This year, I was one of the late Christmas shoppers. I decided to look out for the last gifts at the mall, so off I went.

While I was browsing, I noticed a small jeweler that somehow had a lot of people. I decided everyone would like some trinkets and went in. The reason it was so packed was that there was a 50% discount on a selection of jewelry.

I was weaving in and out between customers, checking out what the shop had. I decided on two silver rings and pearl earrings. I joined the somehow short queue and waited for my turn.

When I arrived…

Cashier: “Sorry, ma’am, those two ladies were in front of you!”

I looked behind me to see two women looking at the cashier.

Me: “Oops, my bad. I’ll wait, then.”

So, that’s what I did. Good for me, because I noticed a pair of earrings that were cheaper and prettier.

When it was my turn, I apologised again for unknowingly cutting in front of people. The cashier smiled.

Cashier: “It’s all right. The place’s so packed, it’s hard to tell who’s in line and who’s still browsing.”

Me: “I used to work in a bookshop. December was hellish. Too many people for just us three, and so rude sometimes. I remember someone actually whistling to get my attention. Thankfully, my manager chewed him out.”

As if on cue, a customer started yelling:

Customer: “Hey, I need some help here!”

The cashier sighed and called her coworker.

Cashier: “That’s the same here. Black Friday, Christmas, the Winter and Summer sales, we’re always so packed.”

We kept making small talk while she was ringing me up. Right after I paid, she whispered with a smile, “Stay exactly as you are, all right?”

I will, don’t worry.

I work for a very high-end jewelry store that sells very expensive watches. A woman comes in to look at some watches, and I take her through what I think are very fine options.

Customer: “I was told it wasn’t worth having a watch that’s worth under $10,000.”

Me: “Well, we have plenty of other watches available for $10,000 and up. If you’ll—”

Customer: “But I want that watch!”

Me: “That watch is $7,000, ma’am.”

Customer: “But I want that watch!

Me: “You’d… like to pay $10,000 for a $7,000 watch?”

Customer: “Finally, you’re getting it! Are you slow or something?

Customer: “I want to do a return on my diamond ring.”

Me: “May I see the ring?”

Customer: “No, it was stolen. Here is my receipt.”

Me: “Uh, ma’am, we can’t do a return if you don’t have the item.”

Customer: “You are obligated to insure my product against theft and therefore should process the return!”

Me: “You need to get your own insurance to do that. We can’t help you—”

Customer: “I filed a police report, so I can’t be lying!”

Me: “I’m not saying you’re lying, ma’am.”

Customer: “Then what are you saying?”

Me: “I’m saying it’s preposterous to hold us accountable for your personal property.”

Customer: “So, who should be accountable for my personal property?!” 

Me: “It’s kinda in the name, ma’am…”

Back in the early days of cellphones (back when you could have your own cellphone but they were still costly to a part time worker), I am serving a customer.

Customer: “I’m trying to pick out an anniversary gift for my wife.”

I begin to help him find something, but then he slides me his number.

Customer: “Call me! I’ll take you out on a date!” 

It’s already kinda cringe to pick up your salesperson. But doing when you’re there to pick out anniversary gifts for your spouse?! Just ick!

I used to sell fine jewelry in a high-end department store. We had a customer who would come in simply to exchange jewelry she had previously bought. She never bought anything new; she just wanted to exchange her jewelry.

This was incredibly annoying as we had to clean, sanitize, and re-ticket each item before returning it to inventory. This cost the company time and revenue, not to mention the lost commission for the poor sucker who got stuck with her that day.

The sales staff determined that she probably wanted to seem more well-to-do than she actually was to her friends and was exchanging the jewelry to make it seem like she had an endless collection of jewelry! We usually didn’t say much; we just asked if there was anything wrong with the jewelry (there never was) and did what she asked.

The staff brought this up with our manager during a team meeting, and she gave us the go-ahead to tell the customer the next time, per management, no more exchanges would be allowed.

She came in with a friend during the Christmas rush and got me as her sales representative. As always, I asked:

Me: “Is there anything wrong with the jewelry you’re returning today, ma’am?”

Customer: “There isn’t, but I changed my mind and want something else.”

Me: “Unfortunately, ma’am, as per management, only one exchange is allowed for the same purchase, and you have exchanged your original purchase six times.”

I made sure to emphasize this in front of her friend.

Me: “I will be happy to assist you if you’d like to purchase something else.” 

Her friend gave her a confused stare and several waiting customers are staring at her. She just sheepishly said she would just keep what she had. I think she realized we were on to her!