Cashier: “Please place your order when ready.”
My Boyfriend: “Yes, can I please get two small Shamrock shakes?”
Cashier: “What kind?”
My Boyfriend: “Shamrock.”
Cashier: “What size?”
My Boyfriend: “Uh, small.”
Cashier: “How many?”
My Boyfriend: “…Two.”
Me: “Seriously?!”
(I have just gotten back from vacation and am only on clock for a few minutes when the manager calls me back into the office.)
Manager: “I think you know why I called you back here.”
Me: “Actually I have no idea. Is something wrong?”
Manager: “I’ll say! Your drawer yesterday was short fifty dollars! That’s an automatic write-up.”
Me: “Wait, did you say yesterday?”
Manager: “Yes, register two from [date]. That was yesterday. You know, I really never expected this from you. Your drawers are usually spot on! Just so you know, I’m very disappointed.”
Me: “I am too. You know why? Because I did not work yesterday. I was on vacation for the week. I don’t know who clocked me in on a register but I am very disappointed they would use my numbers when I wasn’t here.”
(As soon as I say this, the manager kicks me out of her office and refuses to speak to me. Later, the store owner approaches me.)
Store Owner: “I heard what happened yesterday. I’m not trying to accuse you of anything but I don’t want you to get fired, so if you just give back the missing money I can drop your suspension down to only one week instead of four.”
Me: “Actually, I’m glad you brought this up and came to speak to me because I need your help to clear up this mess.”
(I proceed to tell him the same story. He simply nods and goes into the office. Ten minutes later he is accompanied by the manager.)
Manager: “I just wanted to apologize. We checked the computer and it does say your were on paid vacation yesterday and the video does show someone else working that drawer in your name. So, you’re not in trouble anymore.”
Me: “Thank you for helping me get that cleared up!”
Manager: *sulks away*
Store Owner: “I should have known it wasn’t you! You haven’t gotten into any trouble since you started working here.”
Me: “Do you mind if I ask who was working that drawer in my name?”
Store Owner: “Actually, it was [manager]. She’s been written up and put on suspension and I’m sending her home early today. Sorry she gave you a hard time.”
(I work in a theme park eatery. We don’t sell drinks with the meals, as you buy them separately. For the meals the drinks are $3, $6 or $9, if not, they’re $4, $10 and $14.)
Me: “Hi there, how can I help you today?”
Customer: “Can I please get a coke?”
Me: “What size would you like?”
Customer: “I’ll get the large.”
Me: “Sure, no worries. That’s $13.99 for that, thanks.”
Customer: “Excuse me! I just wanted one drink, not two!”
Me: “Yes, sir, I understand. However, those prices we have up there are only for the meals.”
Customer: “That’s false advertising!”
Me: “I understand your frustration. If you look at the sign, it says down the bottom in bold letters that the prices are higher if you only buy the drink.”
Customer: “I don’t give two s****! Get me your manager.”
Me: “Sorry, sir, but the manager is in a meeting right now. If you want it cheaper you can buy a meal with it.”
Customer: “Fine! Get me a [meal] with that large coke!”
Me: “Of course, sir. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
Customer: “Yeah, you can make sure it’s the best burger I’ve ever f***** tasted, or I’m coming back and throwing it in your face.”
Me: “I assure you, sir, they are delicious.”
(I get the man his meal and drink. About 10 minutes later he comes back, and asks for a free refill.)
Customer: “Erm… that was quite a nice burger, and I’m sorry for getting mad.”
Me: “That’s okay, sir. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.”
Me: “Hi, welcome to [fast food place]! How can I help you?”
Elderly Customer: “Yes. I’ll have a small hamburger, a small fry, and a small coffee, for here, please.”
Me: “Certainly. Would you like cream and sugar with your coffee?”
Elderly Customer: “Of course. Two cream, and two sugar, please.”
Me: “Your total is $[total].”
(The Elderly Customer hands me more than enough to cover the meal.)
Elderly Customer: “Keep the change.”
Me: “I’m sorry, sir. We’re not allowed to take tips.”
Elderly Customer: “Really? What’s this world coming to! Customers should be allowed to tip for good service.”
Me: “I’m really sorry about that, sir. Here’s your food. Is there anything else that you would like?”
Elderly Customer: “No, thanks.”†
(He takes his food off to the lobby. A short while later, he’s back at my register.)
Me: “Did you need a refill on your coffee, sir?”
Elderly Customer: “Yes, please.”
(I refill his coffee. When I return with his cup, he takes it, smiles at me, and leaves the store. Sitting on the counter where he was standing, is a small balloon duck. The duck has a note.)
Note: “This isn’t a tip; he’s a gift. I hope that he brings a smile to your face.”
(I have ASD—autism spectrum disorder.)
Coworker: “What is it like to have ASD?”
Me: “Well, it’s not that bad really.”
(Just then, a customer walks into the chain.)
Me: “Oh, hello, ma’am. What would you like?”
Customer: “What’s not so bad?”
Me: “Oh, it’s just that I have ASD. I was being asked what it’s like to live with it.”
Customer: “What!?”
Me: “I’m sorry. What did I say?”
Customer: “YOU PEOPLE SHOULDN’T BE HERE!”
Me: “Ma’am, I have to work somehow.”
Customer: “GET OUT! YOU ARE TOO DISABLED TO WORK!”
Coworker: “Ma’am, she is one of the smartest people I know!”
Customer: “Bull-s***! You people are stupid! You are in wheelchairs, and drool out of your mouths!”
(All of a sudden the customer GRABS me by my shirt, and tries to pull me out of the counter. My friend tries to free me.)
Customer: “GET OUT! GET OUT! YOU’RE KILLING THE MARKET! GET OUT!”
(After three minutes of useless attempts to free me, my friend calls mall security. The yelling customer is dragged away, and is banned for life.)
This story is part of the Autism Awareness roundup!
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