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While working in the customer service industry, employees encounter a large number of people every day. Unfortunately, not all of them are nice. In fact, oftentimes, they have the ‘customer is always right’ mentality that allows them to get away with all kinds of ridiculous behavior.

To show how infuriating and exhausting it can get, Bored Panda has compiled a list of clients that seem to have no bounds when it comes to cluelessness. Scroll down to find them, and be sure to share your own experiences down below.

While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with website optimization consultant, customer experience specialist, and developer Chérie Oduwole, who kindly agreed to share some tips on how to deal with rude customers.

#1

If They Get Bigger, I Would Start Worrying. Possible Food Spoilage Or Alien Infestation

If They Get Bigger, I Would Start Worrying. Possible Food Spoilage Or Alien Infestation

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#2

A Customer From Florida Parked In Front Of The Cart Return, So I, The Cart Pusher, Started A Line Beside Their Car, And Now Customers Are Leaving Carts All Around Their Car

A Customer From Florida Parked In Front Of The Cart Return, So I, The Cart Pusher, Started A Line Beside Their Car, And Now Customers Are Leaving Carts All Around Their Car

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I need a nap.
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, at least the other customers knew how to handle the situation. If you park dumb, don’t be surprised when it comes to bite you in the åss.

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#3

Charge Them For A Cappuccino, VIP Price

Charge Them For A Cappuccino, VIP Price

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Multa Nocte
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2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do some people even make it out of the house in the morning?

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Since this list is blatant proof that customers aren’t always right, let’s look at how the opposite of this phrase came to be and why it’s so important in the realm of customer service. 

The slogan is believed to have been coined by Marshall Field, who introduced this idea when he established Chicago’s first department store in 1893. Then Henry Gordon Selfridge took this concept overseas to London, where he popularized it further.

#4

Do You Lemonade?

Do You Lemonade?

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Goose of the Ahonkalypse
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. I used to have people come in and ask for pilots books back when I worked at a bookstore. They meant pilates but it threw me the first 3 times or so.

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The original quote was actually longer, saying that "Right or wrong, the customer is always right." Almost 100 years later, César Ritz introduced this mentality to the hospitality industry when he founded The Ritz Carlton Hotels. 

His was a bit different, stating that "Le client n'a jamais tort," which translates to the customer is never wrong.

#8

"I Love To Work In Customer Service"

"I Love To Work In Customer Service"

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DEW
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh c**p!! The live one isn't in it's display? We'll be careful walking around. They can bite you.

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#9

A Restaurant Review I Stumbled On. The Customer Is So Many Kinds Of Wrong

A Restaurant Review I Stumbled On. The Customer Is So Many Kinds Of Wrong

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Before this phrase was introduced to the customer service industry, the client wasn’t exactly treated well. In fact, it was the opposite. The person who bought the product was fully responsible for inspecting its quality and reporting any problems before the item was purchased. It wasn’t up to the seller to reveal anything about the commodities they offered or provide assistance to the customer.  

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#10

Clueless People Who Don't Know Where They Are Going

Clueless People Who Don't Know Where They Are Going

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#11

Customer Bought Wheels And Tires Online. After Advising Multiple Times That The Tires Are Too Small For His SUV He Insisted For Us To Put Them On

Customer Bought Wheels And Tires Online. After Advising Multiple Times That The Tires Are Too Small For His SUV He Insisted For Us To Put Them On

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#12

Scrolled Across This Gem Someone Posted Today At A Local Grocery Store

Scrolled Across This Gem Someone Posted Today At A Local Grocery Store

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So when business introduced the concept of ‘customer is always right’, they flocked to them, as they weren’t used to being treated with this level of consideration and care. Over time, many variations of this philosophy became popular globally.

#13

Standing In Line At The Bank, And The Current Customer Chooses This To Be The Perfect Time To Paint Her Toenails

Standing In Line At The Bank, And The Current Customer Chooses This To Be The Perfect Time To Paint Her Toenails

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#14

This One

This One

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In Germany, it became ‘Der Kunde ist König,’ translating into ‘the customer is king.’ In Japan, the slogan reads ‘okyakusama wa kamisama desu,’ or ‘the customer is god.’ Spain has the phrase ‘El cliente siempre tiene la razón,’ implying that “the customer always has a reason." All of them ensure fair trade practices and build great relationships with clients.

