Whiny People

[Bo Hart]

I'm at work today, and someone comes up and asks for this thing on display up on the wall.

Me: "We're all out of that. We can't sell seasonal displays until after the 15th of December."
Her: "Well how much was it, anyway? Are there [Menards] stores in Canada?"
Me: "There aren't any up there... as for the price, well, I'm not sure.." (I look around for an empty spot and the corresponding price tag, but to no avail.

Her: "Well talk to your store manager about letting me take it. I'm from out of town. Besides, it looks like some other empty spots where displays were sold."
Me: "Like I said, we can't sell displays that are on sale or are seasonal items... this is both. If I ran the store I would sell them, but I don't make the policies."
Her: "Well find out how much it was."

I go over to the computer and start searching for a price... one of the full-time coworkers asks what I'm looking for, and finds it within seconds. "Sell it to her," she tells me.

Me: "OK, mam, we'll be able to make an exception -- I can let you take it."
Her: "How much is it?"
Me: "$52."
Her: "It said 25% off! So it's $39?"
Me: "No, the original price was upwards of $70... this includes the 25% off."
Her: "So you mean to tell me that an item that was up on the wall is the same price as a new one in a box?"
Me: "We don't mark down on displays. That's our policy."
Her: "I want to talk to the store manager. Where is he?"
Me: "I think Rob is the store manager on duty today, let me call him over here"

I call him on the phone, explain that two customers explicitly asked for him, and he tells me, "the department managers can handle that. Get Derrick." Now I'm in an even better position: I now get to tell her that I can't accommodate her request.

Me: "OK, let me call Derrick over here, and we'll explain the situation."
Her: "Derrick!? Where's Rob?"
Me: "Rob said that Derrick was capable of handling it."
Her: "Oh, I see, Rob doesn't talk to people. Great."

Derrick comes over, and she continues her [expletive] and moaning. He first explains that we don't mark down on displays, but after her persistence, he finally says, "how does ten bucks off sound?"


The battle was lost. They drive points and policies into our head every chance they get: seasonal display items are not sold. Sale display items are not sold. Displays are not given a price reduction. At every department meeting we are reminded of these.

I just feel frustrated as hell. I play the role of scapegoat, take the brunt of her rage and enforce our rules... Then shortly after, I see these policies uplifted to cater to some rude, condescending whore. I can understand making exceptions for people who are especially cordial or friendly or have special situations or whatever... but for someone like this?


I was very, very, very, very, very close to telling this couple off, punching out and walking out. I've been looking for a new job for a while... but I've been there for 18 months and do not want to throw a nice reference away in a stupid rage.


I'm sorry I suck at telling stories. I'm sure this was a waste of time reading this, but it felt good ranting.

[JCShutout]

Don't feel bad. I think I would have been just as frustrated.

And you told the story well. Very easy to understand and follow.

I hate retail.

[dangerous]

The store is saving money by not having to throw it away or store it when the season is over. You set the customer up to buy a worthless item. You should be praised as a loyal and effective employee.

[longhornbaseball]

LOL Kyle's whining about whiny people!!!!!!!

I enjoy it when you whine.

[busched]

I hope you left a big "booger" on it. It would make a happy ending to the story and make you feel better.

[heyzeus]

Good luck, dude. Working retail during this time of year is work for brave people.

[JL21]

"Hello, my name is Kyle and I'll be your emotional tampon today. How can I assist you?"