Intense situation occurred today at my mystery shop and reveal (if the cashier is not wearing proper attire including a name badge) gas station. She wasn't wearing a name badge. I produced the notification and mentioned the purpose of the visit and explained that one of the things I needed to do was take a picture of her, from the neck to waist. The cashier was startled and asked me a series of questions about announcing the visit in advance and conducting it doing normal business hours. Then she positioned herself for me to take a picture, but said, "I am really uncomfortable, could we do this after this customer (who had entered and was in line). I told her OK, I will just go check the restroom.
When I returned, I was going to inform the cashier that she did not have to take the photo if she is uncomfortable, and I would just take a picture of the counter. However, when I returned from the restroom I discovered the line was longer and the cashier on the phone. I did not want interrupt her, so I headed toward the door to to double check the exterior.
That's when a customer looked at me and in a serious, confrontational manner, and asked me in a confrontational tone where I was going. This guy was athletically built, about 32 years younger, had about 4 inches more in height, and a Cholo look. But I stopped, and looked at him and said, "Why?" Silence. He stared at me and asked me again. A little confused, I looked at him and asked, "Why?" He stared at me, and I told him I'm not going anywhere I'm just going to take a picture of the exterior. A few seconds later, I stepped back inside and the dude tells me to "get the f*** outta here." I was like dude, this isn't worth it, I'm just trying to do my job. He called me a pervert and a few other names, repeating get the f*** outta here. Meanwhile, I could tell that the cashier was on the phone talking to someone about me and the compliance visit. I heard her tell the person on the phone that she was uncomfortable about taking a picture.
I made a step or two toward the register, (I was about 10 ft away), and the customer walked towards me, blocking my path, and said several things including that I was not going to get near the cashier. I got the cashier's attention and told her not to worry about it, and she did not have to take a photo. But this dude is basically daring me to make another step. He said a few more things including get the f*** outta here again.
Now, my dilemma was, do I take another step and sucker punch this guy, or walk away? Do I take another step undoubtedly insuring a physical fight? Was this worth $15? Was not fighting worth the diminishing of my manhood?
After I was reasonably sure the cashier understood that I did not have to have the picture and not to worry about it, I went to my car. I looked in the rear view mirror and the dude is sprinting full blast towards me. I grabbed a weapon I keep in the car. I did not know what was going to go down at this juncture. Anyway, the guy just starting filming my car, license plate, and me. I casually exited.
I know one or two things I would have done differently. Do you think I handled this situation appropriately? What would you do?