We work in a donut kiosk at a service centre. Due to a blackout, none of the fast food shops can cook or sell food. We can, but we can’t open our till or use the register, so we’re using a small box with some change. People are grumpy when they find out they can’t get their choice of food, and that the only food option is us.
Customer #1: “I’ll have [two flavours].”
Me: “Due to the blackout, we can only accept cash. Is that okay?”
Customer #1: “Yes.”
Me: “Okay, your total is [total].”
They hand over their card.
Me: “I’m sorry, we can’t use the register due to the blackout.”
Customer #1: “They just told me the same thing over there! Why can’t I use my card anywhere here?”
Me: “There’s a blackout. No one has electricity. We can only accept cash.”
Customer #1: “I don’t have cash.”
Me: “Well, then, you can’t buy doughnuts. Have a good day.”
Another customer makes an order and pays me in cash, which I put in the cash box. A while later, she comes back.
Customer #2: “Um, I know you are only taking cash right now, but I saw that girl—” *points to coworker* “—put the coins under the counter.”
Me: “We’re keeping our cash box out of reach of customers, ma’am.”
Customer #2: “Hmm…”
She wandered away from the counter but took photos of us “hiding” the money. We got a call from our boss the next day after a complaint was made to head office.
