I’m showing someone how to use the self-serve copiers.
Me: “Touch the screen right here.”
Customer: “What do I do?”
Me: “Touch the screen.”
Customer: “Put my card in?”
Me: “No… touch the screen.”
Related:
Touchscreen Has-beens
A customer asks for a quarter-pound of sliced turkey — 0.25 on the deli scales — which is easy enough. I slice 0.28 pounds.
Customer: *Angry* “That’s not a quarter-pound! Don’t you know what you’re doing?!”
I take a slice off, which weighs 0.27 pounds.
Customer: “NO!”
I keep reslicing it until it comes out to 0.26 pounds, which I guess is okay for him. He takes his turkey and storms off.
One of the cashiers approached me later and told me that this guy called me an idiot for not knowing what a quarter-pound was.
After trying my hand at house painting, wasting a lot of paint, and realizing I am pretty hopeless at home renovation work, I call a local tradesman to ask for a quote, stating that I am looking to paint a small bedroom and that the work would involve correcting my inept attempt. I leave my number for a call back.
An hour later:
Painter: “Hi, this is [Painter] from [Company]. You’re the lady having problems in the bedroom?”
I’m in a popular fast food place over lunch hour, waiting for my order number to be called. There’s a high school nearby, so several students are also waiting.
Cashier: “Order two-one-nine is ready! Two-one-nine!”
Beside me, a student steps forward and then hesitates.
Student: “Uh… I have two-nineteen?”
The cashier nods and smiles encouragingly, but she doesn’t move. The young man with her also looks uncertain. I decide to step in.
Me: “That’s what she’s calling, dear. That’s just how they say the numbers. Two-one-nine, see?”
Student: “Yeah, but that’s the thing, I have two-nineteen?”
I gave her my very best encouraging smile, and so did the cashier, and her friend shrugged. They finally rushed forward, clearly not getting it, but glad enough that they were getting their food. And so was I!
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.
