It has been a bad Monday. One thing after another seems to be happening to me today. The last craptastic thing that happened I want to get you ladies opinions on. I stopped at a gas station on my way home from class this evening to get cigarettes. The sign under the Marlboro 72s (yes I know smoking is bad for me.) says $4.24 a pack when you buy 2. There is another sign buy the door that says $1 off when you buy 2 packs of any Marlboros. So I ask for 2 packs. The man behind the counter rings it up and I gave him a $20. He said the total, I thought that sounds higher than it should but brushed it off because I figured I calculated wrong in my head (I suck at math) . I ask for a receipt as we keep our receipts to track our spending. He hands it to me with a ten dollar bill and the change and as I am turning around I look at the receipt. It says 9.89 and the two packs 4.74 each. I turned back around and said this isn't right. They were 4.24 a pack. The clerk said no I took the dollar off. I said that still doesn't make sense. He got really mad at me and said that was what they are. I said no, your signs say different. He started yelling at me about correcting him. I said ok look forget it, here's the cigarettes back just give me my money back. He takes the cigarettes and then refused to give me my money back. I said you have to give me my money back. So he starts yelling at me about 'you people' and then told me he couldn't open a register, then he said he couldn't do anything without a manager there and a manager wouldn't be in until tomorrow then he said he had no change. I said, no you took the cigarettes back you have to give me my money. Then he tells me I have to give him a $20 and then he'll give me my change. How does that make sense? I'm trying to get back the rest of a 20 I already gave you! Then he tells me he's not giving me anything and if I want it back call the cops. I called my husband and he said call the police. So I did. I didn't know what else to do and it seemed to me that the police should be able to straighten it out. The dispatcher was incredulous that I called the police and said "you called the police for that?" I said yes, I didn't know what else to do and it seemed logical to me. I went outside to wait. A police car pulls up. After several minutes of watching the cop sit there- not on his radio or computer or writing anything, just sitting there I walked over to his side and say excuse me and apologized for approaching his car (I wasn't sure if that was a no no- maybe I've watched too many cop shows) and asked if he was here about the call. The cop said yeah and then just looked at me. I explained the situation and he said what do you want me to do about it. I told him I thought he could talk to the guy and get this straightened out. He says no. Just no. I said I don't understand. He went on about civil and how I'm just out of luck. We went back and forth a bit. My husband is on the phone and heard it all. The officer never got out of his car or did anything and my husband was angry. He asked to talk to the cop because he couldn't see how the cop was right in telling me I was outta luck. The cop said no and after a bit more discussion he got out of his car and went inside the station to talk to the guy. The cop wouldn't allow me inside the station while he was talking to the guy. He came back out and said the guy told him he gave me a $20 bill. I said no he didn't! I gave him a 20 and he gave me 10 in change. He has the cigarettes and the other almost 10. I told him I could show him I only had a ten and he said I could have money from anywhere. But if he gave me a 20 wouldn't I have that instead of the 10 I had? He said he didn't care. After more discussion the cop got the guy to give him the receipt to give to me so at least tomorrow I can prove I was there and bought cigarettes and try to get my money back. I'm going to call the manager in the morning. The cop said that's all I can do. But doesn't that seem off to you? The cop was a real jerk and didn't want to do anything, I thought. Does it sound that way to you? Was I way off to call the police about the whole thing? What else could I have done. I'm pretty sure they guy is going to tell a manager he has no idea what I'm talking about and just pocket the money and I'll be out my cigarette money for the week. I'm bugged by this situation and feel like I got the sh*t end of today. What are your thoughts ladies?
Well, thanks for the responses. I am dissapointed that a lot of the answers were more judgment about my smoking- which like a couple of moms pointed out is my choice and not what I was asking about. But I digress. To answer a few questions- I did ask for the cigarettes back when he refused to give me my money back- he refused. The reason I said something about the price desrcpensies is that it has happened more then once (not at that place but it other places) and this time it was a dollar, but then a dollar somewhere else, 50 cents somewhere else- it adds up. And the cop wasn't risking his life. I wasn't so much p*ssed about his not being able to do anything but his jerky attitude towards me. How am I supposed to know that it's not a matter the police can do anything about? I'm not a cop or a lawyer or a lawmaker. I didn't know they considered it a civil matter. He could have politely explained that to me- as I was extremely polite to him.
