Crazy Bitch Encounter at Convenience Store Prompts Questions To RHU

From an RHUer:

I’d like to start out saying, I’m not in retail.  For those of you that are, may the good Lord bless and keep you. 

I work in Law Enforcement civilian support.  Which brings me a whole different breed of ‘custys.  But my ‘manager’ comes equipped with a set of handcuffs, retractable baton, and, if all else fails, a gun. convenience

But this happened to me a few weeks ago and I wanted to get some opinions.

I’ll start off with, I wasn’t in the best mood to say the least.  The day before at work had turned into the evening, then night from hell.  I finally got home about eleven and crashed.  Then I’d been woken up very early to be called back in because one of my guys had been shot.  He was OK, but still. 

I’d stopped by a local 24/7 because there was no way I was going to get to work without gas, and a very large coffee.  And though I usually regret it, two boxes of doughnuts for the boys.  (I know cops, doughnuts, insert joke here)

There were a couple people in line in front of me, when she walked up behind me.  First strike, she walked right up behind me.  I’m not comfortable with strangers in my personal space, and really not with them behind me.  Second she reeked of cigarette smoke, which sent my already shaky stomach rolling.  We’ll call her Stinky Bitch.

She cleared her throat and coughed, “I left my wallet in the car.”  I didn’t react because I really didn’t think she was talking to me.   I mean why would she be?  And I’m distracted by the guy who just walked passed to get in line.  Now I’m small.  I know it.  But I’m around big guys all day, every day.  We tend to say, we don’t grow them small around here.  But this guy was HUGE.  Classic biker gear.  Kinda scruffy.  And BIG.  We’ll call him Big Ass Biker Guy.

Then she nudged me with her arm (I really really hope)  “Did you hear me?  I left my wallet in the car.”

I turned.  She’s right there.   Smiling at me all friendly.  Now a few responses went through my mind, each one snarkier then the last.  But I answered.  “OK,” with a shrug and turn back around.

I got to the counter and she stepped up next to me, dropped her stuff, and told the clerk, “I need X brand cigarettes.” 

The clerk rang up my stuff, then swiped the cigarettes.

Me “Uhm, those aren’t mine.”

The clerk looked from me to Stinky Bitch and back.

Stinky Bitch “Oh it’s OK.  I told you my wallet’s in the car.”

Me “And?”  I shook my head at the clerk.

Stinky Bitch “But.  I TOLD you…”  and she patted my arm and gave the clerk a big smile.

And my bitch button has been pushed.  Look out.

Me “And I would assume that is your car parked right outside the door.”  ‘Cause I’m driving the SUV at the gas pump.  And I would assume Big Ass Biker Guy is on the Big Ass Harley out there.  Which leaves the tiny thing held together with rust and bumper stickers.   “I’m sure they’ll hold everything for you.” 

I turned back to the clerk.  “Take the cigarettes off please.”

And the poor clerk panicked.  She tried to clear the cigarettes off and ended up adding one.  Then I guess she tried cancelling the whole transaction and it locked up the register.

Stinky Bitch is still going on.  “Look my money is right outside in the car.”

Me (wishing I’d coasted to the office on fumes) simply said “No.”

Stinky Bitch “No.  What do you mean NO?  You’re calling me a liar??”

Me “Ma’am I don’t know you and am not calling you anything. No means I won’t loan you any money.”

Stinky Bitch “Not even just until I walk to my car.  I can’t believe you!

And Big Ass Biker Guy stepped in.  “Look Bitch.  Either walk out and get your money.  Or walk out and get in your car.  Either way.  WALK OUT.”

The poor clerk managed to get the register going as Bitch slams out of the store.  And of course then the manager emerged from wherever she’d been hiding.  And she rang up the Big Ass Biker Guy at the next register.  Yeah that was necessary.

Stinky Bitch was sitting in her car outside.  So I jotted down the non-emergency number for the office and my name and the name of the sergeant on duty for the clerk and told her if she had any more trouble with the woman to give us a call.  The manager kind of gave me a glare but I ignored her.  I guess Stinky Bitch would have had more to say, but Big Ass Biker Guy walked out with me and she drove away.

I went to work, dove head first into the chaos.  I did brief the sergeant on duty and ranted to a few of my guys as I fed them way too much sugar.  And thought it was over. 

