Cashier Hell: What a long day does to a person
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Retail Robin: Follow Directions? You Must Be Joking!

 

1

From Puppies In Prada

So if you've ever shopped at more than one store that has a chip reader, you MIGHT have noticed that no two chip readers are the same (in the USA anyway). There is NO standardization for the process order in which they work.

For some, you can chip it as soon as the transaction starts. For some you have to wait. For some, there are a few extra steps you must take before ever bringing your card in the chip reader's vicinity.

Such is the case at the Animal Shelter Thrift Store.

Keep also in mind that the average customer is incapable of following directions the first time they hear you speak mouth sounds.

Me: "Okay, now before you chip it--"

Customer shoves card in the chip reader.

The chip reader utters a shrill beep and throws an electronic tantrum that I must now soothe.

Me: sigh "BEFORE you chip it..."

Customer: "..oh." pulls card out of the machine.

I soothe my irate digital overlord, push five extra buttons to reset it.

Me: "Okay, before you chip your card, it will want you to confirm the amount. Just push the green circle on the screen--"

NOW I'M POINTING RIGHT AT THE GREEN CIRCLE ON THE SCREEN OF THE CHIP READER! LOOK AT WHAT I'M POINTING AT, YOU INCOMPETENT HACK!

Customer jabs at the keypad. Is ignored. Jabs keypad harder before I can get another word out.

Me: "The green circle on the screen, sir/ma'am." I tap the side of the chip reader to emphasize my pointing. "It ignores the keypad. We don't know why."

Customer: "Oh, yeah, you told me that." Finally does it right.

The card reader beeps happily.

Me: "Okay, NOW you can put your card in, and it will be happy."

In two fucking hours, you get quite a few customers, and unless they're, like, well recognized regulars, they! All! Run Through! This! Conversation!

Dear customers:

1) Learn to listen to directions

2) Follow the goddamn prompt on the goddamn screen telling you the same exact goddamned thing!

3) Stop making me repeat myself!

--Puppies In Prada

 

Comments

Molly_Mog

You have my sympathy. Every single day, they never take a moment to listen to what is said but they know better than a mere till jockey.

Well if we're so fucking stupid how comes you're the ones getting it wrong? REPEATEDLY!

Misty Meanor

Sometimes I think they do that on purpose!

Kai Lowell

Things like this are why I never put my card in till *after* everything's been scanned. Too many machines pitch a fit if you do it too soon. (On the other hand, my parents just shove their cards in right when they get to the register, but at least they'll listen and take it back out again if the machine's touchy...)

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