Writer's Block: Tales from the Registers

[radmoose]

[Error: unknown template qotd]I used to work at Radio Shack (yes, back when it was two words.)

A customer bought a product, took it home, used it, engraved his name and personal information on the back panel and then after a couple weeks decided that he didn't want it. It was working fine, he just didn't want it anymore. Since the product was no longer in sellable condition, I offered to take it back less the cost of a new back panel (it was about $100 for the item and the panel was around $10.)

He threw a fit. He started yelling and screaming.  I just stood there behind the counter in my nice button down shirt, tie, slacks, shiny shoes and name tag. He then started to personally abuse me, then he reached for my tie.  Now, since I don't really like ties, I just wore one because it was required.  As he grabbed the tie, I stepped back.  

*snap* 

He looked at me, he looked at the tie in his hand, he looked at me, the tie, me, the tie... this went on for way too long. 

Yeah, I was wearing a clip on tie that day. =)

He threw the tie at me and left without saying another word, leaving behind the product he wanted to return.

Of course there were many other stories about working at the Shack.

One of my favorites was a German couple who proceeded to talk to each other in German about the 'product' but were really berating my co-worker who was helping them. They turned to him and said that they needed to go talk about it more and would be back. He said that he enjoyed helping them and looked forward to their return... in perfect German.  They then realized that he heard everything they said.  They ended up buying a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff =P

Comments

[voicesofheather.livejournal.com]

You don't know me, but I wanted to say I enjoyed your black friday stories :}

[weak-to-strong.livejournal.com]

I found your post under the writer's block answers. I had to tell you how funny your post is. I laughed so hard when I read it was only a clip on tie! :)

[dazzlebug.livejournal.com]

Another one just stopping by to say, what an awesome story! Loves it.

[savyleartist.livejournal.com]

I love the story about the german couple!!!

[spout-mercury.livejournal.com]

Another random commentor because I saw your post under today's Writer's Block.

Great stories. The tie thing was excellent. The German response was even better.

[adrianfox.livejournal.com]

nice! I like the one about the german couple. =3

I used to work in retail at a japanese store, and people used to do the same thing around me, only in japanese. I learned just enough of that language to tell when I'm bein spoken poorly of.

[radmoose.livejournal.com]

Awww... thanks for the comment =) (and good luck with your job search!)

[radmoose.livejournal.com]

=) Thanks! I am glad it came across OK. I wasn't sure if it was one of those "had to be there" moments.

[radmoose.livejournal.com]

Thank you for taking the time to comment =) Glad you enjoyed it!

[radmoose.livejournal.com]

Yeah, it was pretty funny. I didn't know German, but was right there when it happened.... felt like something odd just happened and then my cow-orker told me what they did.

[radmoose.livejournal.com]

Ah... thanks and thanks!

There are LOTS of stories with the team I worked with, but those are two that stood out when it came to the topic.

I appreciate you taking the time to comment =)

[radmoose.livejournal.com]

Hey! *mogerhugs*

Thanks for the comment!

There are LOTS of stories about working in retail....

I bet you did have a lot of interesting situations.

I have another story (where the customer was right) but we just pretended we had no clue. =)

I will probably post that one sometime.