Retail workers do not get enough credit!
Some drunk/high asshole came into my store tonight trying to return a bulb because it was the wrong one for his car. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but it was, for 2 reasons.
1- the number on the bulb didn't match the number on the package.
And
2- the bulb that was in the package was obviously old and blown out.
I tried calmly explaining to him multiple times why I couldn't return it, and he became more and more irate each time.
I finally had enough and told him he had 2 options- I could sell him the part he needed, or he could leave my store, but either way I was not returning what he brought in.
Guy buys the bulb and insists that one of us come out and put it in. At this point, one of my coworkers steps in to go install it for him. You would think, at this point, it would be over, but no. Not for this douche.
After he comes back in, I send the same coworker out to let another customer know that his exhaust pipe is dragging on the ground. While he is outside, guess who comes back in?
Once again, he is insisting that I return a part that didn't even come from our store. I explain to him that I can't help him and he'll have to come back to speak with the store manager about it tomorrow. He doesn't like that answer and continues to be an ass.
At this point I'm trying hard to remember why I have to be patient with him. Meanwhile, my coworker comes back in with the other customer, who has witnessed the entire scene. This customer is twice the size of the one that won't take no for an answer, and after standing there for a minute, looks the guy dead in the face and tells him, "I think its time for you to leave." Proceeds to scare the crop out of this guy just by walking towards him, and gets him out of the store and out of the parking lot. My hero.
So the next time you walk into a store, remember to thank the people behind the counter/register. We put up with a lot of junk every day, and most of us will still smile and wish you a nice day, even when we're ready to punch something.
Which I did, by the way.
