My husband and I got up this morning early, after leaving our 21 month old with grandma overnight, to rent a U-Haul truck to move our storage unit closer to us. I have massive anxiety and we were already running behind to beat the mid-day heat, so we reserved the truck through U-Hauls contactless mobile check-in service.
We got to the location, checked in, signed the contract, and paid. The app gave us the code for the lock box. I hopped out of our car and quickly opened the lock, only to find the key was missing. No big deal. The app said to go ask for the key.
I go inside and meet the manager. [Now, I am sure he is/was a lovely guy. Several "regulars" popped in while we were there and he was only too happy to help them by name.] However, when I asked for the key he sat at his computer, said I wasn't in his system, so we would have to fill out new applications and waivers.
I tried to stay calm and explain that we just needed the key, and we wouldn't be in his "check-in" list because we already signed the contract, paid, and were given the code to the lock box. To which he replied - "nope, you're not in my system so theres nothing I can do. They shouldn't have given you the code."
At this point, I'm nearly in tears and start having a panic attack. I will admit I did curse (though not at him) and told him his incompetence wasn't my problem (after he said our not getting the key wasn't his problem). And I do regret that. It was not the right thing to say, but it genuinely was his incompetence that was holding up our already stressful, running behind, on a time limit before the baby comes back, day.
At this point, he threatens to call the cops and says no matter what he is refusing to rent to us. To which I reply that I have a signed contract saying the truck is rented to me until 3pm, and that the police would be on my side. I'm bawling and hyperventilating at this point. I've already apologized. And he still won't give us the dang key.
I get ahold of U-Haul, they tell me I am correct and that this man is supposed to give us the key. They call him while we are on hold. He says he's not renting to us and hangs up on them and walks outside. They call him back (probably a few times) and explain that the truck is not his and that he is not the one renting to us! They tell him to give us the key.
Finally, after almost an hour, he hands us the key and says there was a miscommunication.
I understand that at his age, he may not know how mobile CONTACTLESS check-in works in a pandemic. But what I don't understand is how someone who spat at me that he's "gone to church every Sunday his whole life" could be SO COLD when someone in need is clearly having a hard time. Where is the empathy? What would Jesus do?
I did notice that he has a sign at the desk advertising that he is selling his business. I sure hope someone buys it soon, as this assumedly once helpful man desperately needs to retire!