Yeah right.  Now this 24/7 is close to the office and has a decent cup of coffee.  So the guys are in there a lot.  Apparently that day we were in there more than a lot.   And early the next morning the oh so effective manager made a snarky comment to one of the guys about how if she knew that it would increase uniformed traffic so much, she’d have someone harass the ‘pretty little girl’ months ago.

Of anyone, I am so glad she did this to him.  For one he’s known me since birth.  He was one of the ones I ranted to when I got to the office. And two, he can be really scary sometimes.  He won’t tell me exactly what he said to her.  Did tell me she looked pale when he was done.  And he did say that he reminded her of the incidents we were dealing with, which was probably why so many of us were fueling up on coffee.  And he made it clear that if she had a problem, the officers would certainly start buying their coffee elsewhere.  He said she stammered out some apology as he was leaving. 

So now opinions :

One – does this happen?  I mean the ‘left my wallet in the car’ b.s.?  Or do I just attract the crazies?  Did she actually think someone would just pay for her shit?

Two – did I overstep?  I am sure the store has the non-emergency number, but I gave it to the clerk anyway.  I wasn’t sure if Stinky Bitch was going to wait around and try this again or come in and give the kid a hard time.  But the manager seemed irritated, obviously.

Thanks for letting me rant.  And thanks again to Big Ass Biker Guy.  I can take care of myself, my guys have been determined to teach me that.  But it’s always good to have back up.

 

Comments

[Lauren Ferrero]

Hi from jolly ol' England! Can I just say: who the hell does she think she is? Both the crusty AND the manager? I've personally never heard of that "loaning" thing happen between complete strangers, and I'm shocked that anyone would have the balls (and lack of brains) to do such a thing! And no, I don't think you overreacted. The cashier sounds new, so she was freaking out; the crusty was rude and entitled, which always makes me panic a bit at work; and it's natural to vent your feelings in a good rant. Keep doing what you're doing, you're great! :-)

[cashykat]

I think the whole I left my wallet in the car was b.s. She probably smoked her last pack and left her house without any money.

Wth was with the manager? That douche needs to grow some balls!

[Ted the 'Flayer]

I must confess that I am likewise puzzled. I've never had this sort of thing happen before, and I am not sure why the manager was being such a tool about it...

[Beximus]

Firstly, I'm astounded by that woman. I haven't heard of someone acting with that much cheek in a long time. She probably thought she could nice you all up and make you forget she owed you. Makes you wonder how many times that's worked.

Secondly, that manager needs some serious talking to. I'd hate to think what that poor cashier has to go through in work each day.

Definitely no overreaction on your part.

[The Last Archimedean]

I'd have told the bitch trying to con you into paying for her crap to get the &^^^%%$ out of the store if she wasn't going to pay for her own stuff. And I wouldn't have been as polite as you were.

I don't think you overreacted at all.

[greenie]

A few years ago I had a stranger ask if I would pay for her smokes. She said she left her purse at home, but if I gave her my address she would mail me the money. I told her that it wasn't the money, that for one I did not give out my address to strangers and two I wasn't going to pay for her habit if she wanted I'd buy her a coke, but not cigs. She called me a bitch and walked off in a huff.

[carotte]

1. that sounds like some kind of scam, the only moment I could see this happen is in a real emergency problem "I'm having a bad allergy reaction and need to buy an epi-pen at this here pharmacy counter but my money is more than 30sec away in my car, please help me" ( but I'm pretty sure the pharmacy would get you the epi-pen and then make you pay).
My answer would have been like your, "ok", then a "then go get it, the cigs ain't gonna get up and walk away."
2. you did the good thing, the cashier might have not known about your office, her manager could have withheld this info or told her not to call you guys, and even if she did you a) showed that you cared, b) that you had her back if something happened, c) that someone in law enforcement could actually testify if something happened.
Manager was way out of line

[twiztidlette]

God, the audacity of some people boggles my mind..You definitely didn't do anything wrong.

