I was shopping at a large retailer when I saw a sign that said, “$5 [Store] gift card when you purchase three qualifying items,” under one of the items I was looking to buy. At $2 per item, I figured I could get all three items, pay $6 and get my $5 gift card so I would only pay $1 for all of it at the end.
I checked out with a cashier and noticed after we were done that the gift card never came up, so I went to customer service. The girl was clearly on her phone under the counter. I cleared my throat and she put it away.
Customer Service: “Yeah?”
Me: “Hi, these items were supposed to qualify for a $5 gift card, but it didn’t come up. Is it digital or something?”
Customer Service: “No, you need to buy three to get the deal.”
Me: “I did.”
I showed her the receipt and my bag, but she barely glanced at any of it.
Customer Service: “I guess you got the wrong ones, then.”
Me: “I don’t think so. The sign was right beside this product, and it’s on your app and your website.”
Customer Service: *Shrugging* “It’s a $5 gift card. Is $5 a big deal?”
Me: “Okay, then. I’m returning this.”
I started putting all my bags up on the counter — a total sale of about $300 in groceries and other purchases. The girl quickly called a manager over.
Manager: “How can I help?”
I explained the situation.
Me: “…and, you know, I specifically bought so many to get the deal, and if it were my fault, I would have apologized and gone on my way. But your associate just kind of shrugged me off, and I’m not wrong about it, so I’m returning everything and I’ll just go somewhere else.”
Manager: “Oh, self-checkout?”
Me: “No.”
Manager: “Hmm. Well, I don’t know what happened there, and I am sorry, but I can fix this. I can give you a $5 gift card right now.”
Me: “Thank you. I’m sorry to be a jerk, but that’s what the sign says, you know?”
Manager: “Yeah, I get it. I totally understand, and I’m really sorry.”
The manager gave me the gift card and I put all my purchases back in my cart. The associate glared at me the whole time. I hope he had a talk with her, but I’ll never know.