When “It’s Fine” Becomes A Fine

The store I work in is set up on a tiny side road next to a few other stores and a fast food place. Parking costs money, but each store had the opportunity to rent spaces for their customers and those spaces would be free. Unfortunately, our store was the only one to choose this option, so keeping everyone out of our two free spaces is an absolute nightmare, especially since the fast food place doesn’t have a drive-thru, so everyone parks to wait for their food.

In come two people wearing some kind of work uniform.

Customer: “Hi. I’m just coming in to tell you I parked in one of your spaces. It won’t be long.”

Me: “I’m sorry, but that’s for our store only. You’ll have to move.”

Customer: “My coworker and I have an appointment next door. We parked his car in paid parking but mine is in your parking. It’s only for fifteen minutes.”

Me: “Perfect. The paid parking is free for the first fifteen minutes; you can move to one of those spots.”

Customer: “It’s fine. I just came in to tell you it’s me parked there so you don’t wonder.”

Me: “I appreciate you coming in, but you can’t park there.”

Customer: “No, no, it’s fine because I’m telling you.”

Me: “No, it’s not fine. You’re taking up my last open spot.”

Customer: *While walking out the door* “I’ve told you it’s fine because you know it’s me and I’ll be gone soon.” 

Something like this exact conversation about how it’s fine because they told me happens at least once a week, and the police won’t do anything unless they’re parked for at least seven days.