[melmcl]

First as a retired gas station attendant, thank you for giving your number. Second, it takes some big balls to even think of asking someone to buy something for them, anywhere! But walking up to someone and just trying to sneak it in kind of makes me feel like stealing right in front of your face. And third, the manager's response would almost make me quite going there. I'm stuck sometimes going to a station where the staff is rude and the manager is a crazy bitch. It's the only one between my work and home (I live in the boons). Your choice to stay or go, but if you stay, you can always drive the manager crazy.

[LadyBelle]

The manager is pissy because she got caught not doing her job. She was probably in the back texting or talking on the phone. When she came out and saw a uniform she knew that if anyone complained they wouldn't dismiss your complaints like that of an average custy, so she would of actually been held accountable. Then the fact you guys are men and you were being nice to a female besides her, a younger one at that, well that just isn't right in her mind and deserves a snarky comment.

[Soft Ice Girl]

Wow, what a bitch! How can someone be such a snarky scammer?
I never encountered someone who asked me to pay for their shit, and I would not do it. Exceptions are food for someone homeless (it happened a few times that someone from the streets asked me to buy them a packed snadwich or a bunch of bananas which I always did, but these are necessary things and not cigs), and if someone was short on a few cents, then I used to help them out because it is not much of an inconvenience.
But freaking cigarettes?? Bitch!

[CallMeRed]

Definitely a scam in action. Awesome that scary biker guy chose to assist. Personal observation is that scary biker guys are often the best custys.

[CrazyCatLady]

I've had someone who looked drunk trying to get me to add their cigarettes to my bill because I was "taking too long".

Also, once when I was at work someone popped in for cigarettes and did leave their wallet in their car - so they went out to get it, only to be stopped by the police who happened to be driving past. They'd parked directly outside our door and there are zig zag lines for no parking.

[Pagemaster]

Sounds like the woman picked you out because she thought you'd be the weakest out of the pack and she would get away with bullying you. I haven't ever heard of such an insane thing in my entire life, I really..cannot even imagine this as something a person could possibly think is an acceptable thing to do...

[Cherry IScream]

If I'm honest, I'm more pissed off by the manager's response. Maybe they were just making a stupid joke, but an employee feeling uncomfortable is never ok.

[RHUN00B]

Fortunately, the general consensus seems to be that cigarette mooch is an isolated incident. No one has ever done that with me. However, there's little doubt in my mind that she'll try to pull the same crap again.

The manager is unbelievable. If she has a superior, I'd definitely inform them of what went down.

Finally, you absolutely did not overreact. You made the best of a shitty situation and tried to look out for everybody while making sure that cigarette mooch got put in her place for once. Most importantly, you're that cashier's hero.

[NC Tony]

Wow, that's the first time I think I've ever heard of that happening. I probably would have had the same reaction though.

"I left my wallet in the car."

"Well then, I guess you'd better go get it."

Who (besides this dumbass) does that?! Just randomly assumes someone will pay for something for them? I think we all know that she had no intentions of paying you back. Like others said, it was a good thing Big Ass Biker guy put his two cents in. As for her waiting outside, I think she was hoping the two of you would leave separately so she could yell at you again for not buying her smokes for her. But it makes me wonder, how often does she do this? Was it just a one time thing, or does she do this all the time? I bet she'll think twice about trying it again though.

And WHAT IN THE FUCKING HELL IS WRONG WITH THAT MANAGER? I would love to know what your co worker said to her, but I do like the fact that it ended with letting her know that the boys in blue would have no problem getting coffee elsewhere. I don't usually condone getting someone fired (since a lot of crustys threaten us with that, but this is one time I wouldn't shed a tear to hear she got canned for allowing customers to bully her employees.

I hope neither one of those "people" (Stinky Bitch and the manager) never, ever breed.

[RDM]

I had a coworker once (in a non-retail position) who would sometimes forget his wallet at home and ask me to loan him the price of a cup of coffee. I'd either buy his coffee for him (and he'd reciprocate later in the week when he had his wallet) or I'd loan him $20 so neither of us had to try to remember later how much I had loaned him. I've never had a stranger try to get me to buy them something like that, though.

For what it's worth, if I had been in your shoes I would have done the same thing, RHUer. Plus the next time I saw Big Ass Biker Guy I'd buy his coffee for him.

