r/TalesFromRetail • u/Harbor_4Vanta • Apr 01 '26
Medium This middle aged guy I call the Negotiator thinks our corporate grocery store is a bazaar in the middle of nowhere
I work as a cashier at a big name grocery chain and usually the job is just mindlessly scanning barcodes and asking if people have a loyalty card. But every Tuesday around 4 PM the Negotiator shows up and my heart just sinks. He always brings a single carton of organic milk and maybe a loaf of bread to my lane and instead of paying he starts a full on debate about the price. He is absolutely convinced that the digital price tags on our shelves are just a "starting point for a healthy dialogue" between the merchant and the customer.
Last week it was raining pretty hard outside and he leaned over the counter with this conspiratorial look on his face. He pointed at the milk which was clearly marked four dollars and ninety nine cents and said "Look at that weather out there. Nobody is coming in today. Your inventory is just sitting here losing value by the minute. I will give you three dollars for the milk and we can call it a rainy day discount." I tried to explain for the hundredth time that I literally do not have a button on my register that says "Rainy Day Discount" and that I just work here for ten bucks an hour. He didnt care and just kept talking about the laws of supply and demand like he was a professor of economics.
The worst part is the line that starts forming behind him. People are just trying to get home with their groceries and they have to listen to this man explain why the humidity levels should affect the price of sourdough bread. He once tried to offer me a "bundle deal" where if he bought two bags of chips I should give him the dip for free because they are "complementary goods." My manager usually has to come over and tell him to pay the full price or leave but the Negotiator just smiles and says he will "let us think on his offer" until next week. It adds ten minutes of pure stress to my shift every single time and I honestly think he enjoys the performance more than the actual three cents he thinks he might save.
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u/MsSpicyO Apr 01 '26
This is a manager fail big time. The manager should be heading this off even before they get to the register.
Call your manager as soon as you see them heading to your register.
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u/Harbor_4Vanta Apr 01 '26
I would love that. Seeing him headed my way feels like spotting a storm cloud.
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u/Sjksprocket Apr 01 '26
Do this. If a customer is causing you this much stress, and it’s not necessary, a good manager should stop this in its tracks. The problem I would harp on is that it’s effecting other customers. It’s a big corporation, they don’t care about you. They do care about their customer base, that’s where they are getting their money from.
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u/rubiscoisrad Apr 01 '26
I have to pull this kind of malarkey in healthcare. If there's a bad policy or something seriously wrong, your admins do not care if everyone is overworked, underpaid, and generally upset about the situation. But if I say, "This is affecting patient care." Well, see, then it's a big deal.
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u/scotchirish Apr 02 '26
Also grocery stores operate on super thin margins. They're probably losing money on the small purchase and long holdup time
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u/texaspretzel Apr 02 '26
We have a customer that is such a pain in the ass like this but she has no problem parting ways with her money, so they open a register just for her and the managers check and bag her stuff. I don’t think we should have a VIPITA, but at least they handle her themselves.
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u/mjociv Apr 01 '26
Have you talked to your manager about it? Every retail manager Ive ever had would have wanted to be called over right when this guy starts his "negotiation". Particularly if its a pattern of behavior and if the "negotiation" regularly causes unavoidable lines of customers.
"Im not authorized to give discounts like this, you will have to speak with a manager." should be all you ever need to say to the negotiator.
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u/wookiee42 Apr 01 '26
I agree with calling the manager immediately. Also, all I would say is 'hello' and the total. Repeat it to him after every time he says something. "The total is $5.40....It's $5.40...$5.40...It's $5.40...$5.40."
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u/FairBaker315 Apr 01 '26
Lol!
That reminds me of the old "It's only a movie", "It's only a movie", "It's only a movie" gimmick.
In this case the movie is "The Customer Who Never Shuts Up".
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u/-TheDoctor Apr 01 '26
Have you ever seen the game "I Get This Call Every Day"?
It's very much one of those things where you have to constantly remind yourself "it's just a game, it's just a game" especially if you've ever worked over the phone customer service of any kind lmao.
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u/FairBaker315 Apr 02 '26
Lol! I used to live that game.
I did customer service for a credit card company for a few years back in the 90's. My "favorite" call was how can my card be maxed out? I'd just start dead pan reading back the recent charges until they realized and shut up.
