While awaiting to order my Venti Earl Grey tea this afternoon, I noticed a woman at the service counter who was getting agitated. She was standing with a friend who looked most uncomfortable to be in her presence, maybe it was because the rather largesque woman was having a low-blood sugar fit or maybe it was the inappropriate tight outfit she was wearing, I’ll never know. But this is what I’ve overheard:
Barista (loudly): Grande Double Moccaccino Whip (or something like that)
Large-Agitated-Form-Fitted-Clothed-Woman (also loudly):Huh! That was supposed to be a VENTI!
Barista: Oh, I’m very sorry, I will change this right away
Large-Agitated-Form-Fitted-Clothed-Woman: Huh! No, I’ve already waited 10 minutes for this, now I’m late for work!!! Thanks a lot!
Barista: Again, I’m very sorry about that.
When it was time to order, I told the cashier, who had also caught the mini-tiff by the large-agitated-form-fitted-clothed-woman, that it was no surprise he got the drink wrong as I swore I heard her order a “Venti triple fat double crisco with a shot of shortening infused with lard”.
Once again, I got my tea for free.
One of these days, some author will make the rounds and write the tales of those who suffer in silence behind the counter of various retail and food establishments in the city. Until that time, they should be issued with cattle prods to use on the more obnoxious types. (hey D.R., I was awake and spelled “cattle” right this time!)
Personally, I’d take the more obnoxious types and chum the lake with them… gotta feed the fishies somehow.
They could not pay me enough to work behind a counter and deal with idiots and arseholes all day long.
And yet, I’m left wondering when being a rude prick became the standard of behaviour these days. My few favourite establishments downtown, I’ve always treated the staff well, and they have always returned the favour and treated me extremely well, and I continue to recommend them to anyone who asks.
With that type of schmuck walking the street and infecting society, it’s no wonder customer service is sliding so much in some places.
excellent!