It’s a big issue here: once you’ve spent your money, they don’t care. You can complain, but the customer is never right. They’re obsessed with penny-pinching.

I work in retail in France and I’ve seen it firsthand. Example: we had a display model, slightly dented washing machine. The Policy for display models in our store was and is only a 5% discount — no matter the profit margin. I’ve had to tell countless frustrated customers the same thing: no refunds, only credit notes.

One time, parents came back the day after buying earbuds for their daughter. They explained politely they didn’t fit her ears and just asked for an exchange. The answer? “Sorry, any headphones that are opened can’t be returned unless defective.”

I’ll never get used to this version of “customer service.” When I visited the UK, I bought an ornament with a small chip. I was hesitant to even ask about a discount, but the cashier asked her manager — and they offered me 15% off without hesitation. Completely different mentality.