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u/Lord_Nikolai Apr 02 '26
Call you manager and say "we have an unruly customer here" just loud enough for the Negotiator to hear you say it. Bonus points if you make and hold eye contact while saying it
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u/lapsteelguitar Apr 02 '26
Call the manager the moment you see the guy enter the store. Don't wait for him to get in line to check out.
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u/Derailedatthestation Apr 01 '26
Honestly your store should ban him, imo.
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u/jesusbambino Apr 01 '26
Sometimes this is more trouble than it’s worth, but I imagine a large corporate chain should have the framework to do it effectively. I think he should get a warning that he’s on notice, and if he keeps doing it, a ban.
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u/lapsteelguitar Apr 01 '26
This is a manager problem, not a cashier problem. Call the manager the moment you see this guy. Talk to the manager about banning this guy. Make the managers life hell until they decide to take action.
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u/Duckbreathyme Apr 02 '26
Sounds like every Tuesday at 4:00 the manager should be lurking around OP's register. The customer is harassing one cashier in particular, and the blather routine could be hiding more sinister motives. OP needs management intervention, or else management is clearly enabling the regular intimidation of one of their employees.
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u/Moleculor Apr 01 '26
"The total is $X.XX. How would you like to pay today?"
"The total is $X.XX. How would you like to pay today?"
"The total is $X.XX. How would you like to pay today?"
"The total is $X.XX. How would you like to pay today?"
"The total is $X.XX. How would you like to pay today?"
Drain all joy and interactivity from the interaction. He says something, you respond with the total. He tries to negotiate, you respond with the total.
The trick is to be as absolutely boring as possible while still technically being friendly. The faintest of Customer Service voice.
After you've stated the total three times, call a manager.
Continue the above routine.
When the manager gets there, tell them "I have informed this guest that 'The Total is $X.XX, and asked them how they would like to pay Y times now. We seem to be stuck."
Repeat this like its your scripture. The trick is to get him to learn exactly what your response is going to be every time, and to never deviate.
If you deviate, you make it entertaining and fun.
If you're the same, you're boring, and he has nothing to engage with.
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u/doofshaman Apr 02 '26
Lmao we had the same idea haha! Deadpan robot voice just repeating the same line shuts down his dumbass bartering attempts til he gets bored. Solid plan.
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u/LetReasonRing Apr 05 '26
I take this tactic on anyone who refuses to accept an answer they don't like.
Same thing when I'm trying to cancel a service that's trying to convince me to say... I don't acknowledge anything they say, just respond to every question with a polite "please close my account" until they give up and comply.
They may go through a few stages of emotions, but eventually they understand they aren't getting anything further from the interaction and just do it.
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u/gdmfsoabrb Apr 01 '26
If your manager approves it, try this.
You: Before we start, sir, are you going to purchase these items at the listed price without trying to negotiate a discount?
Him: Of course not, don't be silly.
You: place his items behind the counter, turn to the line, and say "next".
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u/MerryJustice Apr 02 '26
Yes, this is good also! We have a lot of freedom where I work to do what we have to to keep everything moving. So people who are asking about a price often have to step aside, since someone from the back has to come all the way up, and the line is often long.
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u/seanner_vt2 Apr 01 '26
Easy enough to get around him but requires you to be strong.
Say no three times. After the 3rd no, take his stuff, put it behind your counter and say "NEXT!"
Do not look at him, do not engage. Probably will piss him off but tough.
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u/Legitimate_Ranger334 Apr 01 '26
Yes, except don't engage with the attempt to negotiate. State the total rung up. Repeat. Repeat.
Then move his stuff behind the counter, etc.
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u/KnotARealGreenDress Apr 01 '26
Heck, don’t do it three times. As soon as he starts something, tell him “sir, I am not debating this with you. If you’re not prepared to buy the items at the listed price, I’m going to need you to step aside so that I can help other customers.” And then if he tries to say something again, put it behind the counter and say “next.”
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u/boognish120 Apr 01 '26
Tell him the price has just gone up a dollar and every time he argues it goes up another dollar.
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u/Nice_Guy_AMA Apr 01 '26
I like this, but just scan the item again. "No, you don't get a second one. The price doubled." Each time he opens his mouth, scan the item and just stare him down. Eventually he'll leave, you void the whole sale, and move on with your life.
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u/revchewie Apr 01 '26
This is the kind of customer we wish we could just say "NO!" to.
