We sell ecigs at my store of all different kinds. This man came in today and tried to return one of the reusable batteries that you plug a cartridge into.. Probably because theyre $25 at most retailers but 99 cents at the gas station. I can't return tobacco or alcohol products including rigs, batteries, etc. It's company policy and most of the time the registers don't even allow it. This is generally common knowledge, but it's also listed on our return policy on the receipt.

Today, a man (henceforth known as e-cig) tried to return one.

E-cig: can i return this even though I got it at a different store?

Me: I'm sorry, i can't return this as i can't return tobacco and alcohol products.

E-cig: it's not used. I just don't want it.

Me: I'm sorry, sir. It's policy. I can't return any tobacco or tobacco related products.

He leaves, then comes back maybe 20 mintues later.

E-cig: okay you CAN return this. There's no cartridge in it. So it isn't tobacco.

(Do you ever get tired of repeating yourself?)

Me: I'm sorry but this is qualified as a tobacco item and i can't do returns on tobacco and alcohol products. This is a tobacco and smoking related product.

E-cig: But there's no cartridge. If i bought a wine glass would you reject my return because it's for wine???

At this point I'm just floored. This is such a stupid and nonsensical argument. In no way are those the same. I'm pretty sure my customer service face slipped for a second and i gave him an "are you fucking serious?" Look.

Me: sir. This product is a tobacco use specific item. I cannot do returns on any tobacco use and tobacco specific items.

At this point I guesture behind me to the wall of tobacco and tobacco adjacent products, all of which fall into that category and can't be returned.

E-cig: FINE. fuck it. I'll call the number and see what they can do!

Unfortunately, my stores customer service really disadvantages the employee so maybe they'll s-his-d and throw me under the bus, but most of the time our system wont even allow the return at all. I guess we'll see.