They Want A Different Kettle Of Fish

In 1973, the department store I work at after high school has a deal where if you buy a $19 aquarium setup (gravel, pump, etc.), you can get three free fish after you set up the aquarium and condition the water. A man comes up to me with his receipt and asks for his free fish.

Me: “Certainly, sir. You can choose from these three types.”

They are very inexpensive fish.

Customer: “No, I want three of these!”

He points to the most expensive fish in the store: $50 each.

Me: “I’m sorry, sir, but the deal is you get to choose three of these, not [expensive fish].”

Customer: “The other employee said I could have any three fish!”

Me: “I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t give you $150 worth of fish for free to go with your $19 aquarium.”

Customer: “This is outrageous! I’ve shopped at [Store] for twenty years!”

He pulled out his [Store] credit card and tried to tear it in half, unsuccessfully, while I was frantically calling my manager. My manager arrived, we both explained our positions, and the manager calmed down the customer and gave him his (proper) free fish.