Customers need to keep their receipts. Even if you may never plan on returning the item, it is the proof of purchase that will aid you just in case something goes wrong. We are unable to help the customer if they do not have their receipt because of the many scams that have been brought upon us. I thought I had every scam down until this grandma came to me with a very sad story…
Intercom – I need a PIC (Personal in charge) up front please!
I see an older lady who’s in her mid 60′s with gray hair, blue jeans, and black tennis shoes with her laces untied.
Me: Hi, what can I help you with?
Hustling Grandma I pre-ordered a cake and I’m here to pick it up.
I look for the cake and don’t see anything that would be considered a unique cake.
Me: I don’t see anything Ma’am. Do you have a receipt?
Hustling Grandma: I don’t have it but I paid for it yesterday.
Usually the bakery would note if the customer had paid for the cake but there wasn’t anything written nor an order under her name.
Me: I don’t see anything here that says you bought a cake from us. Are you sure this is the right store?
Hustling Grandma: Yes this is the place! I was here yesterday!
At this point she’s getting antsy…
Hustling Grandma: Can I just get another cake? I paid for it already! I have kids in the car who’s mother died and I promised them a cake! I can’t go out there empty handed!
Me: Ma’am, if you do not have any proof that you bought the cake then there isn’t much that I can do for you.
Hustling Grandma: Well your going to have to tell the kids that there’s no cake!
I was shocked that she requested such a thing. I didn’t have to do it but then again maybe there aren’t any kids and she’s just pulling a fast one. So I said, “Sure” to call her bluff and even if there was any kids, how hard can it be?
I walked out with her towards her car when I see about 6 kids in a blue station wagon with their faces plastered against the window as if they were anticipating something. A bit taken back, I said…
Me: So what kind of cake was that again?
It turns out no cake was ever ordered and we no longer let customers pre-pay for their orders.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey man, I just wanted to tell you i love this blog!! I live in Oregon too, not in Portland but i have been there many times. Keep it up, I love coming here and reading every day
Hey Paul, how many kid’s hearts have you broken today!? Man that sucks. That lady goes into the “how low can you go” competition for November.
I would’ve asked the lady what time she came in, who helped her ring up the cake, etc and get the employee to verify, if they were working when she came in. That’s pretty low to pull that kind of BullSh#t. I wouldn’t even go out to see the kids, I’d tell her no proof of purchase, you’re sol. Whats to say that about anything you claim to buy without a receipt? Also tell her that you’ll review the security camera’s to call her out..