You’re Finally Three Of This Customer

Customer: *Annoyed* “I’ve received my new chequebook and the cheque numbers all start with a three! My chequebook numbers have always started with a one. Why has this changed?”

Me: “Okay, let me look into that for you.”

I check the system and confirm.

Me: “Yes, that appears to be correct. As we’ve been taken over by [Other Financial Institution], we’re now using their cheque numbering system. Are you concerned that this might cause you an issue with keeping track of what cheques you’ve issued?”

Customer: “No! I simply don’t want a chequebook with cheque numbers starting with three! I want one starting with one!”

Me: “Let me check to see if there’s anything I can do.”

I go and speak with my manager who confirms what I’ve said and clarifies this can’t be changed. I go back to the customer and explain this. 

Customer: “Well, it looks like I’ll be changing banks! This is the last straw!”

I get that it might have caused her a little confusion to see her chequebook numbers change, but really, is it that big of a deal?