From Underdog to Legend: How One Honest Salesman Outsmarted Circuit City’s Sleazy Tactics
Back in the heyday of big-box electronics, Circuit City was a neon-lit wonderland promising the best deals and the latest gadgets. But for sales staff, it was more shark tank than playground—especially when it came to pushing those notorious “extended warranties.” In a tale that’s part retail exposé, part poetic justice, Redditor u/Durwyn recounts how honesty, a little bit of empathy, and a dash of malicious compliance led to one of the most legendary exits in retail history.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you put people over profit—at least for a day—strap in. This one’s as satisfying as the “ding” of a cash register after a big sale.
Retail Roulette: The Shady Side of Extended Warranties
Let’s set the stage: It’s the early ‘90s, and Circuit City is king. The real moneymaker isn’t the gadgets themselves, but the glittering promise of “extended warranties.” These weren’t just insurance policies for your new Walkman—they were a goldmine for the company, essentially a legal scam.
Here’s how it worked: Buy a shiny new gadget, get sweet-talked into an extended warranty, and if it breaks, bring it in for “repair.” Only, the so-called repair room was a glorified broom closet. After a 15-minute timeout on the shelf, your item would be declared unfixable and replaced—no actual inspection, no fuss. The store then sent the “defective” product back to the manufacturer for a full credit, double-dipping on both customer and supplier cash while barely lifting a finger.
And the sales team? They were commission-driven, hounded daily to sling these warranties hard. The message was clear: The more you push, the fatter your paycheck.
When Empathy Meets Malicious Compliance
Enter our hero: a young, commission-hungry salesman just trying to survive the retail jungle. One day, a sweaty, disheveled customer strolls in, ignored by other staff and nearly tossed out by security. But instead of brushing him off, our protagonist listens, helps him find a modest Walkman, and—gasp—actually advises him not to waste money on the extended warranty.
This small act of decency earns him scorn from his colleagues and managers, who accuse him of leaving money on the table and not “playing the game.” For two weeks, he’s the black sheep of the sales floor.
But karma has a way of showing up in a three-piece suit.
The Ultimate Plot Twist
Fast forward two weeks. The same “unworthy” customer returns—this time looking like he just stepped off the cover of Forbes, flanked by two equally sharp-dressed associates. Turns out, he’s the head of several private schools and wants to buy ten computers. No frills, no add-ons, just honest recommendations.
The total? A jaw-dropping $15,000—more than ten times the next biggest sale that year. And he requests, by name, the only salesman who treated him like a human being.
The store, suddenly gushing with pride, throws a ceremony to honor the salesman’s record-shattering sale. Cameras flash, managers beam, and everyone waits for an inspirational speech.
Our hero steps up, takes the microphone, and drops the mic with four legendary words: “Thank you. I quit.”
Then he walks out, leaving behind a room full of stunned faces and, undoubtedly, a few managers questioning their life choices.
Takeaways: Why This Story Still Resonates
This isn’t just a tale of retail revenge—it’s a testament to the power of treating people right, even when the system is stacked against you. In a world obsessed with upselling and wringing every last dollar out of customers, a little honesty goes a long way. Sometimes, it even pays off in ways you’d never expect.
It’s also a reminder that the “undesirable” customer might just be your golden ticket, and that doing the right thing can be the most rebellious act of all.
Have You Ever Witnessed Retail Karma?
Whether you’ve worked retail, survived a pushy sales pitch, or just love stories of well-deserved comeuppance, we want to hear from you! Share your own tales of customer service gone right—or wrong—in the comments. And if you’re ever tempted to buy an extended warranty…maybe think twice.
What would your four legendary words be if you could drop the mic at your job?
Inspired by u/Durwyn’s viral Reddit post.
Original Reddit Post: Sales Sucks