Hats Off To Idiocy
(It is New Year’s day/night. I am working the graveyard shift and I have a pair of friends at the store keeping me company. A customer comes in and is casually walking the aisles. My friends and I continue talking, but I keep an eye on him. The customer heads for the door without buying anything, but I notice a hat rack hanging from the ceiling, swinging wildly.)
Me: “Excuse me, sir?”
(The customer stops by the door, holding his jacket closed.)
Customer: “Yeah?”
Me: “I’m really sorry, and I’m sure I’m mistaken, but would you mind opening your jacket?”
Customer: “Why do you want me to do that?”
Me: “Again, I’m sure I’m mistaken, and I do apologize, but I need to make sure you didn’t forget to pay for a hat.”
Customer: “How dare you accuse me of stealing! I don’t have to do what you say!”
Me: “Sir, if you don’t I’ll have to—”
(At this point, the customer darts out the door. I know we’re not supposed to, but I am angry that this guy would steal from me. I hop the counter and start running for the door. The customer sees me and takes off running. I chase him across the parking lot and start across the street after him when my better judgement kicks in. I go back inside, but am surprised to see my friends laughing really hard.)
Me: “What’s so funny?!”
One Of My Friends: “Dude! His car is right there! Parked outside!”
(I call the police, who arrive and check his trunk. The customer had had a busy night, and had stolen from a few other stores. A cop is taking my statement when we see a woman get in the customer’s car and start it up.)
Cop: *to the woman* “What are you doing?”
Woman: “Oh… my husband is drunk and forgot that he had driven the car to the store. I’m just picking it up.”
(Sensing an opportunity, the cop slyly smiles at me, before continuing to speak to the woman.)
Cop: “Okay, go ahead…”
(The woman got in the car and drove off, unwittingly leading the cop to her home. I testified in court a few weeks later.)
This story is part of the New Year’s Day roundup!
Read the next New Year’s Day roundup story!
Read the New Year’s Day roundup!
This story is part of the American States roundup!
Question of the Week
Tell us your story about a customer who couldn't understand the most simple concept.
