The Grinch Who Can’t Accept Checks
PHARMACY, RETAIL | RIGHT | DECEMBER 27, 2016
(It’s Christmas Day, and I work at a pharmacy retail store that is part of a very large chain. We are a 24 hour store, and we don’t close on Christmas, so we’re usually the only place open. Christmas Day sales are mostly batteries and last minute gift cards, and there’s been a steady stream of customers all morning. During a lull, an older woman walks in.)
Woman: “Hello! I would like to purchase six [Store] gift cards, each one for $10.”
Me: “Okay!”
(I grab the gift cards from next to the till, and count them quickly to make sure I have the right amount.)
Woman: “Now, should I make this out to [Store]?”
(At this point, I realize that she’s writing a check, which my register won’t let me accept as payment for gift cards, so I speak up.)
Me: “Oh, unfortunately, I can’t take a check.”
Woman: “Excuse me?”
Me: “Yeah, sorry, it’s a store policy. [Chain Store
#1 ] and [Chain Store
#2 ] don’t either. I can take cash, credit, or debit, but that’s it.”
Woman: “Well, I don’t have a debit card, and I don’t have any cash!”
Me: “I’m sorry, but I still can’t accept a check.”
Woman: “You, young man, have just ruined Christmas!”
(I told my manager about what the customer said, and was known as “The Grinch” for the rest of the holiday season!)