Your Coworker Is A Glass Act
I am the manager of the fine china, glass, cutlery, tablecloths, napkins, all that kind of thing. I am standing in the glass section with a coworker, a dour older Scottish gent, grey hair swept back from a high forehead, grey suit buttoned up, knitted tie. I am female, an ethnic minority, and had shed my suit jacket earlier that day.
Whilst we are discussing the move, with my coworker nodding along as I leap about the place waving my arms, gesturing to the fixtures and stock I need him to shift, a woman approaches us.
Customer: “I am getting married in a month. The reception will be in a marquee in my parents’ garden, and I want to borrow four-hundred wine glasses, two-hundred champagne flutes and two-hundred water glasses for the tables.”
Me: “Glass rental isn’t a service we offer. Perhaps the company renting you the marquee, or the one providing you the alcohol may be able help?”
Customer: “Their glasses are boring! I want pretty ones like the ones you’re holding.”
Me: “Well, these cost £12 each.”
Customer: “Can’t you loan them to me, just this once?”
Me: “I’m sorry, but I cannot, as once they’ve been used, I won’t be able to sell them to anyone else.”
Not pleased, she turns to my coworker.
Customer: “Well, I’d rather talk to the manager anyway!”
Coworker: “Would you like me to ask the manager for you?”
Customer: “Oh, I thought you were the manager. But yes, please go ask him.”
My coworker grins, turns his head, and looks at me.
Coworker: “[My Name], are you going to change your mind?”
Me: “No, [Coworker’s Name], I don’t think I will.”
He turns back to the customer and says.
Coworker: “Terribly sorry, madam, my manager says no.”
She flounced out and didn’t look back.