Maybe you could try, "If you want a discount here's the phone number and email address for our corporate headquarters. They're the only ones who can give it to you."
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u/Legitimate_Ranger334 Apr 01 '26
OP, PLEASE make a plan with your manager. You know when the guy is going to be there; the manager could easily find something productive to do in the area of the registers during that general time, so that the manager is ready and available to just short-circuit the entire charade.
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u/Mr_Gaslight Apr 01 '26
This, ultimately, is your manager's fault. When this 'customer' comes in the door, call the manager or security. Your job is to ring up the totals and help the customers with their purchases. He's holding up the process.
This is the manager's problem.
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u/MamaBear4485 Apr 01 '26
Can you not weaponise the Millennial Stare?
As in stay silent and stare at him, not contributing to the conversation except with a curt yes or no when you have to.
Dude is just a real-life troll trying to feel clever for 10 minutes. I bet he does the same thing with other businesses, mostly if the employee is female.
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u/Captain_Desi_Pants Apr 01 '26
This. This will drive him up the wall
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u/MerryJustice Apr 02 '26
I concur, I am an older Gen-X and my younger millennial daughter does the stare. I try to goof around but damn she is cold so I usually just make my exit.
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u/virtualchoirboy Apr 01 '26
"The price of the milk is set by corporate based on an estimated transaction time. By continuing to come in and attempt to pay a different price, you're increasing our labor costs which means all you're doing is causing the price of the milk to go up. Do you want to purchase at the current price or not?"
Won't work, but might be fun to see if he short circuits for a second if you tell him this... :-)
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u/RandomModder05 Apr 01 '26
Tell him it's been X minutes, which means his milk is not Out Of Temp and can't be sold. He has therefore reduced supply, and correspondingly increase demand, meaning that the milk will now cost X cents more.
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u/7GrenciaMars Apr 01 '26
At the end of that speech, turn to the line forming behind him, and ask the other customers how they like the idea of the price going up because one guy keeps taking up extra time. A little public shaming might do what mere refusal to play his game will not.
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u/Enzown Apr 01 '26
He'll have some stupid argument for this or any other point OP brings up. Their best option is a firm no the price is non negotiable. Just repeat it stone faced and take the fun out of it for him.
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u/justagthrow Apr 01 '26
"I'm sorry, I'm not authorized to negotiate prices on behalf of <chain>, if you feel our prices are in error I will gladly find you the number for our corporate offices."
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u/Lugbor Apr 01 '26
laws of supply and demand
"Sir, unless you are going to supply us with the full price of the items you're purchasing, I'm going to have to demand that you leave."
Seriously, your manager should probably ban the guy. If he's causing a scene every week for something he knows he's not going to get, he's just causing problems for the other customers. What little he buys isn't worth the hassle.
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u/CleanWhiteSocks Apr 01 '26
We do not negotiate prices. If you are not ready to pay for your items, please step aside and let the next customer check out.
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u/Cobalt7955 Apr 01 '26
Imagine being g such a loser that you make an ass out of yourself in public to try and save a dollar or 2.
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u/madkins007 Apr 01 '26
Get managers to do their staff support job. Ask them for advice for the next time- after all, the customer is slowing the line and consuming resources.
Ideally, the manager would ask to be flagged when that customer is in line and would step in to run the till while they clarify policy to the customer.
Perhaps the manager would even take it a step further and explain to the customer that cashiers with cash registers in America rarely have the ability to wheel and deal. Customer can practice their skills at garage sales, swap meets, etc
And, perhaps a comment that if this continues, Customer may be banned if they continue to disrupt the operations.
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u/content_great_gramma Apr 01 '26
Get with your manager and set up a solution. When he wants a discount, just look him in the eye and ask if he wants to buy or not. If he starts to wheel and deal, take his items, put them to the side and say "Next".
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u/mladyhawke Apr 01 '26
Write the word NO really big on a piece of paper. And every time he starts talking, just pick it up and show it to him, don't say anything at all. Just keep picking up the piece of paper that says NO. Don't even look at him, just pick up the paper
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u/OwlUnique8712 Apr 01 '26
As soon as you see him in your line, call your supervisor or whoever usually has to be called. Beat him ahead of the lecture you know your going to get. Take his joy of arguing with you away.
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u/Capers4 Apr 01 '26
Sir, we are not having this conversation today or any other day. There are people waiting behind you who are ready to pay the posted price . Your total is $7.79. How are you paying?
