GiantChickDicks

Terminally stupid in this case.

This is important to bring up. If we want to stop being subjected to this kind of fuckery, we need to unite and vote with our dollars. I love making egg-based dishes, but there are other options. The real problem is most people struggle with the idea of making sacrifices to get what they want later. Just don't buy eggs as an average consumer if they are that unaffordable.

In the United States, we are spoiled for choice when we shop. We're used to being able to get what we want when we want it, and that's led to a sense of entitlement. Eat other things, get creative. Look up effective substitutions for eggs in baking.

We don't have to take this. So don't.

No. Working in retail is a direct exchange of goods for money. You follow the policies of that establishment, or you take your business elsewhere. You don't have an actual tantrum over something so trivial and get catered to.

I'm now in a position where I have autonomy over what I offer to customers, and I agree with your principle. It doesn't apply in this situation, though.

Yes, let's reward that behavior with a treat in front of other people.

This is a situation that's a one-off where someone not used to the normal customer experience reacted unreasonably. If you give in and allow their behavior to override the rules of doing business with that establishment, you not only encourage that person to continue acting out to get their way, but you also send a problematic message to the customers watching this interaction.

I'm glad it was helpful! Staying zen in the face of an irate or confrontational customer isn't easy, but it's the most effective way I have found to manage these types of situations. Rules and policies are in place for a reason, and I'm not going to be bullied into unfairly breaking rules for an asshole. If people are nice and respectful I will do everything in my power to assist however I can, but entitled people need to stop being catered to. The fact that their behavior gets them what they want is exactly why they treat people this way.

I've been in customer service in various roles for over twenty years. I've spent the last six in different positions in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and am currently at a pet food manufacturer. Anything involving people's pets leads to highly emotional situations, especially when things don't go the way pet owners are hoping. I've dealt with people on some of the worst days of their lives. This leads to a lot of heated interactions.

You're absolutely right, your coworker's choice to give in to this man's tantrum is not how that should have been handled. It rewards Karen's nasty behavior, and it sends the wrong message to other customers. Staying calm, explaining policies simply, and not becoming defensive or arguing points that don't matter is important. My golden rule is to avoid letting a customer get a reaction out of me by all means necessary. I usually tire them out with calm kindness and repetition, because they're used to making people uncomfortable to get their way. I've got all day, Karen. At least I'm getting paid for this, while they're wasting their own time.

Old enough to know better.

Oh my gosh, she looks so nice! I think it's about time for those of us they'd never expect to stand up and start burning it all down.

If you would be so kind to pick some of us up along the way, I'll make sure I have a bag packed with booze and other necessities here in Wisconsin. I want to get drunk and burn things with my Canadian friends. I love hanging out with you guys.

No worries! The climate catastrophies will get most of us well before cancer does.

Was it, though?

The only way to combat such ignorance is to be loud. Be vocal when you're doing good work. People follow examples, so be that.