Caught On Tape: Customers Who Left Their Brains At Home

(KitchenNightmares)

I spend a fair amount of time criticizing companies for their anti-consumer behavior. And they usually deserve it.

But let’s face it: sometimes customers have it coming.

Not every person who darkens the door of a business is playing with a full deck, as they say.

Let’s go straight to the tape.

1. The most embarrassing phone call from a customer, ever

 

(The most embarrasing phone call from a customer ever, by SuperLaughHard)

Next time you’re tempted to make a call to customer service because of what you feel is a defective product, open the entire box and examine everything. This guy didn’t (warning: heavy accent). He complains. And complains. And complains. And then he realizes … well, watch it for yourself. Moral of the story: Be sure the product is defective before you pick up the phone to gripe about it.

2. Your money’s no good here

 

(How to Deal With a Declined Credit Card as a Waiter, by expertvillage)

Next time you go out for dinner, make sure you have enough money to pay for it. The customer in this training video doesn’t, which makes the video necessary. It shouldn’t be. (In fairness, sometimes the restaurant’s payment systems are at fault, and if that’s the case, there really isn’t much you can do about it).

3. The food here is terrible

(Gordon argues with awkward customer, by KitchenNightmares)

Here’s the thing: If the food is awful at a restaurant, then 1) don’t eat it, and 2) make sure the TV cameras are turned off. This customer did neither and instead of getting a free meal, which appeared to be her motivation, she got stared down by the chef, who called her “an old bag.” All in all, a less-than-ideal dining experience, wouldn’t you say?

4. Another dumb customer

(Dumb People: “Dumb Customer” by PanicMonkeyProd)

Some customers are just unreasonable, and when they make demands, an employee has no choice but to call security. This staged video shows an absurd example – someone who is trying to return Legos. Used Legos. Is that an exaggeration? Maybe a little. But if you’ve ever worked on the other side of the counter, you know that it’s not much of one. Customers often don’t think before they make a request, or demand.

5. No, we don’t reserve movies

 

(Stupid Customers 2 (1991) by cadabrketish)

This 1991 classic, revived here for your viewing pleasure, makes a good point about company policy, and about persistent customers. If someone takes the time to explain company policy, chances are they’re not going to change it for you because you asked about it repeatedly, ad nauseum. Can you blame the employee for losing it at the end? I can’t.

Parting shot: Think before you complain about a product. The product may be fine. The problem might be you.

Christopher Elliott is a consumer advocate who blogs about getting better customer service at On Your Side. Connect with him on Twitter and Facebook or send him your questions by email.