Poking A Finger At Bad Customers

I work in a club store as a customer service supervisor. I am running for my cashier; i.e. helping customers put items on the belt, putting items back, helping teach my cashier the ropes, etc.

I am finishing up helping a nice customer and walking my cashier through a problem when I feel a sharp poke in my back. I turn around and an older couple is standing there, and the husband is lowering his arm.

Me: *Shocked but still polite* “Please do not touch me. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Husband: “Aren’t you going to put my items on the belt? And I can do what I want.”

Me: “No, you are not allowed to touch me or any employee here. If you needed help, you could have said excuse me.”

Husband: “Don’t tell me what to do. I can do what I want. You cannot stop me.”

Me: “Once again, you are not allowed to touch me or any other employee. Please go on the customer side of the register, sir.”

Husband: “Don’t worry. I poked you with this finger.” *Flips me off*

I bite my tongue and turn around, knowing corporate will not side with me in kicking out this customer because customers come first.

Meanwhile, the nice customer, who has been very patient, has just finished and stepped off to the side.

Wife: “I don’t like her attitude. Let’s not buy our stuff here. We will go to [Competitor] to buy our things.”

Me: “Of course, that is your right. Have a good day.”

I took their stuff off the belt and put it in the return basket, while the rude couple’s mouths were gaping. They strode out in a fit of anger.

My manager wandered by and looked at the couple, looked at me, and came over to ask what had happened. The nice customer stepped in and told him, and the manager told me if they come back in and lay a finger on me or another employee again, they will be banned.