Would’ve Been Quicker To Find It Yourself

In a few departments of our store, there’s a button that customers can press if there are no employees present. It essentially pages an employee to that department over our walkies. I’m ringing out a customer in my department, two feet from the button and clearly visible. Another customer comes up and presses the button.

Me: “Sir, I can help you here in a minute.”

Customer: “Uh-huh.”

I continue helping my current customer. The new customer presses the button again.

Me: “Sir, I will help you in just a minute.”

Customer: “All right.”

He presses the button a third time. The message over the walkie is now saying that urgent help is needed. I move the button off the counter, out of his reach.

Customer: “I need help, though!”

Me: “Sir, I’ve already let you know that I can help you after I finish this transaction. Pressing the button won’t get you help any faster.”

Customer: “Why didn’t you tell me?!”

I finally finish with my first customer and go to help the needy one.

Me: “How can I help?”

Customer: “Where’s your bathroom?”