode.

Me: “It’s sensitive. Like most things that get slapped by strangers.”

Customer: *Continues scanning grumblingly.*