Was I out of line for this? Should I have been written up?

Question

I am currently working part time at a grocery store. At my job we have those self scan machines. I was helping a woman bag her stuff up and instead of asking me to clean the scanner she was using she proceeded to lick her finger and tried to wipe off the scanner with her saliva. I thought that was gross so I told her that was unsanitary and too not ever do that because she isn't the only person that is going to use that machine. I didn't raise my voice but I did ask her if she thought what she did was nasty. Of course I immediately washed the machine off after she did that but still blech. She took offense to this and complained to the management who then wrote me up because they said I overstepped my boundaries because I called her disgusting. I know that might not have been the most tactful way to have gone about it but why on Earth would anyone try to do that?

Update:

This is probably the wrong category apologies.

? · Accepted Answer

She definitely should not have done that, but the way you let her know was rude, given that she's a customer. The write up, in this case, was justified. The store has most likely lost a paying customer, as this woman is unlikely to return to a place where the clerk called her "disgusting."

? · Answer

Of course it was gross but you don't tell customers that or insinuate that they themselves are disgusting. Just because you didn't raise your voice doesn't mean what you said wasn't offensive. You just keep your mouth shut and then talk about them later to your coworkers and friend.  It is not your place to police people's bad habits and then embarrass them about them.  So, YES, you were out of line, and a verbal, documented warning is sufficient.  And you will drive yourself crazy trying to figure out why people do the things they do so give up now.  Most people don't have a clue.

? · Answer

As far as keeping your job goes, you were probably a little over the line. Some people walk around with a chip on their shoulders and complain about every little thing, and you never know if any given customer is one of those people. You've got to be tactful, because you're walking on eggshells with some people. That's not to say that what she did wasn't gross, because it is. But you can't just say that.

moose · Answer

I agree that it was disgusting , however, she's the customer and the "customer is always right". (at least if you want your job). You probably should have just stayed quiet and cleaned it after she left.

? · Answer

thats the stupidest thing I've EVER heard!!! 
no u should not have been written up. I would of thrown the hugest fit. that's really disgusting. u should of got comet and bleach and cleaned it right in front of her. that was totally uncalled for. you should  of said maam this is not your home, therefore you are not allowed to do that.

Trending News

Was I out of line for this? Should I have been written up?

5 Answers