Selective Comprehension

(I work for a large, upscale retailer. One night, I’m assisting a lady with several items.)

Me: “Alright, ma’am, your total is [price].”

Customer: “I believe those are all supposed to be 40% off.”

Me: “No, ma’am, these are all regular price.”

Customer: “No, I believe everything is 40% off.”

Me: “No, ma’am, there may be a sale like that upstairs in the Ladies’ area, but we don’t have any discounts like that here in Men’s.”

Customer: “Well, there’s a sign in your front windows that says everything’s 40% off!”

Me: “Well, perhaps I’m mistaken. Would you mind showing me where you saw that?”

(She leads me out the front door of our store and points to a large sign in the window.)

Customer: “See? 40% off!”

Me: “Yes, ma’am, but it says 40% off ‘Selected Items.'”

Customer: “Right! And these are the items I’ve selected!”