Next Time I Should Just Lie

[CrazyShoeGirl]

This actually happened last week, but I've just now had time to post it.
First, I should let you know a bit of background. I have a very odd sized foot, it is small a narrow. Basically, almost none of the shoes in my store will fit me properly, and I usually end up wearing boots because I know I won't walk out of the heel. This fact will be important later in my story.

So, early last weekend I had a woman come into my store and begin looking at our clearence section. I went up to help her, and the following conversation took place:

SC: sucky customer
Me: obviously
L: manager

SC: I bought a pair of your shoes a couple of years ago, and they were the really comfortable. I want another pair, but I REFUSE to pay full price for them.

Me: (already knowing this will not go well.) Alright I'll see what I can do. What exactly are you looking for?

SC: A low heel, basic black dress shoe that I can wear to a wedding next week. It has to be a closed shoe, and really comfy. I am a size, (insert really common size that I have almost no clearence shoes in).

I go into the back and begin looking, somehow I manage to find two pairs that fit this description. Neither of which she likes because they are not pretty enough.

SC: (holding a regular price shoe): I will pay full price for this one if you can tell me it is the most comfortable shoe ever.

I pride myself on not lying to the customer to make a sale. The particular shoe she had was not one I had ever had anyone try on, and because, like most shoes, it doesn't fit me, I could not tell her how comfy it was. Also because everyone has different types of feet, I always recommend they try it on anyway.

Me: I cannot tell you that, (go into speech about how I've never had it on anyone, and it doesn't fit me.) Also, everybody is different, and what one finds comfortable, someone else doesn't. Why don't you sit down, I'll get your size, and you can try it and see if you find it comfortable.

SC: LOOK, I DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THIS! All I wanted was for you to tell me it was the most comfortable shoe I'll ever buy. OBVIOUSLY YOU CANNOT DO THIS. I WILL NOT BUY IT.

She then slams the shoe back on the shelf and storms out. Me and my manager L is just staring in disbelief.

L: What was her problem?
Me: I don't know.
L: You know that wasn't your fault. You just got yelled at for telling the truth.
Me: Ya I know. Maybe next I should try lying.

We both had a good laugh about this one. Although L is still not quite sure what to make of her.

[mariamousie1]

I bet she wanted you to say it so she could bring it back for a refund and yell at you when it turned out to be not the most comfortable shoe in the world.

[CancelMyService]

Quoth mariamousie1

I bet she wanted you to say it so she could bring it back for a refund and yell at you when it turned out to be not the most comfortable shoe in the world.

That and she was obviously just looking to "rent" the shoes for a wedding and was hoping you'd give her a reason for returning them.

[Imogene]

"Ma'am, I can't say it's the most comfortable pair of shoes in the world for one really easy reason: I have yet to try every single damn pair of shoes in the world. On top of that, I much prefer wandering around barefoot."

[Seshat]

Quoth CrazyShoeGirl

Although L is still not quite sure what to make of her.

L doesn't need to make anything of her. The customer is well on the way to making herself the World's Biggest Pain In The Ass.

[Geek King]

Quoth Juwl

"Ma'am, I can't say it's the most comfortable pair of shoes in the world for one really easy reason: I have yet to try every single damn pair of shoes in the world. On top of that, I much prefer wandering around barefoot."

Not to mention the obvious drive-a-Mack-truck-through-it logic hole of "if they were the most comfortable pair in the world, why arn't I wearing them?"

[aurelemsrealm]

Okay, lady, comfort is a subjective issue. What one finds comfortable, another will not. Blah, blah, blah.......

Giving some kind of intentionally confusing monologue of BS like that is usually how I deflect those types.

"You obviously don't know what you're talking about."

"Even so, I still probably have a better idea than you do. I obviously can't help you (I'm not a licensed psychiatrist). Have a good day!" (I know mine will improve as soon as you leave my sight never to return.)

[avissucks]

That is a great story but it sounds like nothing I have ever heard in the real world. Had I been in the situation I probably would have laughed at the woman demanding that I tell her they were comfortable thus creating a customer service situation since she was evidentley serious. I applaud you for not making the situation worse like I would have.

[CrazyShoeGirl]

Quoth avissucks

That is a great story but it sounds like nothing I have ever heard in the real world. Had I been in the situation I probably would have laughed at the woman demanding that I tell her they were comfortable thus creating a customer service situation since she was evidentley serious. I applaud you for not making the situation worse like I would have.

Believe me, we were laughing hysterically after she left. To be quite honest, these type of customers are normal at my store. We get some of the weirdest and rudest people you will ever meet. Even my DM has commented on the type of customers we get. I thought it was actually normal until I worked in the other store in the area and realized that it is only our store.
I've been working at my store for three years now, I think of just got used to dealing with these customers that I can deal with just about anything without laughing out right.
Also, I'm pretty sure this lady was, like others suggested, trying to have an excuse for returning them.

[Killer Bees]

The most comfortable shoe in the world is either: barefeet or slippers, depending on whether you're willing to venture outside.

Stupid git SC. You should have lied to her then when she came back complaining just plead ignorance that you've never seen her before. After all, with all the customers you see every day you're not going to remember every single one