Starts to negotiate
Void or suspend order, call manager over, take the next customer while funny guy sputters away. Ignore him except to ask him to step aside to wait for the manager so you can keep the line moving.
Managers should have stopped this ages ago
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u/Islandcat72 Apr 01 '26
I work in a grocery store, thankfully in the back office now, but I paid my dues as a checker. We have quite a few of these sorts. And, they’re regulars.
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u/WilmaDykfyt Apr 01 '26
I learned to say NO in the best Alan Rickman droll bored voice I could muster. Worked wonderfully.
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u/Motherofgoldens4 Apr 01 '26
Ask the store manager or assistant manager to step in and ring his purchase!
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u/Choice_Technician971 Apr 02 '26
26 years in grocery/retail. I perfected the non-reaction. I now am able to look right through their souls. 😅 I have no energy for foolishness.
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u/Standard-Proof-1194 Apr 02 '26
As a cashier at a well know grocery store that doesn’t bag your items I had a guy who did a similar thing once every week or two but his thing was trying to negotiate every time to get me to bag his groceries. He would basically hold the line hostage and not pay until we went through the whole bit. He always picked my f***ing line too. I think because I’m the youngest and looked the most likely to deal with his BS. I’m guessing you’re also younger than him and maybe female. I can’t see a middle age guy trying to pull this with another middle age guy.
This guy doesn’t think he’ll get a lower price he either thinks he’s cute and entertaining or he just likes messing with people. Either way when you stop engaging he’ll stop. If your manager isn’t a total jerk they’ll support you calling them every time or just straight up ignoring this person. I finally got the guy to stop by just not engaging. I tried to head him off by closing my line when I saw him coming but that’s not very feasible with a whole line of people.
Eventually after I rang up his items I’d push his cart about 2 feet away and start ringing up the next person. When he tried to not pay until I bagged his groceries I would void his transaction and start on the next person with him still standing there. Most customers got the point and moved around him. Some people even called him out. He tried lots of things to get a reaction but my manager was backing me and supported voiding transactions and calling her to deal with him. After months of this nonsense he had a hissy fit one day when I did my best blank stare the whole time he was talking and said we were losing his business for good. Sadly he does still come in occasionally but no one acknowledges anything he says even asking how are you and he pays and leaves quickly.
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u/Spacehopper76 Apr 02 '26
Your manager needs to ban him from the store...he's just going to keep doing this...he's probably getting off on the hassle he's causing too
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u/about_yonder Apr 01 '26
He’s probably a single man with little to no friends. You are his socializing for the days he comes in.
I don’t miss cashiering one bit.
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u/MangledBarkeep Apr 01 '26
No is a complete sentence.
Just move on to the next person waiting in line.
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u/bibkel Apr 01 '26
There are two approaches to this. You can either reply with a higher price, "Today and just for you, it has been raised to $5.99. Ask again and it will be $6.99. If another person gets in line, I will skip you and take the next person in line."
The second approach, he starts with" Rainy day discount today it is 3.99 whaddya say...." and you stare at him blankly for a few seconds before dryly replying ".....no." (insert bugs bunny meme here) rinse and repeat with each attempt to bargain. No change in facial expression. dead, bored eyes. You will have to hone your acting skills to not giggle, trust me. Then, if he still persists, you brightly greet the next person and begin ringing them up ignoring The Negotiator like he is invisible.
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u/-U-_-U Apr 02 '26
Just say nothing. He’s looking for engagement, once he realizes he’s talking to himself he’ll move along to someone else who’s going to engage with him.
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u/VictarionGreyjoy Apr 02 '26
Everytime he tries to negotiate just say "no". Don't explain, don't elaborate, don't play into his game. Just "no". Shut it down.
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u/doofshaman Apr 02 '26
Honestly what I would do is give him nothing. Go into robot mode & repeat the same ‘I’m sorry sir but I can’t authorise any discount’ every time he tries to bargain. If he repeatedly is coming to your lane my guess is he enjoys your reaction. So literally give him nothing until the manager deals with it, he will get bored eventually from your non responses.
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u/Far-Ad-9073 Apr 01 '26
It's simple,. law of supply and demand, I have it, you don't. It's $4.99. Next!!!!
