Customer Blackmail
Customers come in all shapes, sizes, and attitudes. I had an opportunity the other day to meet a gentleman(term loosely used) who I now call the Blackmailer. This is the type of customer who believes so fervently in the "Customer is Always Right" attitude that they believe that they can leverage it against you to get anything they want.
Mr. Blackmailer came into the store the other day seeking out a lawnmower blade. Now, anyone in retail knows that stores are usually a couple of months ahead of the season. Hence the reason you will see Halloween in stores from now through October and why you saw back to school items just as school was getting out. The basic thing is you have to have time to sell through the old season to make room for the new. Mr. Blackmailer didn't get this no matter how I tried to explain it to him.
Mr. Blackmailer did notice that we had some lawnmowers left over and at this point it came out. "You want to make me a satisfied customer, give me the blade off that lawnmower." The thought went through my mind of course Yeah, I'm going to deface a $200 machine to get you a $12 part. I told him I couldn't do that and let him know that he could likely order the part through the company that made the mower. Of course, Mr. Blackmailer only pays for everything in cash.
It was at this point I let him know that I would search for it at other stores, but because it was the end of the season I didn't think there would be much luck. I also let him know I would try to order the part and it would be at least two weeks before it came in. His reply to me was 'This isn't treating me right and I know BigBox Store is supposed to take care of me. I've got a big truck with a big tailgate that is perfect for telling people exactly how you treated me today and I travel all up and down the coast. If you don't get me that part, that's what I'll do."
Unfortunately, I'm not able to find a part. When telling this story to the other people in my store they laugh and roll their eyes much the same as me. Some people just aren't happy unless they're being miserable, I guess. I feel sorry for Mr. Blackmailer and if you see a pick-up truck with a sign explaining poor customer service on the Maine coastal routes, well...now you know the story.
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