[Sales Agent Guy]

OK, first off, that thing about the wallet in the car sounds like a lame excuse to try to bum free money off of someone. I ride the train a lot, and there's this one guy who's ALWAYS saying he's short for a one-way ticket on one of the lines, and begs constantly, saying he needs to get home. I've seen him there several times. If you had loaned her the money, she would've jumped into the car and driven off laughing, so you did the right thing.

Second, you did the right thing giving her the number, since things could easily have been worse. The manager needs to grow a pair.

[JCS]

Poster here. Thanks for the responses. Just to clarify: I don’t wear a uniform. Though I wonder how things would’ve played if I did, but being in uniform and unarmed isn’t the best combo in this day and age. As for going back, yes I do. It’s convenient and a really good coffee. It’s been a few weeks and the clerk is still hanging in. The manager has been overly friendly and ‘helpful’ the couple times I’ve seen her. You know “finding everything OK?” I just say yes, but I’m thinking “You mean did I find the coffee? In the same place it’s been for years? Yeah.” Whatever. I don’t want to make a big deal out of it. As the department’s surrogate little sister I don’t want anyone riled.

As for the Stinky Bitch, yeah I got that it was a scam. But I’m naturally suspicious and the job hasn’t done anything to change that. I guess I just wondered if a lot of people tried this but it sounds like no. I guess she just thought I looked like an easy mark. So she’s really a Stupid Stinky Bitch.

[anonymous]

Okay, so I used to tag along with my dad when he was a trucker. Apparently this was a pretty common thing for truck stop prostitutes to do. The whole "I'll pay you back when I get to my car" is also a really common line. But they aren't paying you with money.

But I doubt that was the situation here, heh. Just wanted to mention this offshoot of the same scam. Gosh this post sent me back.

[TechTiger]

"I left my wallet in the car."
"If you take cranberries and stew them like applesauce they taste much more like prunes than rhubarb does. Yay random quote day!"

Used to work nights at a convienence store and people tried all kinds of scams on me. Then was the fun stuff, like a friend who came up and put a gun on the counter, said 'Look what I just got!'. He was just showing it off to a friend, didn't really think about what it was... I said 'Are you out of your mind!?' and took it and put it under the counter. We stood and talked for a few minutes so the cameras could see that I wasn't being robbed, then I gave it back to him (wiping my prints off under the counter with a cloth in the process).

Never had anybody try the 'I left it in the car', without adding 'buy me some', though. Did have one half toothless old town prostitute offer me some (highly unwelcome, even to an 18 year old virgin... she looked like about halfway through the 'faces of meth' pics)...

(Aah! The data vampires ate my post! :P )

[Jennie]

*sigh*

I've never had the "left my wallet in the car" scam, but I get the "I'm a little short" all of the time. Every time the person has either been buying non-necessities and/or has had a lot of things and could easily put one item back.

I had a kid (around 10 years old) who would come in all of the time and shoplift or tear apart the store. One time he wanted to buy a king-sized Snickers and didn't have enough money. I suggested he get the regular-sized Snickers since he had plenty of money for that. Anyway, long story short, the kid left the candy bar on my counter and stomped out yelling and swearing. His mother ended up calling my boss and told him I was rude to her son and had refused to sell the candy bar. My boss lectured me about good customer service even after I explained what really happened. Shortly after that the kid was banned from the store for shoplifting one too many times.

You did the right thing and definitely did not overreact! Good for you!

*sigh*

[Conspiracy Girl]

I was at the drug store once after work, got up to the register, and realized that I didn't have my wallet with me. I had accidentally left it at work a block away (on the counter, thank goodness my coworker had spotted it and put it away!). So I politely asked the cashier to hold my basket of items, drove back to work and got my wallet, drove back to the store, and paid for my items. Which is what a reasonable person does. Stinky Bitch? Was a scammer.

[Trixie A]

Let me start with a thank you for your actions with the cashier. No, you didn't overreact, either. Big Ass Biker Guy is probably my favorite kind of Custy though. They may look bad ass, and they are, but they know how to treat people and look more scary (sometimes) than they actually are.

I've worked in customer service for the better part of two decades and have seen a LOT, but have yet to see something like that! I actually manage a convenience store where I live and while we do a lot of work that the customer doesn't see our priority is customer service. The manager was out of line for her comments and unless she owns the store, she does have a boss (several, in fact) to report to.

