That Comes To Minus One Dollars

(I work as a cashier at a big chain retailer. I am just finishing up ringing out a customer when they hand me a coupon.)

Customer: “Here you go.”

(The customer hands me a five-dollar-off coupon. I take a look at the total of the items. The total rang up to be around four dollars. I know the coupon won’t work but I scan it, anyway, to show the customer.)

Me: “I’m sorry, but it didn’t work.”

Customer: “I wanted to use it.”

Me: “I’m sorry, but you didn’t spend more than five dollars, so the coupon won’t work.”

(I hand the coupon back to the guest.)

Customer: *in a hushed tone* “This is ridiculous.” *pays for her items and leaves*

(Sorry, but I can’t give you five dollars off for a four-dollar purchase.)