Oh and Dawn- is was at the Mobil in South Elgin on McLean Blvd and Spring St. Right in front of Butera.
Lillian C- I agree.It was in South Elgin which has even less crime then St. Charles. I understand now that it is a civil matter but I think he could have gone in there and been like hey buddy- could you just give her the money back so everyone can go on about their time? And the guy probably wouldn't have said no to a cop and that would have been the end of it.
I called the corporate office who referred me to the independent owners which is a company in Wisconsin. I called and explained what happened to a lady there who was appalled at what happened. I explained I was more concerned with the guy blowing up at me then the money. What if he goes farther then he did with me and hurts someone. He was literally leaning all the way over the counter and screaming at me. If someone can get that mad about someone pointing out a discrepancy this time what's going to happen the next time? Or when someone yells back at him? (I didn't). Someone could get hurt. Anyway, the lady said the area manager would be calling me soon to ask me some questions so we'll see what happens.
Thanks to everyone and esp to the mamas who weren't judgmental about my personal choice of what to put in my body.
In addition to all the other great points made be the other ladies, you have the receipt, correct? It still says the WRONG price on the cigarettes. So there is the underlying proof of the whole thing. It isn't like you made the story up out of thin air, you have proof that they rang up at the incorrect price and when you realized you brought it up to the clerk. The rest is probably on video.
Well I probably would have called the police too, especially if the clerk offered it. But in defense of the police, they probably get crazy calls like this a lot. I'd just call the manager today, and ask if they have it on tape, that would solve it all. Good luck today, I hope you have a better day!!
Get the manager to look at the video of the transaction..
And no the Police do not usually get into these types of situations. You would need to deal with the worker, the manager, the owner or the corporation..
My sister actually was so upset with a situation like this at a dry cleaners.. My sister stood outside and spoke to every customer about the bad treatment and service.. Finally the owner came out and gave her the money he owed her.
I think a really good rule in life, is to pick your battles. You picked a battle over a $1.00 savings, which escalated into something else. Well, the cop probably felt like he had better things to do. Because, he does. His concern, isn't whether or not you have money for your nicotine habit, and it shouldn't be. If I were a cop...yes...I would be very irritated. Sorry, to sound mean. It's all a bit melodramatic.
Sorry you had a bad day, I really am. The clerk was indeed a jerk, but I think it probably wasn't a battle worth fighting from the get-go.
In my opinion, it is not about the cigarettes, it is not about the cop not doing anything, it is about doing the right thing. It doesn't matter that it was only a few dollars, it is the principal. This situation was wrong on so many levels but it appears that there is nothing you can do.
Don't ever stop to buy anything there. Tell everyone you know not to buy there. Take the lesson that not all things in this world make sense or are fair.
For those who think that maybe this is a "sign" that she should reevaluate her choices, keep in mind WE ALL have our vices. And yes, I am a former smoker (I quit 25 years ago!)
Unfortunately, the matter of the money and the cigarettes isn't really a police matter. The cashier yelling at you.... well, depending on how bad it got, that could be threatening behavior.... THAT would be a police matter. When it comes to business transactions, though, no matter how messed up it is, if you have a beef, it's best to collect as much evidence as you can and take it up with the manager the next day. Also, those stores always have cameras on the cashiers it seems. I bet you're both on tape and he will be seen taking the cigarettes back and not giving you money back. The manager, if he's good, will probably take care of your cigarettes for the month. Good luck.
I am absolutely appalled at the responses you have received about how you should quit smoking, etc. etc. Really? Geez - nothing like passing judgment on someone. I don't smoke nor am I fan, but to tell you to quit, that maybe this is a sign, blah, blah, blah. Nice.
With that being said - I completely believe that calling the police was the thing to do. What that clerk did was absolutely wrong and illegal. There were no signs stating no refunds, right? Well, then you are entitled to get your money back. And calling the police was the thing to do. I am so sorry you had to deal with an a**hole cop who thought you were obviously wasting his time, but this guy stole your money. So, I guess I can go into Wal-Mart and steal $10 worth of product and get away with it???? I agree with the other moms about reporting them to the BBB and I hope you called that manager today and explained the situation and that you get some resolution to all this. Let us know what happened.
l
Quit smoking?
