If there was ever a reason to hate people, this is it. An hour into my shift, and 5 minutes into Trista’s shift, I had the “pleasure” of dealing with the only customer that I told, straight out, I didn’t want coming back.
He presented Trista with a complicated order, but explained it in such a matter that she didn’t get it. Neither did I, at first. After the second time she asked him to clarify, he said (I quote), “This is ridiculous. Can I get someone who isn’t stupid to take my order?” That was strike one against the asshole.
I get to the register, take his order, and go back to get some crusts, only to find Trista sitting by the schedule/sink nook, eyes red and puffy, tears streaming down her cheeks. That was strike two. The final one, since I don’t have a “Three Strikes” policy. I make his pizza, and, as I’m wrapping it, ask him “Can you do me a favor?”
Him: “What?”
Me: “Next time, check your attitude at the door.”
Him: “What attitude? She was an idiot.”
Me: “I’ve got a crew member in the back, crying because of your uncalled for words. I don’t need that, and neither does she.”
Him: “I think what you need to do is hire competent employees.”
Me: “I have a store full of competent employees.”
Him: “Well, she was young and probably new.”
Me: “She’s been her almost 3 years, and is one of my best. It’s not my fault, nor hers, that you chose to communicate your order poorly.”
Him: “Maybe I should take my business elsewhere.”
Me: “That’d be best for us both, since I don’t need customers who enjoy hurting my crew.”
This may have gone over the line, but as he walked out…
Me: “And set a better example for your daughter by not making women cry in public.” (He had his wife and kid with him, who had left the instant I started chewing him out.)
I will admit, I was shaking the whole time. I’m not going to pretend I’m Mr. Badass and was staring him down, sensing his fear. He was a cocky asshole, and probably doesn’t care at all what I said. What I cared about was that he made her cry. Not only is Trista a crew member, she’s a close friend. I’m protective of both. I won’t mourn the loss of a customer like him.
4 Comments
Check your attitude at the door. Nice.
Hey buddy, I don’t know how else to reach you since I can’t really access the forums. I hope all is good and I will see you soon! Wooo!
That made great reading. I hate assholes like that, they never think that maybe they did something wrong, and that theyr the problem. I thought you handled the whole situation really well, sounds like you kept your cool, but that he got the message.
Neko Case is gonna be in Madison soon. Just thought you might like to know.
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