If you pay with cash at a store, it’s probably pretty rare that you won’t get any change back.

There have been a few times my total has come out to a round number or I’ve counted out pennies to pay the exact amount, but it’s often easier just to overpay and get change.

That’s not a problem.

What IS a problem is the unreasonable request the customer in this story makes about how they want to get their change.

Let’s read the whole story.

“I’m going to give you $50.00”

A customer comes through with a basket full of groceries, we’re chatting as I scan and bag them. Get to the end and it comes to $32.40.

Me: That’ll be $32.40, cash or card?

C: I’m going to give you $50.00.

Me: Ok, (hold out my hand)

The customer had a weird request.

C: Can I have my change?

Me: As soon as you pay me you can…

C: No, I’ve been short-changed too many times. I need my change before I give you any cash.

Me: I need you to give me the cash before I can open the till to get your change (At this point I still have not actually seen the $50.00)

The customer basically calls the employee stupid.

C: You don’t even know how much change I need do you?

The customer grabs the bag of groceries off the counter…I suspect where this is going and I open the intercom to the office…

Me: WHEN you give me $50.00, THEN you will receive $17.60 in change.

The boss stepped in.

C: If you know how much it is you can give me the change first

Boss to customer (always shows up quick when money is involved): I’m sorry you need to pay first.

C: Fine, I’ll just put it on card…

Me: ……………..

What is the deal with that customer? Asking for change before you pay is NOT how it works!

Let’s see how Reddit reacted to this story.

This person calls the customer “crazy.”

This person knows what the customer was trying to do.

Yes, this is what would’ve happened.

I don’t think they had any cash.

Another person is sure this is how it would’ve played out.

That customer was trying to steal in a pretty sneaky way.

They keep you on your toes, that’s for sure.

If you liked that post, check out this post about a rude customer who got exactly what they wanted in their pizza.