I was addicted (yes I really mean that) to Dr. Pepper for many years. Yes I admit it; and it had to be a fountain drink too. Well after many tries I kicked that habit a couple of years ago and now I can enjoy one on occasion without becoming addicted all over again. Yes, I’m very proud of myself.
Well this morning I decided I could use a Dr. Pepper, so I pulled into a near by fast food drive through. I was not familiar with the sizing of that particular fast food chain’s drinks. I wanted a 32 oz drink, so when it was my turn, I pulled up to the intercom and politely asked the very young sounding feminine voice if she could tell me how many ounces where in the medium drink they offered? After a hesitation the voice said “Excuse me?” I again repeated my question. Another hesitation. The voice came back, “I’m sorry I don’t understand what you are asking.”
I rephrased my question, “I want to know how big, how many ounces are in your drinks. How many ounces, what size, is your medium drink?” Silence…..then slowly and carefully “It’s a me di um size drink.” “I know it’s a medium size drink, but not everyone sells the same size medium cup, I only wanted to know the ounces” I shot back! Silence again, and out of frustration on my part I said, “Just give me a medium Dr. Pepper.” She told me the price and I started fishing around in my purse for the correct change. At my turn at the window she sweetly handed me my medium size Dr. Pepper (a 32oz one) as I handed her my money. Then she said, “Oh! just a minute” she reached into the cash register and handed me some change. “Senior citizen discount” she glowed with kindness as she looked me straight in the eyes. I smiled back through clenched teeth a moment while I decided if I would accept her ‘discount’. I don’t consider myself a senior yet.
She never broke eye contact with me, I decide to let it go and drove off. There are many ways to get even with someone, she sure got even with me didn’t she?
I linked at Grandma's Breifs GRAND Social.
I linked at Grandma's Breifs GRAND Social.
You may not be able to see the humor yet, but this is a funny story! The young people who staff these fast food palaces aren't taught much other than their little part in the operation. It's not their fault, but it's kind of sad and different from our first jobs, when we were taught all facets of the job.
ReplyDeleteHi Visiting from GRAND Social linky. I cannot imagine what siz 32 oz is but it must be big and it's just a medium size. I think she was being a bit patronising with the senior discount but hey just shop somewhere else next time.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't bother me enough to not go there again. Really I can't say it upset me. It was just a moment, one of those when you know you are looked at like a 'senior'. It just always amazes me that what I think of as common sense or common knowledge about everyday things, is not evident in younger people. What do they teach in school these days?
DeleteGood post. Customer service does seem to be a thing of the past in most places. But at least to some degree it isn't there fault -- it is all that is expected of them. If employers don't expect more from employees they certainly won't get it. And then they will wonder why business has gone else where. There isn't any excuse for her being rude.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right!
DeleteAs for me, I've accepted--no,embraced--the 50-cent "senior" soft drink at McDonald's. I figure I've earned it. Your story is a good one. I don't think the generation gap is any more evident than when there is a cash register between the two people trying to communicate. Oh--do they even say "cash register"? Probably not.
ReplyDeletePoor child hasn't been taught what ounces are?
ReplyDeleteLOL Funny story!
ReplyDeleteOh, my! Definitely a funny story though I can see why it would have angered you at the time. And not knowing the ounces? How silly (okay, stupid) can the gal be? Or the training of that gal and others?
ReplyDeleteStill, very funny. Thanks for sharing and linking with GRAND Social!
Yes there are 'perks' for being a senior, I just wasn't ready for that yet! It hadn't even crossed my mind that I might could receive a discount. You know, like the shock you feel when you receive your AARP application in the mail for the first time. :) And now, Debbie, I am wondering what they call 'cash registers' these days? Anyone out there know? Maybe just a register without the cash?
ReplyDelete