I received a complaint today; would like opinions

[Bramblerose]

I am a paranoid little critter. While I am not in love with what you said to the customer, I think "melinda" went overboard, and I rather suspect has been sharpening a knife for you. Or M is just a flat bitch. Take your pick.

I'm confused by the customer- I grew up in a relatively small place, and I know you investigate teh booth before driving up to the gate to see if you pull a ticket there. Idiot. OH, hey, and what's wrong with SC that her self esteem crashed with one comment?

[depechemodefan]

I kind of see "questioning" the customer as being rude. Granted, any question you ask the customer can be considered rude. I think Nancy's sister is a bitch, and even if you didn't raise the arm for her and said nothing to her she would bitch about the arm. And maybe say you were rude. I'm used to SC say that I did something rude, but never pin point what it is. "She's rude!" but not that my tone was rude or I was rushing them or interrupting them or that I was fiddling with a pencil.

I think Melinda is one of those spineless people when it comes to SCs but has no problem doing a 180 and being really mean to other workers.

I hope your real boss will just speak to Melinda and nothing goes on your record.

[Geek King]

The problem is you questioned the customer as to their motivations. I've learned that people in the wrong hate this, so I would suggest the following:

Instead of saying "I am confused as to why you drove up to that gate since I am inside here & not over there", instead say, "I am sorry, but all personal vehicle (or non-transit authority, or whatever) traffic must enter through this gate." Don't be confused, just state it as a fact, and wonder about it with coworkers later.

If they pull the, "Well they let me last time!" card, just say, "I'm sorry, whoever did so went against (school) parking policy. Please enter here from now on."

Above all, be nice and polite. Drive them crazy with nice and polite if you have to. Let the parking office deal with complaints or explaining policy. That kind of argument is above your paygrade, and more time than not will be turned into accusations that you were argueing with the customer.