New Money, Old Problems
I’m working at a bank. I’m a woman in my twenties. A male customer, about my age, approaches the counter.
Customer #1: “I need $100 in new ones for Eid.”
Me: “I’m sorry, but we don’t have any new ones on hand at this time. I can sort through what we do have and get you some nice bills, though.”
Customer #1: “No, they must be new. Do you even know what Eid is?! It’s required that I have new money.”
Me: “I’m sorry, sir, but we don’t have any.”
Customer #1: “Well, go make some more!”
Me: “Come again?”
Customer #1: “In the back. You make them in the back, right?”
Me: “Sir, we don’t print money here. We get it shipped to us.”
Customer #1: “And when will you have new bills shipped to you?”
Me: “We order it around Christmas.”
Customer #1: “Well, that doesn’t help me now. Fine. Where is there a currency exchange in this state?!”
Me: “It’s at [Large City three hours away].”
Customer #1: “You’re making me drive all the way over there?! You’re a bank! Forget it. I’ll try somewhere else where the tellers aren’t so useless!“
He storms out. I take a deep breath to compose myself and call the next customer, a well-dressed older woman.
Customer #2: “I guess I’m out of luck? I need new ones for Eid, as well.”
I mentally groan and wait for the next temper tantrum.
Customer #2: “But you said you can find some nice ones?”
Me: “Yes, ma’am. How many do you need?”
Customer #2: “Do you have $10?”
Me: “I do.”
I count it out to her. She nods.
Customer #2: “These will work. They look almost new. Thank you so much. I heard you mention getting new money around Christmas. Can people place orders for that?”
Me: “Yes. You can call in around Thanksgiving and we’ll take an order for you. It usually takes a week or so to come in.”
Customer #2: “Fantastic! I’ll make a note to do that. Also, I’d like to apologize for that other guy.”
Me: “That’s not necessary.”
Customer #2: “No, I insist. He shouldn’t have treated you like that. It wasn’t right. You don’t control what gets sent to you. Anyway, you’ve been such a help, dear. I hope you have a fantastic day.”
She smiled, waved, and exited. Be nice to your tellers, people.
Question of the Week
Have you ever served a bad customer who got what they deserved?
