I Watch TV, Give Me A Discount
When I work in promotions, I am paid to go to random stores and promote certain electrical goods. I am not sales-based, just there to inform customers on certain choices, etc. This month I am working on printers. I was a printer technician in a previous job, so this is easy.
Me:
“Hello, sir and madam, how can I help you today?”
The customer explains what they want. I show them a range of different machines that fit their needs and which have reasonable costs in replacement inks in the store. The customer picks the desired item and I begin to carry it to the till for them.
Customer:
“Do I get a discount?”
Me:
“Unfortunately, no.”
I point to the big sign in front of us, which I showed them five minutes ago.
Me:
“However, as the big display says, the item is discounted already from its original price as it is on a promotional offer. We are currently cheaper than [Major Online Retailer] and other local retailers.”
They are just buying a £50 printer, nothing else. I know the manager and I know his store policy. If they were buying a lot more, then yes, he would give a discount.
Customer:
“Go ask your manager.”
Me:
“Sure, no problem.”
I carry the item to the service information desk, where the manager is standing.
Me:
“[Manager], a customer wants to know if there is a discount on this item. I have told them, unfortunately, there is not one available as it is heavily discounted already as it is on promotion.”
Manager:
“Yup, you’re correct.”
I return to the customer.
Me:
“I have spoken to the manager and he has said sorry, but unfortunately, there is not an added discount to this item due to the fact it is already on a promotional offer.”
Customer:
“Well… I do not think that is acceptable. On the TV show Don’t Get Done, Get Dom he gets discounts all the time; why can’t I?”
Me:
“Quoting a TV show that deals with retail does not entitle you to a discount.”
The customer stormed off. Don’t Get Done, Get Dom is a TV show on the BBC where a man called Dominic Littlewood takes on some of the biggest names in town to sort out the domestic disasters of frustrated homeowners.