[ScanGunMonkey]

Y'know....I never thought about it, but the town I live/work in has this festival once a year, for people who enjoy Bikes...Blues...and perhaps barbecued meat...and that week when the whole tri-county area's crawling with bikers is consistently the awesomest week to work customer service/retail EVER. They're polite, and they tend to scare off the shitheads. :D

[Meeliissa]

This is all over craigslist and I want to know what cmanopy it is before I respond. I already work in cosmetics at a department store, and I'm looking for full time. Does anyone know what brand/company this is?Retail Cosmetics Sales RepresentativeLocation: Leading makeup brand is seeking dynamic sales people to generate and increase retail department store salesResponsibilities:• Follow and implement training as per session plans provided by cmanopy• High standard of product knowledge to be attained at all times• Stay current on product knowledge for all Cosmetics lines to remain competitive• Ensure a high level of customer service is provided at all times• While in store greet and acknowledge everyone in a prompt and courteous manner• Always visual merchandise Gondola as per Checklist (i.e. cleaning, dusting and arranging merchandise) and check stock• Service multiple customers easily and efficiently• Utilize makeup artistry and demonstration skills• Meet or exceed sales and productivity goals• Comply with all hygiene standards• Build relationships with customers and store group• Step into whatever role is needed for the benefit of the brand• Travel interstate and to regional areas as required• Submit weekly, monthly quarterly reports to the Vice President of Sales Operations• To be punctual, professional and operate with effective time management at all times.• Other duties as instructedRequirements:• MUST have retail department store experience.• This position requires your own vehicle, valid driver license and your own insurance.Compensation:• Depends on experienceWhat we offer:• Full benefit package with insurance, vacation, and retirement savings plan.Please include salary requirements with your resume and cover letter. Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.

[Kamlesh]

I have done customer sevcire for five years with Bed, Bath, and Beyond and K-Mart, and worked for AlliedBarton Security Services for 8 months. I have done retail sales for two years and training for three years. What jobs and industries should I consider working in? I also have a Bachelor Degree in Human Resources Management.

[Carlo]

Thanks Trav.David, I agree. I am no devotee of Piper and Driscoll, etc. But these fewolls obviously feel they have a solid case from Scripture and direct quotations from Jesus to support the traditional doctrine of hell as an eternal conscious torment. For instance:Matthew 25:41,46Matthew 5: 22Matthew 18:8-9Matthew 25:30So do we reject a difficult teaching of Jesus because it is unpalatable and offends our post-modern, pluralistic sensibilities? Do we ignore these teachings because they might offend our non-Christian friends? That is not the solution. The solution is to hold these teachings in tension with the teachings about the love and acceptance of God and, in the end, maybe admit we don't have a complete understanding of how these seemingly insoluble teachings fit together. If I have one criticism of Rob Bell, he seems to be arguing along the lines of It seems offensive and unfair to have a hell like that. I don't understand it and I don't like how it looks to outsiders. So I'm going to reject it and throw it out. . That is simplistic and not the solution I would expect from a sophisticated Christian leader and teacher.

[Laila]

PPI has a VERY high volatility. And in the case of pork the reenct price rise corresponds to a depression of the price during the last years when many meat producers have just gone out of business.And taking PPI in front of the depressed values of Armageddon in last March as something to care for, well, is just a bit strange...

[Liz]

As the owner of several restuarants, and doing a Groupon for our business; my experience was pleasant.We rarely discount our prices, but do offer rewards and miles for certain card holders.For me, it was a great way for our current customer base to enjoy eating at our restuarants at a discount. It also allowed for several customers that couldn't afford to eat with us, due to the downturn in the economy, to enjoy a meal or two.I think if Groupon sales equal more than 20% or so, then the business has not done enough to build up seperate, independent customer bases. Its when a single source of incomes from a concentrated customer, that business stability comes into question. It's one of the reasons why businesses that used traditional media, during the decline of the newspaper and tv ratings, also lost business. For example, our Groupon, coupon and mileage dining discounts only account for 5-8% of our monthly sales, which is where I want it.As far as conversion of Groupon users to customers for a family owned restaurant that is unique and personal, we have made it work for us, making most of the Groupon people into dining once per week.My only complaint with them is the pay structure being paid out over 60 days, but I have aging accounts that I would love to have them pay me within 60 days.Great midnight read . Reply

[Gamze]

Nicely written! I've been isretented in the controversy over this book and its' counterpart, Erasing Hell by Francis Chan and someone else. I appreciate the insight. I think Rob Bell is good at making Christianity appealing to a large number of people but I fear he might sugarcoat it or trivialize it for the sake of outreach. Then again, I have done very little research and have only read one book of his, so I'm not one to offer a professional opinion.