Why are you smoking? You will look like hell when you're 50.
I would be ticked. Sorry that your day was so bad:( If the manager doesn't remedy this, then I would write a complaint to your local better business bureau or whomever owns that gas station if not the manager. Also, sometimes, if you google that gas station online to get its address, see if there is a review section and write a review about your experience. Who knows, other people may have had similar incidences or this can make people think twice about going there:)
Hope you have a better day and week:)
Im real sorry you had a lousy day. It just makes you miserable Im sure. Maybe its a sign. You said it yourself. "yes I know smoking is bad for me".
If its this hard to buy them, maybe its time to quit. Hope tomorrow is better.
Did I miss something?? You wanted your money back and he refused. That's the whole point here, IMO. In the beginning, yes, you could have walked away with a dollar less BUT you said no thanks, that's too high and wanted a refund. It is perfectly legal to ask for a refund unless there is a sign that says, NO refunds. The cop was a total jerk, I agree. It would have taken him 5 minutes to solve this and he wasted a lot more than that sitting in his car and arguing with you and your husband. I don't agree with calling cops over trivial stuff but my gosh, what are you supposed to do when a clerk refuses to give you your money?
Take the receipt and your husband, if possible and calmly explain to the manager what happened. I hope you get your money back. I would NOT use that store EVER again!
Have a better day!
I am so sorry you had such a bad day! I realize it is such a lengthy written post because you are venting... which you need to do over something like this.
You pointed out the discrepancy you perceived in their advertising. The clerk responded unprofessionally. Whether the clerk was right or not in regards to the advertising, is a moot point. You chose to request a refund based on the volatile exchange.
The refund is either allowed or it isn't. If it is, clerk keeps the cigarettes, you keep the $. If it isn't, clerk keeps the money, you keep the cigarettes.
Not clerk keeps cigarettes and your $10. At the point where he kept your money without returning your cigarettes or vice versa, he actually STOLE your $10. So, this isn't just a customer service matter. It technically could be a law enforcement matter.
There are a variety of ways in which the situation could have been handled, i.e., seeing the manager the next day, contacting the owner, reporting to BBB and/or Chamber of Commerce, spreading the word about bad business, etc... but calling the police is also an option because he literally STOLE $10. If you had stolen $10 worth of merchandise from the store, he could/would certainly call the police.
So whether or not the police found this to be a minor and/or irritating incident, it is still HIS JOB to respond. And, incidentally, St. Charles isn't exactly overrun with crime, so it's not as though you are pulling him away from a daily stream of armed robberies, carjackings, and homicides. He could have responded more professionally.
Hope the remainder of your day goes better!
I wouldn't have called the police over that. I probably would have asked the clerk about the discrepancy - if he denied it I would have called the manager the next day to get the owners contact information in a kind way (if you are confrontational, he probably won't give you the owners info).
I would never have gone back to that place for anything. I would make sure the owner knew why you won't be going there again. Being the squeeky wheel is far more effective than calling the police in matters like this I think.
In the long run he'll loose a lot more money than you because you'll give your business to his competitors. I also would have told all my friends about it so they wouldn't go there either. And if you want to take it a step further -- and it sounds like you may :) -- have your smoking friends call to let the owner know why they won't be going there either. The owner will be the one loosing your money - the manager doesn't care, he gets paid anyway.
I get it. I'd be *steamed up* if I were in your place. I'd feel pretty small, and indignant. I guess it's about the principle. "It's just not right to rip off your fellow man just because you can, and I want justice."
Big sigh. Problem is, that's not always possible. Crappy things happen, and sometimes, there's not a darn thing you CAN do about it. We don't have to like it. I think it's helpful (and hard to do, for me ;-) to learn to accept it, become willing to let it go, and then, when it's time, let it go.
What can 'ya do? It happens. You can be pissed about it, goodness knows, I would be, but at a certain point the anger becomes unproductive, and it starts to work against me.
Good luck sister!