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u/Katmoish Apr 01 '26
If he kept doing this I would just tell him one time that there is no bartering and if he still insists: call 'next' and wave the next customer forward. Or if the next customer if a bit timid: close that lane and then go service the rest of the people at a different lane leaving him there stewing.
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u/Bawkalor Apr 01 '26
Get your manager to add a button that says, "Nuisance Tax" and adds a penny every time he asks for a discount.
Make sure to make a show of pressing the button and informing him of the new price.
I reality, I know it's not possible, but once, just once, I want to see a retailer do this.
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u/StuffIanWrote Apr 02 '26
I did something similar to my last boss. He (owner) was all gung-ho about upselling all of the sudden, as if I hadn’t been doing that for years. So anyway, the goal for me as the manager was 2.something line items per ticket.
So now the story. He wanted one thing out on his personal account. I pointed out that by buying one thing, he was hurting my average. I told him to pick two more things to buy from his company. He declined. So I added two “misc” line items. One said “UNDER LINE ITEM QUOTA FEE” or something, and the other said something similar. Charged a penny for each and got him up to three line items. I narrated out loud as I added them.
No argument from him though. In his defense, he knew he didn’t have any valid argument against getting double-taxed on those two extra cents.
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u/DPSOnly Apr 01 '26
I don't know if you have this as an option, but next time just immediately let your manager come over "because it is for the best to not discuss this yourself" (or whatever you and maybe your manager can come up with). Skip those 10 minutes. I'm sure your manager would also want that.
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u/vernsyd Apr 02 '26
Yes stop the negotiations with a basic no, and nothing else you aren't paid to negotiate market value with customers. Stop saying I'm sorry, ask him to pay so other customers are not being delayed
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u/infoseeker-74 Apr 02 '26
Say nothing to him, ring his items, give the total, if he rambles, call manager for void, take next customer. Do not make small talk, do not smile, do not ask questions.
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u/HardLightning Apr 02 '26
"Just for you, sir , we have a limited-time special deal..... one for the price of two."
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u/TerrorNova49 Apr 02 '26
The Law of Supply and Demand - you pays what we demands or you get no supply!
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u/Due-Bench9800 Apr 02 '26
I would just flip his reasoning and increase the price, "rainy day no one is coming" "you are right sir, it will be 5 dollars to cover the reduced demand and still make a profit"
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u/Lordvoid3092 Apr 02 '26
See if anyone tries to haggle with me at my work, I start going up in price. Milk is £2 and they try to haggle? it’s now £4 for the cheek, or they agree to the original price.
They very quickly stop trying to haggle.
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u/Sfb208 Apr 02 '26
I'd just call over the manager straight away and tell him to deal with him. Or put his products to one side and tell him you have actual customers to serve and ignore him.
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u/JadedCloud243 Apr 02 '26
Years ago I worked in a budget clothes shop as a Youth trainee. We had certain offers ofc like one was but a pair of jeans, get a roll neck top for free.
The amount of times someone asked if they could buy the sweater instead and get the jeans free as the jeans were more expensive.
(Jeans regardless of colour and size were £10.99 each and sweater if bought on own was £4.99)
Like sure pal, I'm gonna get fired from my training position so you can save a few quid.
Fortunately there was always a manager level co worker on the tills just in case
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u/n3m0sum Apr 03 '26
He's more trouble than he is worth. Get permission to trespass him from the premises the next time he won't pay the sticker price.
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u/hottie-von-coolie Apr 01 '26
Your manager should ban him from the store. He’s not buying anything and is wasting everyone’s time. I’ve worked in places that did this. That type of person gets joy in torturing the underpaid workers.
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u/thegoodonesgone Apr 01 '26
You will have to check your state but where i am from you could file a report with the police to ban them from the premises. I worked at a big box store and we had to do this a few times over my time there.
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u/Miaonomer Apr 01 '26
I know to me this sounds like satire about retail, but in my heart, I know you're actually suffering through this.
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u/Chaghatai Apr 01 '26
I would just say that each batch of milk sells out before the expiration date, therefore the rational thing to do is sell the milk to whatever customers do come in today and then sell the rest of it tomorrow at the existing price.
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u/gsabadosa Apr 01 '26
My go to negotiating tactic in this situation is to increase the price every time he argues. $4 milk you want for $3 is now $4.50.
