The School Supply List SAYS THIS NOT THAT...

Customer Service Associate (CSA) - "I'm sorry but we're completely out of the Pink Pearl Erasers; however, we do have White Pearl Erasers as well as other brands of erasers."

Customer - "No! The list says my kid needs Pink Pearl Erasers!"

        I still have vivid memories of my days of working at an office supply store during the back to school season. How can I forget? Quite frankly, it was a dreaded and hectic time at the store as aisles were rearranged, new item end caps were created, special price tags were printed, and a whole lot of man power and hours were dedicated to the tedious details of this fall ritual. 
        This event is not as simple as it seems. It consists of people waking up earlier than the early bird that gets the worm, and people returning home even after the cows came home. All this, for your shopping convenience. Of course, unless you like to shop a day before school begins, or the exact item on the school supply list is out of stock. 
        Some customers want a full explanation why the store is out of stock on a particular item, others become irate and blow smoke at the CSA, some even do daring acts of espionage taking self guided tours to the back of the store, others will walk away in dismay, but very few opt for another similar item.
        Have we become robots or zombies manipulated by the great power of the school supply list? Or do we fall victim to our unconscious passions and pride? Mission completed at all cost is what some people strive to achieve. What a feeling it is, to beat the system for once some may say, but did you really have to take that pack of Pink Pearl Erasers out of another customer's cart? The answer is no.
        Please take the time to consider other options besides what's written on the school supply list. A school supply list is not to be taken as if it's set in stone. It's written as a suggestion or advice to be taken with a grain of salt.