Oh boy.....
Yes, what the clerk did was terrible, but I would never dream of wasting the police department's time and resources over such a little amount. I am sure if you go tomorrow to speak to the manager he will give you your refund, and will probably fire the clerk.
We are living in a time where police departments across the nation are having to lay off vitally needed officers due to budgetary concerns, and here is this cop being called to intervene in something that probably could be remedied with patience (waiting til the manager returns).
Wow. How completely stinky!
Truthfully, if I had stopped for cigarettes on my way to work, or my way home after a long day, I would have chalked up the dollar loss to "learning tax" and probably would have come back in the morning to have the manager make it right....but I know you were upset. It was the point and the principle and those are the most annoying "issues", aren't they?
I don't think I would have gone so far as to call the police. When you called, the dispatcher's attitude should have tipped you off to not expect too much.....not a police matter. But definitely a matter to pursue with the manager today!
There are good and bad in every profession.
You met a crooked clerk and a bad cop. I've had something like this happen to me. I went to the clerk's boss the next day and got a refund. The next few times I went there, I didn't see the crooked clerk. He's probably being crooked someplace else. IMO, the cream of society doesn't work in a "stop and steal".
And you are right, you should have called the police and you should quit smoking.
Good luck to you and yours.
This sounds crazy. A couple bucks is a couple bucks and it's your money you work hard for that ,the money owed to you could buy something like milk or bread. Anyhow I don't think I would have called the police but I would have forced the employee to call his manager and ask what to do about the situation.They should be able to void a sale or do a return. And if that didn't work I would have went home and had my scary husband go into the store and get my money.
I wonder who you could call about the officer though. He should have been a little nicer to you no matter how he feels about the situation. Please post what happpened with the manager I am curious.
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What an a**hole! I agree about picking your battles though. This wasn't worth your energy. I would report this to the manager and also make sure you report the company to the BBB especially if the manager doesn't do anything. Never go there again and tell all your friends what kind of place that is. Bad word of mouth loses customers! Take Care and try not to fret over this. There will always be those type of ignorant people in the world but just remember most people are good and kind.
You were right, the clerk was wrong and a jerk and the police officer was wrong and a jerk. I'm not a fan of calling the police for silly things, but I absolutely would have called the police in this case. The officer should have KNOWN this is called theft by deception. You obviously wouldn't have called the police had the stupid clerk given you back your $20 - DUH!!!!! Sorry, but I'd make it my business to tell every person I know never to buy anything at this place. Only an idiot would think he got the last word in by pulling this on you. I'd also call and get the manager's name and have a conversation with him and if that doesn't work, call the corporate office or better yet, write a letter and send it to them.
The cop probably was "a real jerk" because he knew he was called in for what should have been handled by you and the store manager. Like others have said: Get receipts, tell the manager to look at the video. I would add: Threaten the manager that you have written to the local Chamber of Commerce and Better Business Bureau etc. (Then actually do it.) Most stores will give you what you want rather than fight over something this small.
Was the clerk wrong and rude? Absolutely. Did you waste police time? Yes. And "wasting police time" is actually a legal offense in most jurisdictions. If you'd gotten any more insistent or vocal with the cop, he could well have turned it on you and arrested you for wasting police time. You were, as you put it yourself, "way off to call the police."
Hopefully they do have a video of the transaction because if the guy pocketed the money it wont show when they count down the till. I'd be pissed too and at least take the cigarettes and forget about the supposed sale. What a lame clerk, there are plenty of them.
I do know that if they already gave you the change and UNLESS you are right there still holding the money so he could see that he gave you a 10 and not a 20 that you cannot trust the customer.... that's a pretty big scam that customers try to pull as well. I was in retail for about 20 years.
This is bizarre. I would report this to the BBB & go to the police station & file a police report how the gas clerk stole your money. I'm amazed at how many have made comments towards your smoking. It's your choice & it's not a crime. However, stealing a customers money is.