#16

The Audacity

The Audacity

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SuperChicken
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a thing to say, "... y'aint doing nothing. you cans stay open..." I hope they didn't wait for that customer.

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#17

Lady Goes To Self Checkout, Makes Attendant Unload Her Cart, Scan And Bag Each Item

Lady Goes To Self Checkout, Makes Attendant Unload Her Cart, Scan And Bag Each Item

At the grocery store, we crossed paths with the lady in white shopping and loading her cart. We go to check out, and she is there, making the self-checkout attendant unload her cart, scan, and bag each item. Then she had the attendant place the bags in her cart. Note that she had way more items than you should for self-checkout, and a recommendation was made by the employee that she consider going to the standard checkout, which had nobody in line, and she refused. Poor attendant had to stop every so often to go to every other self-checkout and do overrides and I'd checks. The customer was perfectly capable of doing all this herself.

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#18

He Really Wanted The Full Price

He Really Wanted The Full Price

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Jennik
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a former job I was category manager for a major bookshop chain. We had a popular children's book on special - reduced from $29.99 to $19.99 for a limited time. A customer rang and said she was reporting us to the Commerce Commission because she peeled off the $19.99 sticker and there was a $29.99 sticker underneath, so we were ripping people off. Ummm, ok!

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This mentality doesn’t necessarily mean that customers can do no wrong. Instead, it comes from a place wanting to ensure customer satisfaction by making them feel heard and valued, says website optimization consultant, customer experience specialist, and developer Chérie Oduwole to Bored Panda. "It was put in place to encourage businesses to prioritize the customer's experience.

Customers have the power to make or break a company, so it’s important to meet their expectations. If not, they can quickly take their business elsewhere. That’s why even the most difficult customers deserve to feel seen and heard.

#20

Customer Got Mad Because His Debit Card Wouldn’t Work

Customer Got Mad Because His Debit Card Wouldn’t Work

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#21

Friend Is A Mechanic. This Was One Of The Cars A Customer Dropped Off

Friend Is A Mechanic. This Was One Of The Cars A Customer Dropped Off

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There seem to be a lot of unsatisfied clients. The National Customer Rage Survey found that 74% of customers had an issue with a product or service in the last year, up by 8% from 2020. A US study found that 81% of customer service employees deal with verbal abuse from clients, and 36% have even received violent threats. 43% of customers confessed to raising their voice when communicating with customer support.

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#22

Why Are You Like This, Target Shoppers?

Why Are You Like This, Target Shoppers?

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#23

As If Having More Bags Is Going To Make Things Lighter Somehow

As If Having More Bags Is Going To Make Things Lighter Somehow

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Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A woman went alone to a pizzaria and ordered a pepperoni. The server asked if she wanted it cut in six pieces or eight. The woman answered, "You'd better make it six. I don't think I can eat eight pieces of pizza."

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#24

The Grocery Store Had This Caution Tape Up Because They Are Redoing The Floors And That Is Wet Cement

The Grocery Store Had This Caution Tape Up Because They Are Redoing The Floors And That Is Wet Cement

An old man on an electric buggy lifted the tape and drove straight into the cement and then said, "I didn't know that was wet cement. They should have a sign-up." Umm, there was a caution tape...

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Hearing out and dealing with unsatisfied customers isn’t easy, therefore, Oduwole has a few tips on how to make it more manageable. "Put yourself in their shoes, she says. "How would you want to be treated in their situation? Always respond calmly, with understanding and compassion. Ask questions to grasp the issue fully, and repeat what you've understood to ensure the customer feels heard."

#25

Being A Cinema Worker And Having To Clean Up After These Delightful People. Yes, Sadly, The Boxes Are Still Half Full Of Soggy Cereal And Milk

Being A Cinema Worker And Having To Clean Up After These Delightful People. Yes, Sadly, The Boxes Are Still Half Full Of Soggy Cereal And Milk

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Goose of the Ahonkalypse
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't get people who don't throw their garbage away in general after a movie. It takes less than 5 minutes to gather up the trash and walk it out to the nearest garbage. Though I'm gonna assume the cereal eaters were high because I feel like that kind of idea doesn't occur in sober minds. I could be wrong though.

