Hello ozbargain community…I need your opinion , If you can relate.
this is regarding a couple of incidents that happened only this year.
First incident, At around 8PM I shopped at a local grocery for Xmas decor on sale. I changed my mind and decided to return the item checked the receipt and found that I was billed 4 X the item when I only bought 3. I came back to the store 2 days later and advised of my concern. Lady from customer service told me that I cannot return this stuff and with my claim about the miss-billing, They would have to look at the surveillance camera to verify my claim. I asked if I can speak to the manager, but was told she wasn't available and would need to come back tomorrow before 6PM. I came back the next day and spoke to the manager. She asked why didn't I come back the soon enough. I said, The amount is only $4.50 and its not worth my time and effort to come back at 9PM. and I said " look I had the impression that its not a big deal and assume that you will treat your customers with trust after its only $4.50 and wouldnt lie as its not worth my time coming back to this store. She then agreed to refund the money.
2nd incident, at Bunnings timber section. I placed all my stuff for building a deck in the trolley and asked for one the staff to give me a docket so I can pay for it. After having paid at the cashier and proceeded to exit. I was questioned by one of the senior staff on inspection . He told me that the item I bought was incorrect and asked me what I told the cashier could be wrong. I told him I didn't do that and was only giving the cashier what the staff wrote on the docket. He then asked one of his staff if it was him but the staff denied as the one who wrote it has gone. So he told me to turn-off the car and go to the cashier which I obliged.. To make the story short. I paid an extra $3, I felt like being harassed as there was no Please, let go to the cashier or Sorry for this is our staff's mistake or thank you for being patient.
If you can relate has this happened to you or felt like you've been judged on because of your race, age, stature, looks, etc ?
Im am mid-aged Asian and could be mistaken for 20s-30 because also of my small build and short stature, I admit I look like a nerd, Im like a cross of Jay Baruchel and Johnny Galecki . Although Im white collar professional.
Not sure what race has anything to do this.
The first one was a bit strict, but I guess according to the rules it would have been correct. Next time this happens, ask for them to take your phone number down and pass it onto their manager to call you back ASAP.
Bunnings - that's a bit odd, seems like a stuff up on their part, but it was about the principle I guess, not the $3. Senior staff usually go two ways, either they're very accommodating to customers or they're old farts who are just grumpy when they do their job, looks like you got the latter. Fairly sure they used the "guilty until you make it right approach".
Sort of similar to how Transit Officers are out to hunt fare evaders, but seem like they're accusing everyone on public transport (in Sydney anyway), when you compare it to ticket checkers in Japan, where they advise you need to correct your fare or in the wrong carriage when they check your ticket.
I think it's the different attitudes in Australian culture vs "more polite"/friendly approaches when conducting the same task. Nothing to do with your race.