Pre-Paying It Forward

(I work at a gas station that with prepay pumps. To be clear, there are pump-toppers on all pre-pay pumps stating so, and huge signs that are about the height of an average person at the end of the pumps. I notice a customer repeatedly trying to pump without paying first, and is getting increasingly angry. I buzz him over the intercom.)

Me: “Sir, that’s a pre-pay pump only. I’ll need you to hang up the handle and pay first. Thank you.”

Customer: “What the f*** is that supposed to mean?!”

Me: “It means those pumps are pre-pay only. Before you can fuel, you have to insert a credit or debit card and select how much you’d like to pump.”

(There’s silence on the line, so I assume that the customer has understood, and is starting the transaction. However, a few minutes later, he comes storming inside looking angry.)

Customer: “You make that pump not pre-whatever the h*** it is!”

Me: “I’m sorry, sir; it’s locked onto pre-pay. I can’t change it; only the manager can, and he’s not in until tomorrow.”

Customer: “I said change the f****** pump now!”

Me: “I can’t change the pump; I’m sorry. If you continue to make a scene, I’m going to have to ask you to leave, as this is not appropriate.”

Customer: “How about next time you put some f****** signs up, so people know that those are f****** pay first pumps!”

Me: “How about next time you look when you drive in? There are signs the size of me at the end of all the pumps stating whether they’re pre-pay or not.”

(There’s another pause. The customer looks a little astonished and at a loss for what to say.)

Customer: “Well… f*** you!”

(He turns to storm out of the store.)

Me: “And you have a wonderful day, sir!”