Ran into weird merchant and would appreciate advice (Lewes: credit card, buy)

[GoingBackEast]

Howdy, Am visiting here for the off-season this year. It is amazing!! Always love the beach in fall, winter and spring!! Have found everyone to be delightful here and am considering making this my 2nd residence. Ran into some difficulty in Lewes yesterday at a music shop. I'd purchased an item from them and went back to simply discuss the sound on the instrument. This guy takes off on me, quite weird, abusive. The store was empty, so he was safe in attacking me. Actually called me names (democrat???? 'think you are entitled?') and was yelling etc. After that experience with this crazy bully, I don't want to give him my good money. He won't take back the item. I'm now thinking that he assumed I was gay and that's why he got out of control. Contacted police, chamber of commerce etc. Any suggestions for getting this bully out of my life without having to let him keep my money after verbally abusing me? Just weird and totally unexpected.
While he was out of control screaming at me (completely unprovoked and obviously mentally ill) I said that I was calling the police. His response, rather than calming down, was to implicitly threaten me by saying he knew all the police and donated a lot to them. Wow. He would be the type that could go after someone with a gun, no? I mean I never expected such an encounter. I am a nice, unassuming person happily spending retirement money here And just looking to spread good cheer. Never had such an experience And I don't want it to leak into my happy life here. Any solutions appreciated btw, my late model car has no bumper stickers, nor was I wearing (never do) anything that could have provoked anyone, no buttons, no signs etc.

[longnecker]

Strange.. No merchant could survive in this area if he carried on like that because he thought someone was Gay. If you paid by credit card and you have a problem with the sound of the instrument you might go that road.

[Pine to Vine]

That is quite a story. Your first response, if you don't want this store to have your money, is to return the item (depending upon the store's return policy, which you should have been are of at the time of purchase). Secondly, was this clerk the manager or an employee? If an employee, the manager would surely want to know, so contact him or her.

Now, back here on Planet Earth, you are making several assumptions:
- That he was reacting to you because you are gay
- That the police will back him
- That he will track you down with a gun

The "bully" will only be in your life if you keep him there. If, as you state, you did nothing to provoke this response (and even if you did), you can notify some combination of the C of C, the BBB, and if you feel it's warranted, the police. But start with the manager.

[rdlr]

When did you buy it? Within a week? year? Contact the manager and tell him/her you want to return your purchase; you must have your receipt. Don't shop there again.

Another assumption you've made:
He is mentally ill

I'm sure he has his own side of the story.
The Better Business Bureau is only an avenue to pursue if the store is a member. Many I know are not members.

You know by now, Delaware is a small state. There are 2 music stores down there, both locally owned, with both doing good business, and both having security cameras. Move on, if you "don't want it to leak into your happy life" (your words).
Good Luck!

[GoingBackEast]

Thanks guys! Took the good advice!

[nuts2uiam]

I know I am late to the party but I agree with rdlr. Disagree with JMO2. Forget about it, one person maybe a really bad day, who knows. Live and let live as you were not physically harmed. One word of caution, however, if I may. You did make several leaps in your post, you know what hey say about assuming, it makes and A-- out of you and me. Wise choice.

[rlrl]

i could be wrong but i didn't see anything in the OP that mentioned anything about being gay. maybe i read it too fast tho

[rlrl]

i was wrong I see it now sorry about that

[gentlearts]

I have no experience with this business, but it sounds like the man is unbalanced. Is there a supervisor there you can talk to?

[jtees4]

I don't understand why you brought up the gay part, unless he specifically said something. Maybe HE is gay. I don't know. Looks can be deceiving.
So what did you do in the end? Return it?