Joe operates a dry cleaning business. One of his clients is also a neighbor. Although they live next to each other in peace, there is no friendship between them. For several years, this neighbor Cynthia has brought things into the dry cleaning establishment for processing. Joe has always done an excellent job of cleaning the clothes and the neighbor has always paid on time, there have been no problems. Over the last several months, Cynthia has begun to complain that the clothes don't smell clean, or that the seams have been stretched, or that the spot hasn't come out. On three occasions, Joe has re-cleaned the garment at "no charge," noting to himself that there was no spot or different smell or other "problem." He had been cleaning the clothing the same as he had for several years and doing what he considered to be a superior job.

On her pick-up time before last, Cynthia confronted the clerk with a snide remark about how Joe must be trying to ruin her clothes and spoke loudly enough that everyone in the establishment could hear. Joe came to the front of the store and suggested to her that he had appreciated her business relationship over the last several years, but that he felt she was complaining where there was not complaint.

Since that time, and on her last visit particularly, she has made loud remarks when she picks up the clothing and has begun to talk to the other neighbors and clients about how she doesn't like the job Joe is doing, but feels compelled to come to this store because it is so close and convenient. On her last visit, Joe tried to find out what was motivating her belligerent behavior and told her that he felt she was behaving in an immature way, that his services are consistent and of the highest quality. Joe is concerned that if he asks her not to return there will additional difficulty between them as well as being "bad for business."

1.      Is the customer always right?

2.      Should Joe think differently because she is a neighbor?

3.      Should he ask her to go elsewhere for her dry cleaning needs?

4.      Should he close his dry cleaning shop anyway because of environmental concerns (Think of Sandra Steingraber)

5.      Should he endure her nasty comments at the business to save whatever is left of their relationship as neighbors? Why? Why not?

6.      Should he talk further to her and risk being drawn into an even greater problem?

7.      One of his other neighbors has told Joe that she is considering a law suit over her belief that Joe is deliberately running her clothes. He is not, but doesn't want to go t court to defend himself. What should he do? Upon what principle are you justifying your thinking?