UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I just had THE most ridiculous experience EVER in the Barnes and Noble near my house. I went to buy a book, and when the woman (for whom I now have MANY other names) asked me if I were a member, I said no, but I had an educator's discount card. She asked if I were teaching the book, and she looked completely disbelieving -- almost obnoxiously so. Now, as an English teacher, I can always use ANY books in my classroom library, so the answer is ALWAYS yes. She even asked AGAIN AFTER I said yes. Sorry, but one answer REALLY is enough.

So I took out the card, and she informed me that it was expired. My hackles were already up from the third degree, but I calmly said "no problem" and took out my staff ID... when she then informed me that she needed a PAY STUB because the ID didn't have a DATE on it. Now... I get that. I do. BUT I have NEVER been asked for this before when renewing the card, and I've been teaching for nine years now. When I questioned this, she said, "well, I need to see a pay stub." I said, "well, you know, I don't have to buy this here."

At which point... and this is where steam started coming out of my ears, she said, "You know, I gave you the discount, but I COULD always take it back?" SERIOUSLY? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???? The ONLY person who loses here is YOU! Like there AREN'T other Barnes and Nobles? I said fine. I also said I would no longer be shopping at her store and she just lost a sale two days before Christmas.

I left the store at that point, and I'd actually been talking to my best friend, who'd been holding on throughout this whole transaction. (She works with me, too.) So I picked up the phone and said loudly as I was leaving, "So much for Barnes and Noble supporting educators."

And then when I got out to my car, I calmed down, went back in and spoke to the manager. I pointed out the cashier who'd been SO ridiculous, and while she said she'd talk to her (because I'm sure THAT will make a huge difference ) she also said that their policy when renewing these cards is that teachers have to present photo ID, a pay stub AND a UFT membership card. You know what? If that were actually the policy (and it were PRINTED anywhere), I'd have no problem with it. But as I told her, in my 9 years of teaching (and thus 8 years of renewing this card), I've NEVER been asked for anything other than my ID. So I told her that. And I told her that I shop there all the time but won't be anymore and good job losing business two days before Christmas.

So I left. And I went to another B&N and bought the book. Got a new discount card with ZERO fuss and a simple photo I.D.

I think one of the things that aggravated me MOST was that the STUPID cashier acted like SHE was the one who was WINNING here... really?? YOU'RE the ones who lost business!!!

Sorry this is so long. I was OUT OF MY MIND, and typing it out made me so much calmer. I so want to write a letter...

Edited for clarity... I guess I was still seeing red. Sorry.

Message edited 12/23/2008 10:17:48 PM.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE!!!

ITA with your irritation. The best was the smirking eye roll when she asked if I was planning to use a Barron's Algebra Review in the classroom.

Uh...no...Barron's reviews are the most popular pleasure reading around

I hate them, and I wish there were more options.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Are you freaking kidding me!?!!?

That's some nice holiday spirit at that store! Seriously, in this economy they will alienate a customer that way?! I would have been livid!

Re: UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I always found B&N to be a PITA with educator discounts. I don't know if it's changed, but I also think it's silly that college teachers don't get a discount there. I find my local Border's to be much more accomodating so I really only shop there. And they have given my DH a discount also; he's a professor.

And sorry to hijack, but I also got annoyed at the way the B&N people always push that "membership" since you have to pay for it.

Message edited 12/24/2008 10:36:35 AM.

Re: UNBELIEVABLE!!!

I was just in B Dalton buying a book and the woman actually CHECKED my discount card to see if it expired..she had one at the ready if it had...I guess different stores and employees have different rules...B Dalton is apparently B and N now...sorry for your pain in the butt experience!

Re: UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Wow how awful!

You would think the discount you are getting on the book is coming out of HER pocket!!

I hate when store employees do this and are SO over the top and uptight about their stupid policies. It's not like they will get a smaller paycheck if you get an extra 20% off on a paperback!