I've read over many of the letters here and many are examples of bad customer service, which I'm sure everyone has experienced from time to time. Yet, some individuals just seem to be out to get as many freebies as they can get, which is disheartening. I suppose it could be seen as a reflection of society.

While I've experienced bad customer service, I've also seen bad customers. I've worked as a cashier at both IGA and Wal-Mart, and I certainly have my share of stories from the other perspective. While I was a cashier, I tried to be the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful employee that I could. Of course, trying and being successful are two different things entirely, but I did try. Yet, despite my efforts, I ran into my share of nightmare customers.

IGA - It was my first day on the register alone, so I was very nervous. A man gave me a check to pay for his groceries, and I checked to make sure it had all the necessary information. Then, as I had been trained, I asked to see his drivers's licence.

"No," he simply stated.

I honestly think I just blinked a few times at that, which was when this man started to rant. I abbreviated his more colorful words.

"I've been shopping at this GD store for GD 40 years and they never ask for my GD license! I am one of the biggest GD customers here, but I can just take my GD money somewhere else!"

There was more of it, but you get the idea. I'm stunned and my boss, who happened to be standing behind this guy, had turned around to watch this. I knew I couldn't break store policy with my boss watching, so I politely explained that I was new and I was told I had to ask to see a license.

The man grabs up his check, rips it up, and throws down $100 bill (his total was less than $20). I take the money, and count back his change. He then stops the line to loudly count his change saying, "These GD people will rob you every chance they get." Sadly, this happened everytime someone dared to ask for ID when he came into the store.

Wal-Mart - I was working the express line, which meant I had a counter and not a moving belt. This one guy was talking to a woman behind him so intently, he didn't notice it was his turn. I waited a few minutes before finally saying, "Sir?"

He seemed a bit upset that I had interrupted him as he threw his items (2 large bags of bird seed) on the counter and a blank check. I rang up the bags, and picked up the check. It had all of his information, however we always have to ask if it's for the amount since you can write checks for up to $20 more.

"For the amount, sir?" I asked.

He sighed loudly and replied, "Of course it's for the amount, stupid. Now shut up! I'm talking."

I just smiled sweetly at him. After all, if he's got nothing better to do then to harass a Wal-Mart cashier, his life's worse than mine!

I have more stories of course, but this post is already quite long.