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Companies in the service industry are no strangers to rude customers. It happens at Starbucks, McDonald’s, or, in this case, Home Depot. Fortunately, there is a subreddit for the hardware store where they can vent their frustrations. 

We’ve collected the top posts about shoppers who’ve been impatient, entitled, and downright difficult. All of them provide an insight into what these employees deal with regularly.

Scroll through each one and see if you or a friend have been this person to deal with at some point. And if you’ve been (or still are) an employee, we’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

#1

Today At Home Depot 7141

Today At Home Depot 7141

Many_Expression_5569 Report

Bored Panda previously spoke to Marlon Joseph, a restaurant server of nearly two decades and host of the Modern Waiter podcast. He has his ways of dealing with different levels of irksome behavior. 

"If a guest gets rude in a personal way, I deal with it directly and tell them 'I’m going to need you to be nice to me for me to continue.'”

#5

Some Idiot Thought The Display Was Plumbed In And Dumped Their Coffee

Some Idiot Thought The Display Was Plumbed In And Dumped Their Coffee

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rullyman
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Often they put clear plastic across the sinks and toilets for this reason

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#6

Real

Real

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Papa
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

White man over 50 here. I have never offered unsolicited advice to anyone at Home Depot, male or female, alone or accompanied by someone else.

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But if a customer is being a nuisance, Marlon makes them his least priority. “If they are being rude in an annoying way, I make them wait,” he said. 

“They will wait for me to take their order. They will wait for their food. They will wait for their check. I may even tell them their credit card has declined if that person is paying. I may even tell them we ran out of an item even though we have it.”

#7

Dog Obedience Class Inside The Store At 6pm. Wtf?

Dog Obedience Class Inside The Store At 6pm. Wtf?

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Doo Wiki
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it was approved by management, I'm all for it. A socialized dog is a happy and safe dog.

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#8

Awkward

Awkward

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George LaMonica
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol, a Home Depot employee proactively asking someone if they need help. I'll take things that never happen for $2000 Bob.

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According to Marlon, people who treat waitstaff poorly are usually hungry, having a bad day, or both. But as he reminds the dining public, “servers have bad days, too.” 

"I do not think rude people are self-aware, especially if it is them being jerks. Most rude people in a restaurant are situationally on tilt,” he said. “So they use a measure of power to ease their aggravation.

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“Unfortunately, a server may not want to give their best to a guest like that, and the result is bad service."

#10

Can I Ask You A Question ”quick” Question And It Usually Ends Up Being A Complicated Question

Can I Ask You A Question ”quick” Question And It Usually Ends Up Being A Complicated Question

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#11

Customer Return

Customer Return

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sara fulmer
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny how a motion action Spotlight is usually used to DETER CRIME

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#12

Is It Black? Yes It Is

Is It Black? Yes It Is

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Society can be quick to judge a bad customer, and understandably so. However, experts are revealing potential underlying reasons for such behavior. According to psychologist Reena B. Patel, humans are naturally wired to feel rattled when things don’t go as planned. 

“You walk into a restaurant for breakfast thinking you’ll get seated in 15 minutes and instead you’re waiting 45; now, your whole routine is shifting, and the stress is building up,” Dr. Patel told the BBC in a 2022 interview.  

#13

Our Return Policy Is 180 Days Not 25 Years

Our Return Policy Is 180 Days Not 25 Years

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M O'Connell
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hank Hill: This grout is supposed to stay white for twenty years. What's it been, seventeen, eighteen? Peggy, where's that receipt?

Matt Smith
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How does one even have an intact receipt from 25 years ago?

Brenda
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's easy. You keep receipts in an acid-free clear folder or envelope. (The kind they use for photos and scrapbooking.) Those folders will keep papers for decades

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Michael Largey
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are customers out there who don't realize that 180 days is shorter than 25 years. The math would be quite beyond them.

Gracie Mae
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oughta get a discount on a replacement for holding on to the receipt that long!

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

That's not even 25 years, that's closer to 30

somnomania (she/her, queer)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

man, my receipts are usually faded beyond recognition in about two days. did they use actual paper back in the 90s?

TheForrestGreene (he/they/it)
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

im just looking at the prices and comparing them to what they are priced today dont mind me here-

Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Am I understanding that they were trying to return aluminum posts and nails? Why not take the posts to a scrap yard, they'd get way more recycling than trying to get their money back...