Totally sucky day for you (could be a divine sign about smoking :) ) But that aside...you can "get back" at the store a couple ways:
1) I had a similar (but not as contentious) situation with a local restaurant when the drive-thru gave me back change for a $10 when I'd given a $20. I didn't notice the issue until I got home. I contacted the manager and sure-enough, at the end of the day when the drawer was counted, it was exactly $10 over, so he knew I was telling the truth! He set aside my $10 and I came in and got it. It could be as easy as that when you contact the manager. Let's hope so...
2) contact the BBB regarding the situation and file a complaint--you can do it online--they can't get your money back, but it'll be a black eye on the business rating for that place and the store will get a notification from the BBB that a negative rating has been filed against them.
3) Write a letter to St. Charles (or whatever city you were in at the time) Chamber of Commerce about how the store messed up the transaction and then refused to give you a refund and how you'll never shop there again, and is this the kind of reputation they want for a business in their city, etc. This business STOLE your money!
4) Can even write a well-written letter to the editor of the local paper (like the Daily Herald or the Chronicle) warning people not to shop there for fear of having money stolen. Definitely call out the name of the establishment so we all know! It may not ever get printed, but maybe it'll trigger a bigger investigative report on bad business practices or something.
I hope your Tuesday goes better!
WOW, just fricken wow. Some cops really should get a lesson in compassion. The clerk basically stole your money, it wasn't going in the register, he'd count his drawer and take the $10 b/c it would be $10 over at the end of his shift, that is a police matter. Even if not, the cop should talk to the guy about being a prick and giving your money back. It amazes me that some cops think that a thief would be like yeah man, I took her money. That clerk should be fricken fired. He had no right to freak out on you like that, he sounded really judgmental and had a screw loose. Let us know what happened.
Long distance hugs <3
The clerk was wrong but the cop was right. He has no way of doing anything about the situation. It may seem logical to call the cops but the only thing he can do is show up. He has no authority to get your cigarettes or your money back. You do have a cad call and possibly an incident report to back up your story when you go to the manager. Most convenient stores have cameras. Tell the manager to look at the tape. Sorry you had a bad day.
Ok I want to add something here. My husband is a cop and there is nothing he could have done in this situation. I wouldn't want my husband to put his job on the line, that feeds four kids, for at most ten bucks or a couple of packs of cigs. People really! The cops in most cases do what they are able to do. They have supervisors and rules they have to go by also. Most cops are not jerks that run around with a badge acting all high and mighty. My husband has had guns drawn on him, had to chase down drunks who could care less about their or anyone else's safety, he been puked on, spit at, and had his food spit on. REALLY! OK, of my soap box. The cop couldn't have done anything.
Seriously? My thoughts are this was a whole lot of stress over a few cents and I would have left way before it got into any of this. You can get cigs in how many different places? I would just never go back there again. Next time before any money is exchanged, ask if you get the $4.24 each price or the $1 off BEFORE its rung up and BEFORE you give any money. This is a lesson learned for furture purchases. Good luck.
My thought is, that the clerk and the policeman are twats.
I think I probably would've called the non-emergency number to ask about the situation before calling 911, to make sure it's okay to call 911 for something like this.
Even though the officer was saying No, he did go into the store. However, it really was a he said/she said probably for the officer. And there is really no good way to solve those, unfortunately.
I would definitely take it up with the manager. When you do so, do it calmly (thereby to show that the clerk was being completely unreasonable/emotional and inappropriate).
And yes, for that $5 or so, I would've put up a stink, too. $5 in gas gets me to work 2 or 3 times, is enough for a cheap dinner for my family, etc. So I don't blame you for getting upset.
And for those doing the "shame on you for smoking"--c'mon, really? Do you think that that actually helps? Sheesh. If A. W. had said that this happened when buying 2 gallons of icecream or two t-shirts, or even 2 6-packs of beer or bottles of wine, you'd not have said "You don't need the ice cream" or "you don't need the booze".... Just think about it.
Your day sucked. The cop even if it's not technically something he's supposed to deal with should have done something. I feel like cops used to really help, but now do not do that as much. If you locked the keys in your car...they would help you get in. They probably wouldn't do that now. Anyway, try the manager and if that doesn't work - I like the suggestion of standing outside (but maybe they could call the cops on you). Good luck!!!
