Customer Service #101: Buddy, Can You Spare a Sandwich?

It was Friday night, the end of a long week. After fighting construction traffic for 45 minutes, I stopped at a national fast-food chain. I ordered three sandwiches. Mind you, I didn't order drinks, chips or dessert, just three sandwiches. The bill came to $27.14. Since I didn't have much cash, I handed the salesclerk a credit card. I was informed their "system" only allowed credit card charges up to $20. I'm not certain whether it is a new policy, a misguided rule imposed only by this franchise, or if the employee was simply mistaken. Regardless of the reason, it points out a common business failure. The problem is creating unnecessary obstacles for people who might otherwise become loyal customers.