She’s A Bad Penny
(I work in a department store with a food hall. Company policy is to charge 5p for carrier bags in the food hall, and has been for several years. A woman walks up to the till with a few items and a backpack on.)
Me: “Hello, do you need a bag?”
Woman: *not paying much attention* “Yeah.”
Me: “Is a 5p bag okay?”
Woman: “Yeah.”
(I charge her for the bag and scan/pack her shopping.)
Me: “That’s [price], including the 5p bag charge.”
(She pays for her shopping using her credit card, then stops just as she is about to leave.)
Woman: “Was I charged for this bag?”
Me: “Yes, it cost 5p.”
Woman: “Well, I don’t want it then!”
(She tips her shopping out of the bag, back onto the counter, and then starts putting it in her backpack.)
Woman: “I want a refund!”
Me: “I’m sorry, I’ve closed the till, and only a manager can open it. I’ll just call one over for you.”
(I call a manager, but they’re all busy with other customers.)
Woman: “Hurry up! I want my money!”
Me: “I’m sorry to keep you waiting.”
(A little old lady, waiting in the queue, gets fed up and takes 5p out of her purse.)
Little Old Lady: “Here you go, dear. Now off you trot!”
(The woman takes the 5p and leaves.)
Me: *to the little old lady* “Thank you so much!”
Little Old Lady: *smiles* “I don’t see why people like you and I have to put up with people like her!”
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Question of the Week
Tell us your story about a customer who couldn't understand the most simple concept.