You should have thrown your shoe at the clerks head to get the police officers attention. ;)
For those of you fortunate enough to never have worked in a gas station before, very few gas stations run the cash register like a regular store for security reasons. I'm pretty sure the guy was telling the truth about not being able to open the register after ringing up a sale. And he was probably telling the truth that the manager is not anywehre to be found either.
Because convenience stores and gas stations are the top target of robberies next to banks and atm machines, the security measures they take are ridiculous. Many do not allow the cashier to leave the glass cage, not even to go to the bathroom or to assist someone having trouble at the pump. Especially in cases where there is only one cashier on the premisis. So no, I'm not surprised dude couldn't make change for you or do a return.
The guy probably did keep the extra money, and that isn't right. But you have to know shopping in a convenience mart or gas station isn't the same as buying a carton of cigarettes from Walmart. Their priority isn't making the customer happy and providing the services to do that. They're a convenience shop... a place where you can get your basic needs and vices met in a pinch.
I'd put gas stations in the same league as going to a pawn shop, going to a bondsman, or liquor store. You go into these places knowing you're entering tough territory, and that means street smarts are required. All I can say is, why so surprised? Get over it already. Yes, it was a crappy day, but chalk it up to being the green tourist who is visiting a rough city for the first time getting pickpocketed. Now you know better. If you want customer service and guarantees on your product, buy them at a regular store next time.
I just wanted to say I love your word "craptastic". Too funny. Sorry you had a rotten experience.
No way would I have called the police about one dollar! Yes the clerk was a complete jerk, but just not worth it. You should call the manager of the store...
I'm sorry that you had to go through this. I think you did everything right. I mean I would have done the same thing. It's really sad that policeman nowadays seem to not really be of any help when their suppost to be. And the guy at the gas station what a jerk! he should of gave you your money back like a mature adult and that would have been the end of it. But no he had to make it escalate into this big mess. I didn't even have this happen to me and i'm frustrated about it!..lol Well I hope this dosent happen to you again :)
why didn't you say ' if you're not going to give me my money back then give me the cigarettes I already paid for'? and then let it go, it wasn't worth all the aggravation
Police shouldn't be called for stupid stuff over a few dollars...I would have told the clerk that the $10 he pocketed was obviously very important to him & hope he uses the money wisely
First of all, you purchased something and for whatever reason you decided you didn't want it and returned it back. There was absolutely no reason for him to yell and scream at you and is totally unprofessional regardless of what is going on for him. If the store had a no refund policy then that totally changes things but that wasn't the arguement or the situation. The arguement was that he charged you more for the cigarettes and you decided to return them because you weren't satisfied with the sale and decided you would take your business elsewhere. This excuse of him not being able to open the register without making another transaction, etc. is hogwash in my opinion. First of all how is it that it's YOUR fault that his manager isn't there whom is the only one that has access to open the register?? That seems like a failure on their part or bad management. They should have someone there at all times to make "management decisions"-that's what their job title is and that is their job and what they get paid the big bucks for. I would have told him to call the manager at home. It wasn't YOUR problem that no one was there to give you your money back-that's their problem. Sounds like this guy was irate at something to begin with and then you came along and pee pee in his cheerios even more-lol! Again not YOUR problem. It would be no different than you searching around for the best deal. I think if I don't get my money back and this thief decides to be a little liar about it -I would stand outside his station with a sign picketting that they are thieves......but I think that might be against the law too-lol! Funny how they seem to be the one protected yet they took your money. Maybe you could call the cops again and tell them they are running a pyramid business there. That is where someone takes your money but offers no service or product in return and its against the law from what I understand. Maybe it was indeed a waste of time for the police ....don't you know they have better things to do than to get you your money back? You must have interupted his donut break-lol! I think I would have asked the cop what should I have done then....if someone took YOUR money and refused to give it back to you-then what would you do? Do you have any witnesses that can attest to your story and back you up other than your hubby?? I think I would seriously threaten to file with BBB on them and rip-off report.com as well and tell everyone I know what they did. Regardless it was wrong of him to treat you that way as a customer and even as a person. So what if you questioned his price-I would have done exactly the same especially if I knew I could get the same thing for less somewhere else or the principal he had false advertisement on his door-probably why he got so upset at it. Good luck!
