Me: “I’m sorry, the product you’ve just asked for is out of stock and will be out of stock for the foreseeable future.”

Customer: “Are you sure? Can I go take a look at your warehouse?”

Me: “No, sir, the warehouse is for staff only.”

Customer: “So, what, I just have to take your word for it that you’re out of stock?”

Me: “Well… yes, sir. That’s how it works.”

Customer: “What if I don’t believe you?”

Me: “Why?”

Customer: “Why what?”

Me: “Why wouldn’t you believe me? Businesses don’t make a habit of lying to customers about products being out of stock. They want you to buy what they sell. Why would I try to prevent you from giving the store your money?”

Customer: “…Mmmmmaybe you’re just being lazy.”

Me: “Sir, I can tell you with absolute honesty that if we had that item in stock, a lazy man would have gone into the warehouse to get it for you over having the conversation we’re having right now.”

He still didn’t take my word for it, so he called a manager over, who said the same thing I did. The customer accepted it at that time, although I don’t know why.