Common sense in Retail. Do they mix well?

Oh my, here I am, back on the customer service "rant". Although this is more about the lack of common sense.

I went to the pool supply store. I had about 8 things to buy. (different chemicals). Before the girl rang it up, I said "Uh oh, I left my debit card and check book at home."

Of course the card I had with me, couldn't take the whole amount, so I said "How about I buy the one I need for today, and I'll come back later for the rest?". No problem.

We swiped my card for the $18.00 item I need for today. Well, it WAS a problem. Her computer system wouldn't let her do this. It won't let her do anything other than complete the sale.

She called a few people. The man in line behind me finally left. She got a hold of someone and then said to me (after she hung up) "You have to pay for the whole thing."

Duh. If I could have, I would have. She said "But it won't let me do this". I said "I know, but I don't have the right card, or my checkbook. Remember?". We stared at one another for a while.

Finally, she called someone else. (maybe the same person, I don't know). She came back to me again and said I needed to pay for the whole thing.

I said "What if I just leave?" "

her "You can't."

me "watch me".

Her "but we already swiped your card."

Hmm. good point.

Me "How about you pretend I wrote a check for the balance, and then void the sale?"

her "I can't do that."

Me "pretend I paid cash, and then pretend you refunded the cash."

Her "I can't do that. It will throw everything off."

Me "How's that?"

Her "it will throw the drawer off".

Me "No it won't. You pretend to collect cash, then pretend to refund the same amount. "

Doesn't this make sense?!

Finally, I said "I have to leave."

her "I can't let you leave."

Me "I have to".

I had been there for an hour by now. I was initially happy with her service, but her lack of common sense left me perplexed.

I learned she didn't charge me sales tax on the item we swiped my card for. So I said "I'll leave you cash for the sales tax, but I'm leaving."

her "you can't do that. You have to sign for the charge".

Me "You don't need my signature unless I dispute the charge."

Her "you have to sign for the sale".

I left her my business card, $2.00 to cover the $1.52 sales tax, took my bucket of pool chemicals and left.

Will I go back there for my chemicals?

Doubtful.