WubiDubi
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thermal till paper basically self destructs after a year.

dremetrius
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have absolutely processed this return as a store credit. Most people bring in filthy broken s**t we don't even sell and then yell and them demand a manager who tells you to process the return anyway. This is a major step up.

MalibuClassicMan
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Call it a thief in that regards then, over $6.67 cents; gimme a break.

Boopasnoot
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I might be inclined to make an exception for someone who can keep an original receipt that's also still legible for 25 years. Besides, it's less than $7. Give the person a store credit, perhaps?

KatSaidWhat
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. Not the only person trying that though - many people try out of date coupons. Not so much in the day and age of QR code though.

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#14

Nun Returns 800$ In Flowers Everyday. We Have A Nun Who Buys Flowers For The Church Events Depending On What Color They Need. It’s A Endless Cycle. Happens Everyday!!

Nun Returns 800$ In Flowers Everyday. We Have A Nun Who Buys Flowers For The Church Events Depending On What Color They Need. It’s A Endless Cycle. Happens Everyday!!

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Iampenny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Employee reported her, but management told them to keep out of it, it was nun of their business.

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#15

4 Stages Of Returning Stolen Items

4 Stages Of Returning Stolen Items

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Little Wonder
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had someone who wanted to pay a fee with her card, but didn't want to get her card out or swipe it because it was personal info. This was pre-contactless, so she couldn't just hide it up her sleeve. The fact that I had her library card account open on the screen in front of me was neither here nor there, she didn't want me seeing her name.

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The BBC article mentioned the scapegoat theory, explaining why people look for someone to blame. It also touched on why service employees are the usual punching bags.

“It’s going to happen on the phone with a customer-service worker, or at the discount store or McDonald’s,” said psychology professor Melanie Morrison. ”People that are working those jobs often do not have a lot of power, and so they become easier targets.”

#16

This Return Has Had Me Cracking Up All Day

This Return Has Had Me Cracking Up All Day

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#17

Just Know If You Start Our Interaction By Bringing Up The Price Of Lumber, I Have Already Checked Out Of The Conversation

Just Know If You Start Our Interaction By Bringing Up The Price Of Lumber, I Have Already Checked Out Of The Conversation

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Uncanny
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And on the way home, they’ll pop into the supermarket and complain to the check out operator about the price of milk.

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#18

Aisle Closed‼️‼️

Aisle Closed‼️‼️

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Dr. Patel says being a rude customer doesn’t define a person. But she also suggests managing expectations as one way to prevent scenarios from potentially blowing up. 

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“Sometimes we don't make the best choices. But you can do things differently so you don't have that same reaction,” she said. “That might be as simple as waking up 10 minutes earlier to create a buffer in your schedule. 

“If things don’t go the way you want, you’re not so stressed about it. You don’t want to be rigid in your expectations.”

#20

Shingle Man

Shingle Man

Asked the customer "What are you doing?" He said I need I pack of shingles and you guys are taking forever. I'm like "Ahhhh sir there is a full pallet in the home... "He replied with "but I need the ceramic ones..." I'm like Wth.

Competitive-Bear-196 Report

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Dr. Patel also suggested focusing on the situation at hand and how to move forward from it. 

“Instead of the word ‘you,’ use the word ‘we.’ Ask the customer service agent, ‘How can we solve this problem?’ It diffuses that hostile energy, and then you trying to get what you want becomes more of a collaborative process.”

#22

It’s Too Early

It’s Too Early

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#24

Lol

Lol

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CamiCamilion
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're going to have the ugliest truck in the world, may as well use it as a truck. But ugh.

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#25

So It Looks Like 12 Is The Magic Number

So It Looks Like 12 Is The Magic Number

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Aleksandras Tvardauskas
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If so many people make the same mistake that means the design is bad. We can sit here all day and expect all people to become smart, but in real life if customers make the same assumption then the store needs stronger carts or a clear labeling of maximum load.

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#29

These Customers Are Wild

These Customers Are Wild

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harold gelnaw
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And then if he falls on his butt being stupid, he's going to want to go see a lawyer asshat

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#30

Don't Cry Over Spilled Paint?

Don't Cry Over Spilled Paint?

