The customer who tried to return a half eaten sandwich from 2 weeks ago

I work at a deli counter in a grocery store in Cleveland. This woman came in holding a crumpled receipt and a sandwich bag with maybe two bites left. She said the turkey was 'too dry' and she wanted a full refund of $8.50 plus a replacement. I pointed out the date on the receipt was from 14 days ago and she got LOUD about how we guarantee fresh food. My manager caved and gave her the refund just to shut her up. Has anyone else had customers try to return food that is OBVIOUSLY almost gone?

2 comments

2 Comments

patriciap5212d agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, the "guarantee fresh food" line really gets me. I used to be one of those people who thought if the store says they stand by their product, then a refund is always fair game. But honestly, seeing this changed my mind completely. Half a sandwich after two weeks is basically a science experiment, not a complaint about freshness. I mean, what did she expect, that turkey would still be moist after sitting in her fridge for 14 days? That's on her for not eating it sooner, not on the deli for a dry slice of meat. Your manager totally folded, but I get why - some customers just suck the energy out of the room until they get what they want.

jessicaflores11d ago

I mean @patriciap52, the store literally says "guarantee fresh food" so shouldn't that cover the whole experience, not just the first bite? It's not like she froze the sandwich for two weeks and then tried to return it, she probably forgot about it in the back of her fridge which is totally normal for busy people. Honestly, if a company promises fresh food, they should back it up even when the customer messes up, otherwise that guarantee doesn't mean anything.