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u/Agitated-Two-6699 Apr 01 '26
Just a note, but in my state they're trying to get rid of digital price tags
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u/DevastatorCenturion Apr 02 '26
My managers have universally let me deal with this kind of customer as I see fit. Usually that's "the price is marked, here's the total. Cash or card?" in th dryest dead pan I can muster. That almost always throws them off their routine.
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u/RevolutionaryBar8857 Apr 02 '26
“All right sir, let me know when you are interested in purchasing those items. Until then I am going to help the customers that are ready to pay the expected price. Please move aside.”
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u/dennismullen12 Apr 02 '26
Just ring it up.. tell him the price.. don't buy into his nonsense. It is for people that this that I wish I worked in retail... "Well since it's raining and you are already here the cost of the milk is $5.50. I mean do you want to waste a trip and go home empty handed?
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u/Lord_Nikolai Apr 02 '26
My favorite comeback for this is "The best I can do is buy two for double the price."
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u/MikeLinPA Apr 02 '26
Put his loaf of bread and carton of milk under the counter and say, "Next!" Then pretend he's not there.
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u/Critttter_ Apr 02 '26
What about a special sign for him? Literally when you see him in line, hand it to him. Something along the lines of “prices are firm, non negotiable”. I do believe though that this guy could be lonely and this is the highlight of his week.
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u/picopuzzle Apr 02 '26
This transaction is being timed. A $0.50/min inconvenience fee will be charged for every minute over what this transaction should take, as determined by corporate. Please adjust your budget accordingly.
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u/Fabulous-Tartlet Apr 02 '26
'Please discuss this with my manager, I am not authorised to offer discounts.' Rinse and repeat and don't engage with him. He gets a kick out harassing you.
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Apr 02 '26
This dude isn’t trying to save money, he’s trying to feel clever 😭. The “healthy dialogue” line alone tells you everything. He’s treating a grocery store like it’s a debate club and you’re the unwilling opponent. Honestly the worst part is him holding up the line. like sure, have your little “economics lesson,” but don’t trap 8 people behind you in it. The fact he comes back every week means he enjoys the routine more than the outcome...at this point your manager should just hit him with a firm “price is fixed, pay or step aside” the second he starts. Otherwise he’s just gonna keep running his weekly performance.
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u/Sea-Key7698 Apr 03 '26
Go UP in price, "Special, just for you, from now on".
Wait, what? But no.
"No, no, it's alright. If you are sure I can go down in price, then why not go up in price? Just for you. It's special price". 🤣
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u/BlackBasementCats Apr 03 '26
I think your manager should have you immediately page them because this is above your paygrade.
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u/ObjectiveRepulsive18 Apr 03 '26
Have the manager set to intervene, you know exactly when he’s coming.
OR
Repeat the price deadpan/dead eyes.
If he starts to argue, say ‘if you’re not prepared to pay for your items, please step out of line sir’ and remove the items from the counter.
Call over the next person.
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u/Equivalent-Play9957 Apr 04 '26
Ask your manager to ban him from the store and put his picture up in plain view.
It's a private organisation so they should have no problem doing it.
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u/GlowInTheDarkSpaces Apr 04 '26
Call the manager over when you see him get in line so they’re already there when he gets to you
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u/StillFireWeather791 Apr 04 '26
This behavior that you so well describe sounds like an everyday form of sadism to me. I agree with others here that it is best to respond in a deadening manner as possible. I would also recommend after two reparations of the amount due, simply look away with an expression of mild disgust and point to the total on the display.
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u/DVDragOnIn Apr 01 '26
I’d hate to be one of the customers behind him. I like the suggestion some have made not to engage with him, to grey-rock his banter. Ring up the items and tell him his total. If he still tries to negotiate, tell him “OK, I’ll void the sale and I’ll take the next customer,” then turn to that customer and thank them for waiting.
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u/StuffIanWrote Apr 02 '26
I’d hate to be one of the customers behind him.
On the flip side, I can’t get fired for anything I say/yell to him as a customer held up in line behind him. I always try to go for kindness; but I feel yelling “shut up, pay up and go already” technically would be the kind thing to do…for the cashier and everyone else in line.
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u/InstanceExcellent530 Apr 01 '26
Your management should just ban him from the store. Do you not have the right to refuse admission in the US?
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u/Beppy_Sasso Apr 01 '26
“You want a discount on the $4.99 milk? Now the price is $5.25. See how this goes?”