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#26

Tell Me You Are Entitled, Without Telling Me You Are Entitled

Tell Me You Are Entitled, Without Telling Me You Are Entitled

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𝖊𝖜𝖔𝛋
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wasn’t aware of the time, but references the time at least three times, and knows what time it wasn’t when they arrived. Makes total sense /s

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#27

Told The Customer To Pack The Laptops With Care. This Is How That Worked Out

Told The Customer To Pack The Laptops With Care. This Is How That Worked Out

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"If you cannot fulfill the customer's request because it violates your policies or isn't factually correct, present clear evidence," she further suggests. "Reference your terms of service or any other relevant documentation. Honesty is key here."

Offering different ways to address the customer's concerns can quickly de-escalate the situation, Oduwol adds.

#28

Customer Guessed I Was Around 3-4 Months Along. I’m Not Pregnant

Customer Guessed I Was Around 3-4 Months Along. I’m Not Pregnant

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Boredest Panda
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who tries to guess how many months pregnant someone is without even knowing if they’re pregnant? Sounds kinda messed up if you ask me

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#29

Someone Is Walking Around The Store Eating Chicken Wings And Tossing The Bones On The Floor

Someone Is Walking Around The Store Eating Chicken Wings And Tossing The Bones On The Floor

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#30

I'm Being Harassed At Work. There’s This One Customer Who Keeps Coming Into The Store I Work At To Hit On Me And Talk For An Hour At A Time, Coming In Multiple Times A Day

I'm Being Harassed At Work. There’s This One Customer Who Keeps Coming Into The Store I Work At To Hit On Me And Talk For An Hour At A Time, Coming In Multiple Times A Day

Ignoring my clear requests to stop. Today he came in with perfume. My boss won’t do anything about it.

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Lastly, she emphasizes that maintaining respect is crucial when dealing with unsatisfied customers. "Remember, respect goes both ways. If the customer continues to be rude or irate, politely remind them that you're here to help and that mutual respect is necessary. If the disrespect persists, set boundaries by letting the customer know you're ending the conversation. Depending on your role, you can then escalate the issue or focus on serving other customers who are pleasant to work with."

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#31

Customers That Leave Frozen Food In Dry Food Aisles

Customers That Leave Frozen Food In Dry Food Aisles

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#32

But Wouldn't A Dull Axe Cause More Issues?

But Wouldn't A Dull Axe Cause More Issues?

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#33

I Really Hate It When People Do This. Take A Minute And Put It Back Where You Found It

I Really Hate It When People Do This. Take A Minute And Put It Back Where You Found It

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DEW
Community Member
2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have to put it back. It drives me nuts not to. Edit to say not if other people have left it out. I give it to the clerk or who ever the worker is around. I meant when I decide not to get something I take it back to where I got it from. Sometimes it's all the way in the back.

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#34

Remarks Like This Make Me Wish Mechanics Could Make People Retake Their Driver's License Test

Remarks Like This Make Me Wish Mechanics Could Make People Retake Their Driver's License Test

Last week, I replaced a battery in a customer's car, and she is trying to claim the battery is causing weird things to happen to her car now. This morning, she said the red line was never there before the battery was replaced and wants a refund. Lord, help me.

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#35

The Aftermath Of A Customer Who Accidentally Got The Wrong Burrito

The Aftermath Of A Customer Who Accidentally Got The Wrong Burrito

I was a manager for Taco Bell last year, and we accidentally put red sauce on someone’s bean burrito (they asked for no red sauce), so he punched the drive-through window in, shattered the front door, and smeared his food on all the lobby windows.

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Rahul Pawa
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People get way too upset over food mistakes. So you got the wrong burrito? Tell someone, they'll make it right, wait a few minutes. You'll get the right burrito. It doesn't have to be a big deal.