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#31

Decided To Check The Reviews On My Store On Google Maps... Wasn't Disappointed Lol

Decided To Check The Reviews On My Store On Google Maps... Wasn't Disappointed Lol

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#32

"I Bought A Range Hood, What Duct Size Does It Need?" And Many, Many Others

"I Bought A Range Hood, What Duct Size Does It Need?" And Many, Many Others

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

The issue here is you have to be an engineer to understand manuals written by engineers.

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#33

Idk If Anyone Else Has This Happen. Doesn’t Help That My Hd Is Right Across The Street

Idk If Anyone Else Has This Happen. Doesn’t Help That My Hd Is Right Across The Street

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#34

Pumkin

Pumkin

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Pan Narrans
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, I didn't know the fairy godmother could turn pumpkins in SUV's. She sure keeps up with modern times!

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#35

Comedy

Comedy

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Owen
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked in a McD****d's drive through when I was 19, I heard the same joke 10 times a night. 'I'll have a bargain bucket' They all thought they were hilarious.

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#37

"Can You Help Me Load This? I Just Got Back Surgery."

"Can You Help Me Load This? I Just Got Back Surgery."

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#40

“Why Are You Pulling Out Your Phone?”

“Why Are You Pulling Out Your Phone?”

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ROSESARERED
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love it when they ask the price of something...from the other side of the store....sorry I don't know, , I don't work in that department

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#41

How Many Times Will I Have To Hear It?

How Many Times Will I Have To Hear It?

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#42

Never Gets Old

Never Gets Old

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#43

They Be Headin To The Depot After Surgery

They Be Headin To The Depot After Surgery

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#45

"You Don't Know This? Why Are You In This Department Then?" Sir, I'm Passing Through Cause I Gotta Pee

"You Don't Know This? Why Are You In This Department Then?" Sir, I'm Passing Through Cause I Gotta Pee

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#46

Customers Be Like:

Customers Be Like:

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#47

When They Expect You To Be An Expert

When They Expect You To Be An Expert

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#48

Customer Survey

Customer Survey

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BROmanicus85
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never seen a cow chewing gum! Now I gotta search all day for a video of this! :))

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#49

"Are You The Expert That I'm Looking For?"

"Are You The Expert That I'm Looking For?"

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Verena
Community Member
4 months ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

So "associate" is somebody with a contract and monthly salary?

#50

I Love Our Customers

I Love Our Customers

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Argie Smith
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this while selecting, but also put it all back neatly. I can't understand why people do this

#51

Sharing A Brain Cell

Sharing A Brain Cell

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Costco card
Community Member
4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the third brother's turn with the braincell that day

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#52

"I Should Be Able To Pay Cash And Card!!!!"

"I Should Be Able To Pay Cash And Card!!!!"

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#53

There's A Reason We Don't Cut Under 12 Inches

There's A Reason We Don't Cut Under 12 Inches

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#54

Another Fine Day At The Home Depot

Another Fine Day At The Home Depot

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

Poor flowers, they'll dumped. I once asked, at less dramatic scenario, if they would dump them. If I cleaned up, they would me have them for free. Some of the flowers still live in my garden.

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#55

Every Time

Every Time

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Bob Brooce
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Counterpoint: some are being used by customers, and the rest are scattered around the store and stacked with stuff that needs to be put on shelves.

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#56

Literally Had To Watch 3 Guys Steal The Whole Bottom Shelf Of The Makita Bay

Literally Had To Watch 3 Guys Steal The Whole Bottom Shelf Of The Makita Bay

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#57

Gotta Love A Mulch Sale

Gotta Love A Mulch Sale

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

What the customer means is, "the cheaper one. And if they're the same price, you pick."

#58

An Ofa And I Had To Hand Load This Into The Truck. It’s 21° And Feels Like 8°. Meanwhile, The Customer Was Sitting In The Truck And Didn’t Help A Bit. Love It Here

An Ofa And I Had To Hand Load This Into The Truck. It’s 21° And Feels Like 8°. Meanwhile, The Customer Was Sitting In The Truck And Didn’t Help A Bit. Love It Here

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Libstak
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If the customer is a truck delivery driver, he is not ensured to handle heavy loads as a labourer, he is only covered for his driving, so....

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#59

"Oh My Back Hurts I Cant You"

"Oh My Back Hurts I Cant You"

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The explanation
Community Member
4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As opposed to the young boomer dudes who wake up at 5pm and buy lumber at Homebase

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#60

Me When I Knowingly Send The Customer To The Wrong Aisle

Me When I Knowingly Send The Customer To The Wrong Aisle

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