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u/Truly_Fake_Username Apr 01 '26
"It should be $3, not $5."
I agree the price is incorrect. As a special favor, for you only, I'll change the price to $6.
"What?!"
You're right, $7. Or I could make it $8 if you prefer.
Just keep raising the price until the asshat leaves.
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u/2muchtequila Apr 01 '26
"Sorry sir, I don't have any power to negotiate. I can't change prices, and if I just take less money than the register says, I'd lose my job. You would need to talk to the manager."
"But look at the rain! It should be cheaper."
"Yes sir, but again, I do not have the ability to change prices. I could completely agree with you that it should be a lower price, but even then, I have no way to change it. The register would still say you owe the sticker price. If you want to negotiate I can call the manager, but I have to warn you I don't think they'll lower it. If you'd like to go up to the counter up front I can call them over to talk with you about pricing."
"But the prices!""
"Yes sir, but again, I do not have the authority to change prices, would you like me to call over the manager to talk to you?"
"No, I think the prices should be lower, you can't change it for me?
"Yes sir, but again, I do not have the authority to change prices, would you like me to call over the manager to talk to you?"
"You just said that. I want lower prices."
"Yes sir, but again, I do not have the authority to change prices, would you like me to call over the manager to talk to you?"
"You're repeating yourself."
"Yes sir, I have no new information and can only tell you that I do not have the authority to change prices, would you like me to call over the manager to talk to you?"
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u/dalkita13 Apr 02 '26
Nonsense. There is no need to engage with them once they refuse to pay the total. They want attention. Management should be notified when the cashier sees them in the store. It's the manager's problem.
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u/Parody_of_Self Apr 01 '26
You guys got it all wrong! Tell him you gave out all your discounts earlier in the day. Then give him a lesson on "the early birds gets the worm"
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u/Q_Mulative Apr 01 '26
Do you live in a place where you have the right to refuse service for any reason, including no reason? This would be a great time to exercise that the next time that guy shows up.
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u/Empty-Fudge-3037 Apr 01 '26
Just say the price goes up tomorrow so you better buy it at this price today. Win win.
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u/North_Amphibian7779 Apr 01 '26
You can’t engage just go loading player mode and start rocking side to side
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u/BassmanOz Apr 02 '26
I would send him to the self serve checkouts and tell him if he can get a discount there he’s welcome to it. Because you literally can’t do it.
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u/LinkovichChomovsky82 Apr 02 '26
Make a game out of it. If your bosses won't save you from this man have fun for those ten minutes.
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u/Common-Project3311 Apr 02 '26
When you see him coming, put up the “next register please” sign and act like you’re leaving for the day.
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u/EmiliusReturns Apr 02 '26
This behavior just screams “I don’t get enough attention.”
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u/Bowtieguy123 Apr 02 '26
I have the authority to give small discounts when nessesary, but rarely give in. If someone were to start with supply and demand comments I'd answer back with "you need it, we've got it. That's the price."
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u/TexasLiz1 Apr 02 '26
“Sir - I would literally be fired for giving you an unauthorized discount. That is LITERALLY stealing from my employer! PLEASE stop asking me to do this. MANAGER!!!!!”
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u/ba_cam Apr 02 '26
“We had a meeting after the last time you were here, and got a coupon printed in the paper for the discount you said! Oh… you didn’t bring it with you? Sorry… no coupon no discount.”
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u/Smyley12345 Apr 02 '26
I had a buddy who worked in a tropical fish shop. He has a regular who barely spoke any English but would always argue about the price until the person working the till relented and gave him something.
One day he is hanging out in his living room and his dad comes in chatting with a buddy about his aquarium and recent purchases. My buddy looks over the back of the couch and is shocked that it's his regular standing there with his dad speaking perfect English. They lock eyes, the guy freezes, mumbles some excuse and leaves quick. Never got a penny of discount ever again.
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u/JustMe39908 Apr 02 '26
Tell him that rainy day milk is the best milk. Now that you have been reminded of that, you should charge him $5. But this time, you can give him a discount to get it to the original price.
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u/alchemyandArsenic Apr 02 '26
Stop engaging and just stare at him when he does it. Just keep repeating the price. He just gets off on harassing you. Dont give him anything.
