People who say they think Social Security will be bankrupt and unable to pay out when they retire - but still don't want control of their own retirement account because "I don't want the responsibility."
My sympathies for anyone working retail; there are far too many obliviots walking around. Sample conversation:
Her: I need five quarts of 10W40 motor oil and a set of header gaskets.
Me: All right ma'am, what kind of oil would you prefer?
Her: 10W40.
Me: Well, yes, you said that. What brand would you like?
Her: I don't know, whatever he normally buys.
Me: Okay - do you know what the can looks like?
Her: Oh, sure. I always pick it up.
Me: (After unsuccessfully showing every type of oil we carry) I'm pretty sure it's Valvoline (wild guess, of course, but good oil.) Now, what are the gaskets for?
Her: Headers.
Me: Yes, I believe you mentioned that, ma'am. What are they for?
Her: They go on the headers.
Me: I mean, what kind of vehicle are they for?
Her: My truck.
Me: And what kind of truck do you have, ma'am?
Her: A Ford.
Me: Ah, a Ford. And what year model is it?
Her: Well, I've had it about five years - but I didn't buy it new.
Me: Are you driving your truck?
Her: Yes.
Me: (After a short and fruitless trip outside.) This is a Dodge Dart, ma'am.
Her: Is it?
Me: Yes. You said you were driving the truck.
Her: Well, not right now. It needs header gaskets.
Repeat ad nauseum.
Or, informing a customer that Ford switched head designs in the middle of the year and that I need the manufacture date (complete with instructiuons on where the plate is located) to give him the proper plugs for his Mustang and, upon his return:
Him: It was manufactured on March 1st.
Me: Ah, so you'll need the big plugs. Did you have any trouble finding the plate?
Him: Oh, I didn't need the plate. It says it on the side of the car.
Me: On - On the side of the car?
Him: Yep, it's on the side of the car in big white letters.
Me: Yes, well, I've noticed March 1st was a very productive day for building Mustangs. I'm just going to go ahead and bill you for one set of plugs, but I'll send along both sets just in case. Just return the one you don't use.
In case you're not an automobile afficianado or familiar with American cars, I'll tell you: The large letters on the sides of some Mustangs say "Mach 1", not "March 1." I've also been asked to order parts for a "Caution" brand lawn mower and to order tires in size 28-32PSI.