A few things that I don't understand...

Why are debit pads so hard to use?

I have had a debit card since I was like 16 and have never been confused about how the card reader works...I have worked at my current job for nearly 7 years now and every day I encounter at least 2 people who cannot figure the damn things out. First, they don't know which way to slide their card. I can sorta understand this confusion...but upside down? with the strip not even in the little slot.  Hmm...Our debit pads at work first ask you to enter your pin. Lots of people stare blankly at the screen, confused as to what to do. People don't even wait for the prompts to start entering their pin, they just start stabbing the numbers like they've just been insulted. Our debit pads are set up so that the numbers don't enter until it's ready. Clearly the loud screeching beep means to keep on going. Then it's totally acceptable to get pissed off because the machine was telling you it wasn't ready for your input.

Next question is if you want cash back. Options at the cash register are "no" "20" and "40". Instead of reading, people stare blankly at me, thinking that's how you finish the transaction. When I ask them if they want cash back, I get hollered at, "NO!" I nicely point at the reader and say, "go ahead and select, 'no'." Customers then proceed to try to murder the screen with the pen. And for some reason think that it will only register if they pound the screen 3 or 4 times...even when it beeps after the first hard poke.

Last question at the cash register is if the amount's ok. "What does that say? I forgot my glasses." That's a common question. I am then worried for everyone else on the road driving alongside the moron who is driving without their glasses. Anyway, I tell them what it says and cue the stabbing again.

We have debit readers at our parts counter where we don't take cash. You can only use debit or credit cards. Since there aren't any cash registers over there, the second question, "Cash back?" is omitted. You wouldn't believe the amount of people who select no for the "is the amount ok?" question thinking it's asking for cash back. "Oh, I thought it was asking if I wanted cash back." Do you even read what you're agreeing (or disagreeing) to?! Now we have to start all over...and we once again have murder victims.

I am constantly asked, "What am I supposed to do???!!!" "Well, sir (or ma'am), what does it say there on the screen?" "It says 'please slide card'." "Well, then you slide your card (you goddamn moron!!!)... I just don't get why these things are so hard to use! "Every one is different."


Why people sport the rebel flag...

Let's start this off for anyone who doesn't know what the rebel flag is. It's the flag used by the south during the civil war. It's red and has a blue x across it with stars in the x. Also, in case you didn't know, the south lost the civil war.

So, what, you like to support the loser? I mean I get it that even losers are winners (because at least they tried...or something) but COME ON! Let's just advertise to the world that you are a redneck racist! Sorry if you are that one weird person on the planet who waves that flag and isn't racist or a redneck. or from the south. It's mostly northerners that I've seen with the flag flying. In Missouri this last year, I've hardly seen any...working in Michigan, I saw them daily. So what's the point? Please...I'm confused.


Why are you an asshole to someone you expect to help you???

If you come into a business expecting help from the clerk, the fastest way to NOT get any is to be the world's biggest douchebag right from the start. It's even better to insult the person who's trying to help you. That will get you super far.

News flash! That was all sarcasm up there. Don't be a jerk and you will be helped. Promise!


Just because I work in a parts store means I'm a mechanic, right? And I know everything about every car ever made. Especially yours.

Here's a PSA on behalf of everyone who works retail automotive...when you are going to get parts for your car, know something about your car! Like...the year would be a good start. Just because I work in a parts store doesn't make me psychic and able to just magically figure out what kind of car you have. Especially if it's not in the parking lot. I have seen this conversation happen:

Clerk: How can I help you sir?
Customer: I need such and such part for my car.
Clerk: Ok! What kind of car is it?
Customer: Oh hell, I don't know! It's my wife's car!

Uh, what? How am I supposed to help you?

On the flipside of this, please don't assume that I don't know ANYTHING just because I'm a girl. I actually do know a little bit. And if you are a woman, don't assume that the women behind the counter are as dumb as you are. It's more insulting to me to have a woman treat me like crap than a man. I've been a part of this conversation:

Me: Hi! Can I help you, ma'am?
Woman: Are there any men here?
Me: um, no. Just me and (my female coworker)
Woman: SHIT! I need to talk to a man.
Me: well, what do you need? I'm sure I can help you.
Woman: No, I need a man to help me.

Come to find out, she wanted wiper blades or something equally simple.

So, while I don't want you to expect that I know everything, please don't assume I know nothing! And don't be a jerk on purpose :)

Anyway, those are just a few things that are confusing to me. Anything confuse you? Let me know and I'll blog about it!