When should I call a manager?

[excuse me??]

Recently I've had 2 customers with some personal issues.

Both became abusive after asking the same question numerous times because the answer was basically the same (given politely & professionally) that we did not carry that they wanted. oh.. they would keep starring at our selection for a half hour and would not believe their own eyes either (or their reality). Then they would blow up like a two year old and cause trouble, lie, etc.

How many times should I repeatedly answer a customer's simple question? I'm thinking that after 3 times, I should call a manager and get away from them. What do you think?

[Der Cute]

2 or 3 times, especially if the customer gets...fussier with each round.

Too bad you can't hand them a bottle of water with magic prozac in it or something to calm them down LOL.

Cutenoob

[bainsidhe]

Depends how quickly they become irate and how quickly you approach smacking them with a clue-by-four. When I see I'm getting nowhere, I'll gladly offer to call a manager for them. Adding that the manager will tell them the same thing is always a nice touch.