She Has A Special Problem

It’s November which means, yay, Black Friday savings for our retail customers. This particular weekend, our appliances have gone on sale for an event. A customer has purchased a microwave that was mistakenly delivered to the store. That’s no big deal… that is, until they come to pick it up.

Me: “How can I help you?”

Customer: “I’m here to pick up my microwave.”

Me: “Ah Mr. [Customer]! Let me go grab it. This was special-ordered about a week ago, right?”

The customer’s wife decides to pipe up.

Customer’s Wife: *Screaming* “IT WASN’T A SPECIAL ORDER! WE ORDERED IT IN THE STORE!”

I’m taken aback, as I’m not too sure how calling the microwave what it is, a special order, has somehow offended her.

Customer: “Honey, calm down and take a walk.”

His wife meanders off into the store and we get back to business.

Customer: “Hey, I saw now that this microwave is now on sale. Can I get a price adjustment?”

This is typically no problem. I phone the manager and explain and he gives the green light. I begin to process the order when suddenly, the customer’s wife returns.

Customer’s Wife: “Let me educate you on what a special order is!”

For some reason, she goes off into a tangent about what is and what isn’t a special order.

Customer’s Wife: “So?”

Me: “I’m not going to argue with you, ma’am.”

Customer’s Wife: “There’s nothing to argue about! I’m just trying to educate you.”

I look down at my five-year service badge.

Me: “Mmhm.”

The wife saw me do this, turned red, called me rude, and walked off.