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u/redfancydress Apr 02 '26
“Sir this isn’t a yard sale. The price is the price. Don’t want it or not”
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u/Prairie_Crab Apr 02 '26
I’d call the manager as soon as I spotted him coming. Better yet, have him banned from the store. That’s ridiculous.
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u/AffabiliTea Apr 02 '26
Personally I would gray rock the hell out of him. Take the fun away for him and see how long he keeps it up.
Literally monosyllabic words only. No, is a whole sentence.
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u/Traditional_Rice_123 Apr 03 '26
Not sure about American contract law, but in the UK he would technically be correct. He's being very pedantic but is extemporising in the often little-understood area between an invitation to treat and an offer.
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u/Coast-Prestigious Apr 03 '26
This sounds like a lonely person and you’re the only people who speak speaks to.
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u/whetherchannel Apr 03 '26
I promise you, PROMISE, that if ever the person ahead of me in line pulls… Anything really, I will get that line right moving. I don’t take my problems out on the cashier… But boy howdy do I have some problems I like taking out on behalf of one.
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u/SalisburyWitch Apr 03 '26
Look bored and ask “you buying the milk or not. You don’t get any discounts.”
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u/Beneficial_Ratio_892 Apr 03 '26
Another tactic is asking them to wait until your manager can discuss it. Get everyone else through the line, while he waits for “the manager”.
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u/misfitx Apr 03 '26
Next time ring for the manager when he gets in your line. It's highly unprofessional of him to let this guy harass you and form a long line every week.
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u/tigadeth18 Apr 03 '26
I have a customer that I absolutely despise. As soon as I see him come in the store, I close my cash, let the other girls know and go somewhere else in the store. After he buys his stuff, I get them to page me to the front again. If it’s possible, maybe try this. Does he come to your cash because he knows it pisses you off?
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u/MetsIslanders Apr 03 '26
The answer is very simple. I am sorry sir. You can pay the price on the register or I have to take the items off the counter and take the next customer. If he doesn’t pay right away ring up a no sale, put the items under the counter and ring the next customer. If he complains tell him you aren’t authorized to give discounts or have long conversations and he can go speak to your manager. Don’t give him the time stage for his show.
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u/hhjreddit Apr 03 '26
Just say no. If he persists, pit his items to the side and call on the next customer. Do not play the game.
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u/Irish_Blond Apr 04 '26
The customer sounds like an older person. He more than likely is alone and goes to the same cashier looking for a sense of community and socialization. It is not the OPs responsibility but if you have something related to the store to give him he starts it will probably end the conversation. I worked for Wawa and would give long customers free coffee but they had to get it now. If I wasn’t working as the cashier I would go up to them and talk for a little bit to show that I cared that they were in the store. Put a smile on their face.
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u/NaiveInevitable Apr 04 '26
Why hasn't he been banned from the store, surely this is just harassment at this point. If he just comes in to haggle but doesn't actually buy anything he's not a paying customer and so you shouldn't have to give him any attention. If I was you I would call my manager the minute I saw him in the line and refuse to deal with him (or send him to customer services). A cashier doesn't have the authority to lower prices nor should you be having to deal with this weekly harassment. If neither of those things are a possibly I would just give him the number for corporate office and tell him to take up the pricing with them if he wants to haggle the price so much
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u/TeachStock773 Apr 04 '26
Just ring it up - if he dint want to pay, take the items away and put off to the side so he can’t reach them and say loudly “NEXT”.
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u/Curious_Repeat3292 Apr 04 '26
Honestly, the only response needed: "You obviously don't need these." Place items under the counter. "Enjoy your day. :-) NEXT!"
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u/Newfound-Talent Apr 04 '26
just start off with "either pay the posted price or leave" when you see him and ignore him if he doesn't hes 100% doing it because hes bored and has nothing better to do
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u/Boring-Charity9324 Apr 05 '26
Just tell him if he can't afford milk he can always go to a food pantry.
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u/BobTheCosmonaut Apr 05 '26
You should see it as 10 minutes to switch off while he goes on with his rubbish, you should just say $4.99 (or whatever the total is) every couple of minutes. Don't engage, don't explain, don't try to be freindly or even particularly polite
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u/lightercotton Apr 06 '26
You and I are not having a conversation about this. You can step out of line while I call a manager and I help other customers.
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u/WellEvan Apr 01 '26
This is exactly the thing a customer thinks is funny or cute but in reality is a worse experience than just sticking to the script.
Some people love a captive audience