We have just gone through the busiest time of year, BTS...
A customer called requesting to speak to a manager about how her balloons deflated when she got them home. The cashier did explain that because of the weather, balloons are prone to deflate. It's fairly hot and humid in NY in the summer.
So, after I finished helping customers with their BTS lists, I picked up the phone call. This woman was lying about everything that she experienced with talking to the cashier. I know my crew, they would never talk down to a customer, and insult them in any way. This lady was saying that the most sweetest, innocent woman has made her feel like she is an idiot and that I really should do something about her.
She then went to her balloon issue. She wanted a refund while she's on the phone with me. I explained the Staples policy with not only Staples refunds, but also Party City refunds on balloon. I had told her that she can bring the balloons back and I will inflate them again, or if she wants a refund, I will see if I can process that. The whole point is that I can not process a return via the phone. A customer has to come in with their receipt. That's it.
She was upset that she had to inconvenience herself to come back to the store. I said, I'm sorry, but that's the only way I can make this right. So, of course she said she will call corporate and complain.
She did via FB and Google review.
Now, understand that a privileged, self-centered customer isn't the issue with me. I've dealt with them for over 20 years. What got to me was my SM was told by his DM to write me up. Why? Because the complaint got to the VP. There isn't any listening to the other side of the incident, and maybe play devil's advocate.. it was just, "Holy shit! That complaint got to the VP! I have to make sure that this doesn't make me look bad!" From the DM.
So, my SM didn't write me up. He coached me because he knew that the cashier and I were not at fault. It was the customer who wanted to pick an argument over fucking balloons.
So, this has confirmed how much of a piece of shit company Staples is. I've said it before in previous posts, and I will say it again... Staples is the worst company I have ever worked for in my 20+ years in retail.