I try not to be a jerk to cashiers, waitresses, and clerks and the like. But I don't always succeed.
I went to Wal-Mart today, and decided to grab some lunch in the form of chicken tenders at the hot foods bar. I'm not usually a big fan of Wal-Mart's prepared food--sometimes it just seems one step about compressed chicken sweepings and corn flakes mashed into breading--but I was in the mood for it. It was a bit busy, so when I had to stand in line behind three other people I didn't mind.
Right next to the counter was a big sign that said "Meal Deal: One Entree and One Side." No price was given, however, and given the nature of the Wal-Mart selection it wasn't exactly easy to figure out what was an entree and what was a side. So when it became my turn, I needed clarification. I wanted to do it as quickly as possible, because I knew there were people behind me and I didn't want to become That Guy who asks and orders a million things.
The very unfortunate conversation went like this:
Me: "So, how much is the meal deal?" [I point to the sign, which is also visible to the clerk.]
Her: "The three-for-one deal?
Me: "No." [point to sign again, which, again, she can see.] The one entree, one side deal. How much is it?
Her: "Well, the chicken is charged per pound." [I had not mentioned chicken yet.]
Me: "Um, no. I want one entree and one side. How much is it, first?"
Her: "Each individual entree and side has a different price, so it depends on what you want."
Me: "So the Meal Deal has a different price based on what you want?"
Her: "What deal? The three for one deal?"
Me: "No, this sign says one entree, one side. This sign right here. But there's no price on it. How much is the deal?"
Her: "If you get two entrees, it's going to depend on what you get. There's no deal for two entrees."
At this point, I do the thing that people do in movies but not in real life--I whip my hands above my head, palms open, and shout, "You know what? Never mind. Just forget it." Then I make a big show of sadly shaking my head as I walk away.
I know full well I came across as a jerk. And I honestly think it wasn't either of our faults--I think it was just miscommunication. She was handling the complex orders of the people in front of me with no problem, and she was being quick about it. I had just had enough and didn't want to deal with it anymore. We were just on two different pages.
So I ended up getting a completely shitty meal at the next door McDonald's, which was one step above compressed chicken sweepings and corn flakes mashed into breading.
Sooooo True !! Welcome to walmart.,.,.,.,should surely tell you what form of intelligence you are dealing with when you walk through those doors. Good luck at the register next tiem !
ReplyDelete