A customer teases me daily by refusing to release the bill he holds out for me to take. Can you assist me?

Question

This is a man in his late 50's. He is an engineer in my building, so he's not daft. While I understand you only tease the people you like, this is becoming increasingly tiresome. The joke is old. How do I get him to move on? I've smiled, been firm, readied his change meanwhile. Eventually he puts the bill on the counter, but he seems to leave displeased. How does one deal with an individual like this?

Answer 1

Tell him firmly that you are busy and you can't deal with this nuansence.

Answer 2

Being a guy,  I guess I just DO NOT understand why women continue to put up with this. It's not only RUDE by UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!!

Never EVER underestimate the power of a well-backed threat! He KNOWS what he is doing is illegal! He does it anyway...why? Every ask yourself that?

Lemme tell you---EVERY CRIMINAL, no matter what the crime, if they have a stinking ounce of brain in their head ALWAYS asks THIS: "WHAT ARE THE RISKS (that I'll get caught?)"!!! The dumb ones get caught and the smart ones stay free.

Seriously. And this guy, by harassing you, IS breaking the law! If you were my sister or wife, I'd lay him out and probably get off with a couple weeks!

TELL HIM ABOUT THE LAW!

Then TELL HIM HE IS BREAKING IT AND YOU DON'T LIKE IT!

Then tell him that, if he doesn't stop, YOU WILL REPORT HIM!

Then BE PREPARED TO DO IT!

I know that's the hardest part. People will say you "asked for it" or they'll even question your lifestyle and how you dress...but mark my words..NO WOMAN ASKS FOR THIS!!!

If you DO press charges, especially after a fair warning, STICK TO IT! DON'T LET FRIENDS, FAMILY, CO-WORKERS, ETC., pressure you to drop it. That is JUST what jerks like this one are COUNTING on!!!

Yeah, you may lose your job, but do you REALLY wanna work in a place where the bosses make you or let you put up with THAT?! I wouldn't!

Tell him where to head in and if it doesn't work, then sue. This is JUST the kind of things lawsuits were meant to solve...when the "law" won't protect an ordinary citizen!

Answer 3

Ooh, that sounds very annoying. Maybe this man seeks humor and expects you to probably say something funny back like "Yes Mister, you better drop that bill before I drop something on you!" in a funny tone. However, I don't suggest you use that line I just said before he feels threatened. Add more humour, but don't get flirty. He may feel the need to hold onto the bill more often. Try saying it like "Drop it, Mister!" or something more witty never time and he'll be pleased. As I said before, don't flirt or he'll do it more often. If he continues to do it, be like "C'mon! Don't be like that, now!"

Maybe it's because he's crushing on you. Oooh...

Answer 4

How very irritating...if there's someone else that can take care of him let them do it.

You haven't said how old you are...is it inappropriate of him to be teasing you like that?

Answer 5

Just ignore it.  Tell him he's holding up the line, but don't play along.  Eventually he'll get tired himself, and stop doing it.

Answer 6

I have seen my husband do that and I realize it is annoying as h**l. But then he does so many odd things that he is the only person to find funny.

Answer 7

This is NOT your problem.  It's his.  But you MIGHT find a short-term fix for it by making him bored with the game.

Here's what I'D do:  Next time he holds it out, reach for it, let him jerk it back then say "Oh, you got me again." with a bored look and a monotone voice. and do that EXACT same thing every time he pulls it away from you.  "Oh, you got me again."  "Oh, you got me again."  "Oh, you got me again."... until he manages to some how give you the bill.  Do this every day.  Don't change it a bit.  And if he should ever actually SAY anyithing, I'd just say  "Yeah... I dunno...  I'm kinda over it..."

Course there's the SLIM possibility that you'll still be going through this foolish game two years from now in which case you can come back to Yahoo answers and ask about ways to kill someone without getting caught, but I doubt it.  He should grow bored when the response never changes.

Answer 8

this man just wants joked with.

Answer 9

I would say jokingly but sarcastically, "Ah, you don't have to tease me with the fake bill take-away game everyday!" and let it go. If he keeps on, I wouldn't wait on him. Seriously.

Answer 10

I dealt with this all the time waitressing.  Just point at the bill and say "drop it" in a funny manner.  Some men think they're being cute by flirting like that when they're actually being a pest.  You could also give him the cold shoulder and he will eventually learn.  With some men, even the slightest bit of attention automatically makes them think you're interested.  Sometimes you've got to be "cold" for them to get the picture.

Answer 11

I agree with those here who say to just try not to respond in a flirtatious manner, that is with positive responsiveness.  

I've worked in different areas of customer service and always have had to deal with men like this also.  I think its a control game that older men enjoy playing with younger women.  I see these same type of men harrass my daughters and they leave me alone :)  In other words, they don't bother with mature women that they know will not get easily flustered.

Therefore, respond like the women who they won't bother with would.  I'd not even reach for any bills he would hand out, I'd say, "Ok, lay your money on the counter."  If he ignores the command (as he probably will) and holds out the bill again, a bored "I don't have all day look." with fist perched on hip and head tilted forward will give him a different attitude than what he wants. Remember, he is enjoying the feeling of control by making you flustered and frustrated.  Show none of that.

When he holds out the bill and refuses to acknowledge your request to place it on the counter (not going after it in his hand), you can say something to the effect, "Nope Lucy, I'm not kicking that football again."  He'll know what you mean, being in his 50's. (reference to Charlie Brown getting repeatedly sucked in by Lucy).

Again, do not respond as flustered, remain in control of the situation. Do not allow him to play his Snatch the Bill Away Game with you -- it takes two to tango.

If this doesn't work, talk to your manager and ask if they'll catch him and tell him to stop playing the game as it is holding up the cashier's time.  Some outside intervention might be necessary as much as you may hate it.  If you can confront him yourself that would be even better -- away from the register.  

Or you can just temporarily close your register when he comes up, although he may complain to management which will only backfire on you.