On a previous occassion I had stopped by after a run to buy a half gallon of milk. All I had was my credit cards. When I went to pay ($3.99) at the register, the cashier (#29 Laymi) advised me I had to spend $5. I said ok and went back throught aisles looking for something I might need to bring the amount up to the $5 mininum. I couldn't find anything and I realized wait a minute "why do I have to spend a minimum; I didn't see a sign" I went back and advised the cashier of my revelation and by that time the store manager was there and mentioned the minimum again. I said to him, "but I don't see a sign, you should a least have a sign", he said he had 3 signs at each register but that somehow customers had ripped them down. I was disatisfied with his response so I proceeded to leave when he said something under his breath. I turned to him and asked him what he had said. He said with a combative tone "how can I allow someone to swipe a credit card for a dollar; that would not allow me to make a profit" I politely answered him that he was entitled to set HIS own policies in HIS own store but that he should at least have a sign so people have the option of bringing cash or selecting more items to cover the minimum requirement and I walked out.
Today I returned to purchase some items (way over the $5 minimun and still there were no signs) and I had the same cashier (#29 Laymi) tending to me. From the beginning of the transaction, her attitude was unpleasant and I got the sense that I was more of a bother to her than a paying customer. When she asked for my for of payment I heard her say "Credit?", I said "yes". When I looked up after swiping my card, the machine was asking for a PIN to which I said to the cashier "It's Credit". Again in a nasty tone she said "well you said debit", I answered, "you said Credit and I said yes". She insisted I was wrong and that I had said debit. I said to her "why would I say debit if I am going to use a credit card, I'm not crazy", she argues "well neither am I" and I said "exactly, if I'm the owner of this credit card, why in the world would I say Debit, it makes no sense"; she again muttered something under her breath and I just left.
I've been going to this supermarket for barely two months and from the very beginning I've felt discriminated against. The first few times I went to use my credit card I was asked for ID for no reason other than the way I looked (a little scruffy looking I must admit). As I understand it, it is against the law to be asked for ID when using a Credit Card. The cashier is supposed to verify the signature on the credit card versus the signature on the receipt. Only. I let this slide on a couple of occassions because I can appreciate stores being cautious when it comes to the use of Credit Cards. Lord knows, someone could have stolen mine. What I do take offense it to is the "profiling". And what I even take more offense is to the unpleasant attitude with which these interactions are taking place.
I'm not one who believes that "the customer is always right", but I do believe that discrimation based on appearance is wrong and that courtesy and, manners should be granted to all those who are seeking products or services from any entity that deals with customers on a daily basis. Otherwise you should have those people who cannot offer that in your business working somewhere in the backroom so they don't have to interact with what is the primary source of your company's income, the consumer.
I will never shop there again because I find it ridiculous for me to spend MY money in a place that makes me feel terrible after I've been there. I'm sure my not shopping there will not make a difference on there bottom line, but my satisfaction is that I can shop wherever I chose to spend my money and God has given me the gift of living in America where competition is key and I have a great variety of options to choose.
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