(I work in a frozen food store in the UK. One of the current affairs is that UK supermarkets are not paying a reasonable amount to support our dairy farmers; therefore, they sell milk at quite a cheap price. One customer decides to share their views.)

Customer: *puts down the milk on the counter and asks a question in such a way that it is obvious that she already knows the answer* “So, how much is the milk, again?”

Me: “It’s [price], please.”

Customer: “Well, I think that it is absolutely atrocious! You supermarkets should pay more to support our farmers!”

Me: *her sudden tone takes me off guard, so I nod* “Yes, I think we should do, too. I’m certain that [Other Market Chain] across the road has put their milk prices up in response, though.”

Customer: “Oh, no, that’s too much hassle!” *proceeds to hand me the money and keeps their hand out, ready to take change*

(The customer left, and I was left dumbfounded by the sheer hypocrisy.)

(I work at a counter service bistro that has half Asian cuisine, half Western/Australian dishes. I am located in a coastal town, meaning many assume we have seafood without checking the menu, even though it is pretty obvious we are not an upper-class restaurant.)

Customer: “Hi, could I order fish of the day?”

Me: “Sorry, sir, but we do not have fish of the day. We have either battered and fried fish, grilled barramundi, or grilled Atlantic salmon from our regular menu.”

Customer: “What?! No. I want the fish of the day!”

Me: “We actually don’t have a fish of the day, but you can choose from the battered, barramundi, or salmon.”

Customer: *visibly angry* “What about this do you not understand? I was here last week and ordered fish of the day!”

(I have worked at this establishment for nearly two years; we have never had “fish of the day.”)

Me: “We don’t have a fish special, but there is a specials board, or the fish on the regular menu, sir.”

(My boss wanders over.)

Customer: “I want the fish of the day!”

Boss: “No, sir, we do not have fish of the day.”

Me: *desperately wanting to move on to the large line behind the customer* “Please, sir, choose either the barramundi or salmon as a special.”

Customer: “Ugh! Whatever! Just choose whichever! I want fish of the day!”

(I write down the barramundi and ring up the very grumpy customer.)

Customer: *mumbling as he walks away* “Idiots.”

(He came in the next week insisting on the same thing: fish of the day. I really wish customers would just read the menu and not assume we are like other restaurants!)

(I work at a retail cosmetics store as an aesthetician, but often walk the floor to assist customers. I am part Mexican, but only one quarter, and the rest is an amalgamation of Caucasian, so I simply look a bit “ethnic,” and no one can ever place my ethnicity. I’m very used to it. I’m helping an elderly woman customer look through different makeups and having some polite conversation while doing so.)

Customer: “Now, what ethnicity are you? Greek? Indian?”

Me: “I’m actually part Mexican—”

Customer: “No, that’s not it.”

(I guess she would know better than I would.)

(I’m working a weekend shift at the hospital. It’s early and I need a coffee, but I’m pregnant so I opt for decaf.)

Me: “Can I have a small decaf?”

Barista: “Cappuccino? Latte?”

Me: “Latte.”

(Pause.)

Me: “Wait! No! Flat white! Flat white, sorry. Flat white. Sorry.”

Barista: “Are you sure you want decaf?”

(I work in a game store.)

Me: “Your total is [total].”

Customer: “Can I pay you with this?”

(The man then hands me a tin of mints.)

Me: *very confused* “Sir, I really can’t take that as payment.”

Customer: “Just take it.” *shoves mints in my hand*

(I am about to retort when I realize there is something off about the pack of mints. I open it up and find a fully functional computer inside of it! The screen is very small, but it runs smoothly.)

Me: *laughing* “That is amazing! I honestly wish I could take it as payment, but we don’t sell computers here.”

Customer: “Aw, that sucks. I made it myself and I got kind of bored with it. Let me know if you find anyone who might want it!”

(He paid and left with his computer, but not before letting all the staff take pictures and get his contact info so we could spread the word for him!)