The Truth Is Out(let)

(I work for a specialty clothing store that also has an outlet branch. We carry completely different inventory; the outlet carries items from two or three years prior. Returns and exchanges can’t be made between the main store and outlet items. Customers who don’t read their receipt often get upset by that policy, but usually accept it.)

Customer: “I’d like to return these; they’re the wrong size.”

Me: “I’d love to help, but your receipt shows that these came from the outlet. They’d have to be returned to an outlet location.” *proceeds to offer closest locations*

Customer: “That’s stupid; it’s the same place.”

Me: “I’m sorry. I know it’s a bit inconvenient. But our inventories are completely different; we aren’t able to return items we don’t carry in this store.”

Customer: “You’re just being stupid! Do the return; I want my money!”

Me: “Ma’am, the back of your receipt clearly says, ‘Can only be returned to outlet locations.'”

Customer: “WHERE DOES IT—”

(She suddenly saw the bold print saying exactly what I said. She snatched the receipt and stormed out.)