Never So Glad To Get Banned
I am at a popular chain sandwich shop where the sandwiches are highly customized and made while you watch. I am the only customer in the store when this happens. As the worker is pulling the sandwich out of the toaster oven, it slips and falls on the floor. She apologizes and offers to make me another one. I don’t read into her phrasing, figuring she’s just flustered, and I’m not going to give her a hard time for an honest mistake.
The first sandwich goes in the trash and the second is made without incident. As we get to the register and she tells me the price, things go wrong.
Me: “Uh, are you sure that’s correct? The sandwich is usually [half what she quoted me].”
Employee: “Well, I had to make two sandwiches since the first one got tossed.”
Me: “It was tossed because you dropped it.”
Employee: “Yes, but you told me to make you a new one.”
Me: “Would you have expected me to eat the one off the floor?”
Employee: “No, but you asked for a new one. Since I made two, I have to charge you for two.”
Me: “But it was your mistake, not mine. Why should I pay for a sandwich you dropped?”
Employee: “I made you two sandwiches, though.”
I sense that I’m not getting anywhere.
Me: “All right. Well, I’m not paying for a sandwich you dropped.”
Employee: “You have to pay for both of them or I can’t give you this one.”
Me: “Fine.”
I start heading out. I’d rather get zero for the price of zero than get one for the price of two.
Employee: “Hey! If you leave without paying, you’ll be banned from the store!”
Me: “I’m fine with that.”