(We have a popular puppy preschool class that generally gets full two weeks prior. It also requires a deposit to secure your position. Most people pay when they book. It is one day before class start.)
Customer: “Hello, I am a surgeon and my time is precious so if you could hurry up and pay my deposit for puppy preschool.”
Me: “Sure, what was your name?”
Customer: *sigh* “I can’t believe I have to deal with this. I’m a surgeon and should be spoken to in proper English. It’s not “was your name”, it’s “is your name”.”
Me: “My apologies. What is your name? I will check your deposit paid on the list.”
Customer: “My name is [name], and hurry up! I just got off night shift at the hospital as I’m a pediatric surgeon.”
Me: “I see that you do have your name on the waiting list, but as the class is starting tomorrow the class has been filled as others have come in earlier to pay their deposits and secure their positions. I’m sorry, but there are no vacancies at this stage.”
Customer: “So, how much is the deposit?”
Me: “I’m sorry, again, but I can’t take your deposit as the class is full.”
Customer: “You just said that. Don’t repeat yourself. How much is the deposit? I booked the class three weeks ago.”
Me: “Again, I’m sorry. The deposit is required to secure a position. Simply booking won’t secure your position. We usually explain this when you book in and recommend you pay a deposit at the time of booking.”
Customer: “Yes, you did recommend that, but I am a surgeon; my time is precious. I work long hours so I could not pay it then. I am here to pay today.”
Me: “We appreciate people may work long and difficult hours. We do have extended hours to make it easier for our clients. Our opening hours are 8 am – 8 pm, seven days a week, and if you are unable to come in, then we do take phone payments.”
Customer: “Well, I’m a surgeon and work longer than that and don’t get a break. So, you need to respect me and take my deposit.”
Me: “I am sorry. As I said the class is full and I cannot take your deposit. I can put you on a waiting list for our next class with a date TBA, but we don’t take deposits for future classes until dates are confirmed.”
Customer. “Stop repeating yourself! Take my deposit!” *slams credit card onto counter*
Me: “I am trying to explain that I can’t take your deposit as the class is full. I can’t fit you into that class, and paying your deposit will not get you in.”
Customer: “I can’t believe you keep repeating yourself. I am going to ring the puppy preschool trainer tomorrow.”
Me: “You are welcome to ring her, but she will still be unable to fit you in her class as it is full.”
Customer: “I am a surgeon. She knows this and has kept a position for me. Take my deposit so I can leave!”
Me: “I have been trying to explain the class is full. You cannot join this class.”
Customer: “Stupid dumb b****!”
Me: “Excuse me, sir. You can’t speak to me that way!”
Customer: “I am a surgeon!” *leaves*
