Business transactions contain all the sparks you need for an interesting story.

The interaction between a customer and any person in a customer-facing role is inherently fertile ground for good storytelling because there is an imbalance of power that can spark all sorts of bad (and good) behavior in either party.

Almost everyone knows at least one person who is kind, considerate, and patient in their everyday life, but who becomes demanding, condescending, and impatient when they enter a store or business. It’s like a switch flips, and they want to be served like a master. It’s such bad behavior that it’s considered a red flag to be on the lookout for when dating someone. If they are sweet to you but rude to the waiter or waitress, they have subconsciously revealed an aspect of their true self. It’s an irrepressible behavior coming to the surface. They couldn’t hide this part of themselves even if they wanted to. Add this type of person to a story, and see how they transform situations through aggression and tension.

For contrast, consider the other end of the spectrum: The person with unfailing patience who is courteous and kind even when things go completely wrong. They withstand the mistakes and poor manners of others without taking it personally, and they sincerely try to understand the greater context of any difficult situation. Add this type of person to a story, and see how they transform situations through grace and forbearance.

Consider the following scenarios as setups for a dynamic short story. Think about how your characters might act in both surprising and unsurprising ways, or how the initial situation might lead to something completely different:

  • The teller takes way longer than usual.
  • The waitress puts in the wrong order, causing a long delay.
  • The doctor barely looks up from the computer.
  • The receptionist answers the phone mid-explanation.
  • The cashier hands back the wrong amount of change.
  • The mechanic leaves trash in the car and changes the radio station.
  • The agent hasn’t responded to an email sent 5 days ago.
  • The locksmith arrives two hours after the agreed-upon time.
  • The cashier talks to the bagger during the entire transaction.
  • The pharmacist lets customers who are not in line interrupt with questions.
  • The delivery driver brings someone else’s order.
  • The lawyer fails to fix the error from the first draft of the paperwork.
  • The teller won’t make an exception to a pointless rule.
  • The cashier makes a mistake and needs a manager to void the transaction.

Copyright 2023 Kesel Wilson (entirely, 100% human-created)

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