[Eric]

Labor Outsider, you're sounding like a Liberal Insider. This crsiis has revealed just how much right-wing economic claptrap has influenced otherwise sensible Lefties.I can't say for certain that the government will have to raise taxes in the future to pay for the stimulus. Chance are they will, but it could be a very small amount. If we had of done what Turnbull wanted permanent tax cuts we'd have much bigger problems in the future. We've cut taxes by that much that governments here and around the world could literally double the top tax rate and they'd still not be at the levels we had in the post-war era (assuming they pay any taxes at all). And in any case, I happen to think that taxes for the wealthy are too low and growing inequality a real worry (here and everywhere else). Besides, Australia has virtually no government debt. We could be spending four the amount and more of what we're spending and only then catch up to the debt levels of comparable countries.If the Libs hadn't cut capital gains tax, imagine how much more money the government would have, instead of it going ..we're did it go, exactly?Paulus, part of the stimulus a minority portion has gone to personal payments (most has gone on physical infrastructure). The government has done it this way for a very simple reason: time. The most important thing about the stimulus package is not that money is spent on worthy things or that it fits into the Tory/Protestant work ethic of who is deserving and who isn't. The important thing is to inject money into the economy fast. It's like an injection of blood before emergency surgery begins.

[Rebecka]

not to believe the rbibush about the stimulus not stimulating, and I think the next stimulus going to younger people will stimulate even more. And keep this in mind: there's a world-wide recession the likes of which we haven't seen since the big D in the 30 s I find it amazing that we've only had a 2% drop. After all, the media has been wall-to-wall economic armaggedon and people are worried. It's like those clowns who say Japan's stimulus didn't work during their lost decade I wonder what would have happened if they didn't spend.And Craig Mc: you have to deal with the economy you've got. I'm guessing there's between 1 to 2 million (more?) jobs in retail. The government is simply responding to that reality. I'd prefer that more people worked in good union jobs in, say, manufacturing, but I still wouldn't call a retail job the drain .The Libs want to create the impression that most of the stimulus is going on the cash splash . That's just dishonest. Overwhelmingly money is being spent on things like building new school buildings and other public works. The cash splash is just to fill the gap until the public works can get up and running.My only complaint about the 2 stimulus packages is that they aren't large enough (though it was about the size sensible economists said it should be).

[Emilio]

Porter Ranch and wondered where my raetutbl was to his comments. I do have to confess, i may have come off a bit harsh to Chris in my first comments. He is a Brother in Christ, Forgive me. I wish to continue the conversation for the sake of allowing the love of Christ to be heard.

[Jose]

more info about the potential pitlflas to Groupon check out The Retail Doctor, Bob Phib's website: Bob Phibs has a ton of info on his blog about Groupon and other discounting strategies and

[Charlotte]

We've arivred at the end of the line and I have what I need!

[Nining]

Hi Sherin,Thanks for including my post in this caviarnl. I've read up your some of your posts and I like your thoughts and ideas. Perhaps we can exchange bloglink to benefit our readers.Great job!Nash Dadameah

[Tanya]

Looking to make a little money on the side or start your own bunsseis. How about selling products online without any startup capital required. You can start your own bunsseis for free. I did. I learned about just a few weeks ago. It enables you to make designs and to sell your designs on T-shirts, hats, mugs, stickers and other items. The best part about it, is they make the products...you don't do anything other than to make the designs. It is free to set up a shop...then you just sit back and watch your products sell...you receive commissions on each sale! I am doing so well that I created a webpage just to help display and track all of the "shops" that I have opened. Feel free to check it out.

[Miss Red]

What the...? Did some other messageboards explode somewhere and the shrapnel land here? What's with all the random postings?

[The Last Archimedean]

@Miss Red: spambots. Wish we could just delete the spam postings.