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#36

Did You Keep It?

Did You Keep It?

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Arkham Wohlfert
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this is just a saying that means "I don't want the inconvenience of fumbling with the coin(s). I've worked in customer service for over 25 years, and I don't mind it, I just throw it in the penny bowl. Everywhere that gives change has one. Although if you're delivering something or performing a different service, then that's really sh*tty.

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#37

This Intake Form I Got From A Massage Client Who "Didn’t Want To Fill It Out"

This Intake Form I Got From A Massage Client Who "Didn’t Want To Fill It Out"

I know you don’t take me seriously, but I do need to know if you have had surgeries or epilepsy.

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#38

Customers Spraypaint Testing On The Floor

Customers Spraypaint Testing On The Floor

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G A
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If this is a common issue, why not have a piece of board there for testing? Shouldn't have to, but it saves the floor.

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#39

I Would Have Told Them To Leave

I Would Have Told Them To Leave

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Boredest Panda
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who orders just one small anchovy? Like I love anchovies, call me weird, but like, that’s like going to an ice cream place and asking for 1 sprinkle.

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#40

People Who Leave Their Trash On Shelves In Stores

People Who Leave Their Trash On Shelves In Stores

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Huddo's sister
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why most stores say no food or drink allowed! Doesn't stop people though.

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#41

Target Nail Polish Aisle

Target Nail Polish Aisle

Kamryn, Finley, and whomever else is in this presumably middle school girl crew decided to claim damn near every display in the nail polish aisle.

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#42

It Is 11, And Two Closing Announcements Have Already Been Made. Customers Decide To Stop And Have A Reunion

It Is 11, And Two Closing Announcements Have Already Been Made. Customers Decide To Stop And Have A Reunion

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#43

Someone Ate A Pack Of Raw Mussels They Got From The Grocery Store And Left The Scraps At The Cafe

Someone Ate A Pack Of Raw Mussels They Got From The Grocery Store And Left The Scraps At The Cafe

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#44

Someone Returned A LEGO Set Because They Didn't Know LEGOS Came In Pieces

Someone Returned A LEGO Set Because They Didn't Know LEGOS Came In Pieces

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DEW
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My son will take it. He is currently putting a Lego together. He has ADHD but the patience to put these together. Now we have shelves for his Legos because he started wanting to save them instead of putting them in a Lego tub bucket. He got his sister one for her birthday and is sitting and putting it together for her.

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#45

Customer Mailed Back His Computer Mouse

Customer Mailed Back His Computer Mouse

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Rafael
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be honest, that's a fail in packaging. There's a reason everyone hates this kind of packaging!

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#46

Customer Blocked 6 Parking Spots In Front Of Our Store And Walked Off

Customer Blocked 6 Parking Spots In Front Of Our Store And Walked Off

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#47

Customer Dissatisfied With Dishwasher

Customer Dissatisfied With Dishwasher

We had a customer call in and complain that his dishwasher was taking 3 hours to wash and dry his dishes. While this is also somewhat true, he bought the dishwasher with the fewest features, and it was Energy Star-rated, so it does not dry fast to conserve energy. He said if we didn’t take it back, he would shoot it and put it at our front door. This is what we walked into this morning.

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#48

The Film "Five Nights At Freddy's" Doesn’t Really Have Jump Scares, So How Does This Even Happen? Last Theater, I Had To Clean And Had To Stay 10 Extra Minutes

The Film "Five Nights At Freddy's" Doesn’t Really Have Jump Scares, So How Does This Even Happen? Last Theater, I Had To Clean And Had To Stay 10 Extra Minutes

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Winter Eleven
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2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my parents first took me to movies i had to put all my trash in the empty popcorn (since i ate it 5minutes before the movie started) and threw it in the trash by the exit. I cannot comprehend some people

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#49

This Register Will Never Be The Same Again

This Register Will Never Be The Same Again

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#50

Someone Decided To Make Slime At Target On Top Of The $150 Knife Sets

Someone Decided To Make Slime At Target On Top Of The $150 Knife Sets

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SuperChicken
Community Member
2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand why there are people who do this. It really boggles my mind.

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