I work at a craft store that is popular with women. A sign directs customers to go to the cash registers for returns, etc.; however, customers still approach the empty counter for help, forcing the nearest cashier to try and help them instead of customers waiting in line to check out.

I see a man standing at the counter.

Me: “Hi. Can I help you?”

The man shows me a very thick piece of upholstery foam.

Customer: “Can you cut this?”

Me: “The cutting counter in back will be happy to help you.”

Customer: “Can’t you do it up here?”

Me: “No, we don’t have the equipment.”

Customer: “Can’t you have scissors up here?”

Me: “Sir, a saw has to be used and it would damage this counter. You will have to take it to the back counter.”

Customer: “Yeah, they are really busy and I don’t want to wait.”

Me: “…”

It made me wonder what this guy would say if a woman demanded a cashier of a hardware store to cut a piece of lumber for her.

I work at a chain craft store as a framer. 

Customer: “Hi, I’m looking for a frame for a sixteen-by-twenty picture. Can you show me some?”

Me: “Yeah, right here.”

Customer: “Those are too fancy. This is for a boy’s room. Can you show me some that would look good in a boy’s room?”

Me: “Yeah, right here.”

Customer: “Oh, but those have complicated hanging instructions. Can you show me some that would look good in a boy’s room that have simple hangers?”

Me: “Yeah, right here.”

Customer: “Okay, but I have another picture that’s eight by ten that I want to match it. Can you show me some that would look good in a boy’s room that have simple hangers that also come in eight-by-ten?”

Me: “Yeah, right here.”

Customer: “Oh, those aren’t on sale, though. Do you have any that would look good in a boy’s room that have simple hangers that also come in eight by ten that are also on sale?”

Me: “Yeah, right here.”

Customer: “I don’t like those. You guys don’t have a very big selection, do you? Oh, look, these are perfect.”

It’s the ones she didn’t like, in a slightly different color. 

Customer: “Are these on sale?”

Me: “Yes.”

Customer: “Will they ring up as the sale price?”

Me: “Yes.”

Customer: “How much are they on sale for?”

Me: “They’re 50% off, like the sign says.”

Customer: “What will they ring up as?”

Me: “It will be 50% off the amount that is on their price label right there.”

Customer: “You’re sure it’ll ring up at the register as on sale?”

Me: “Yes.”

Customer: “Oh, but what about these over here?”

Me: “Those are the ones you already looked at that are not on sale.”

Customer: “Oh, right.”

I am out shopping at a craft store that is currently three days into a two-week deal for a fancy reusable shopping bag, while supplies last. When I get up to the checkout, the cashier rings me through and doesn’t mention the bag. I figure the two options are that she forgot or that they have run out, so I decide to ask if they have any left. It’s worth noting that the cashier has been short and had a slight bit of an attitude from the get-go.

Me: “I read online that there is a deal for a free—”

The cashier cuts me off abruptly.

Cashier: “We’re out! The bag was very popular and there are none left!”

Me: “Oh, that’s fine. I thought that might be the case. I just figured it didn’t hurt to ask.”

The cashier starts lecturing me like I’m a naughty child.

Cashier: “These deals usually run out within the first day! If you wanted the bag, you should have taken responsibility and come in sooner!”

Me: “We don’t shop here often, so I didn’t know. I just thought I’d see if you still had any, seeing as it’s only three days into the promotion.”

Cashier: *Raising her voice* “Well, it’s not my fault that you don’t know how things work around here, and I can’t do anything about being out of stock!”

I figure this is just not worth the argument since this woman is obviously not listening and is spoiling for a fight. I just smile sweetly and collect my purchases.

Me: “Well, thank you very much anyway. I hope you have a wonderful day.”

I begin to walk away at that point and the cashier speaks again, not to me but in a volume obviously meant to be heard by me.

Cashier: “Why do I always get the absolute worst customers?!”

I left without asking for a manager. I was in too much of a hurry that day and I also figured that the cashier has already been given the worst punishment imaginable… having to live with that sour attitude of hers for the rest of her life.

I’m cashiering in a craft store and this exchange happens.

Customer #1: “Are these flowers 70% off? I got them in that area.”

Me: *Scans them* “Sorry, they’re only 40% off.”

Customer #1: “Then I don’t want them; I got them from the 70%-off area.”

She leaves.

Customer #2: “She’s lying. I was right behind her and I saw her grab them from the 40% rack.”

I only now notice what kind of flower it is.

Me: “The tag says, ‘Fall stem.’ There’s no way it would be 70% off.“

Customer #2: “Don’t you just love customers who do that?“

Related:
Flowering Discontent

It’s just a few minutes from close. Our fabric counter closes earlier than the store to ensure that customers are at the register by closing time. A customer walks in and heads straight for me.

Customer: “Where are your quilting fabrics?”

Me: “They’re just a section over, but our fabric counter is closed for the night.”

Customer: “So you don’t have anyone who can cut this for me?!”

Me: “We do, but they’re busy preparing the counter for when we close. The store itself closes in a few minutes.”

Customer: “But I need this tonight!”

She storms off toward our quilting section. I give the fabric counter a heads-up over the radio. A minute later, I see her heading over. My manager meets her at the fabric counter.

Manager: “Can I help you?”

Customer: “Yeah! I need ten yards of this!”

My manager starts to unroll the fabric to measure it but says:

Manager: “Ma’am, for future reference, our fabric counter closes ten minutes before the store. I’ve made an exception for you today, but please do keep this in mind for future visits.”

The woman crosses her arms and glares at him while he measures and cuts her fabric. She then storms up to the front.

Manager: “What the f*** makes this fabric so d*** important you had to wait until almost nine at night to get it?!”