2376: Curbside

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Curbside

Title text: The state has had so many contact tracers disappear into that shop that they've had to start a contact tracer tracing program.

Explanation

This explanation may be incomplete or incorrect: Created by an ANGRY GHOST. Could use some elaboration; explain title text. Do NOT delete this tag too soon. If you can address this issue, please edit the page! Thanks.

Beret Guy is making contact with a shop that sells cursed items, only to vanish when the customer tries to return the product; he has previously mentioned doing most of his shopping at such locations in 1772: Startup Opportunity.

After confirming that he has the right number, Beret Guy simply asks if they do curbside pickup, as he intends to place an order but does not wish to go inside during the current pandemic. Many grocery stores have started offering such services, allowing a customer to place an order over the phone or online, then receive it outside the store, thus minimizing the interaction with store staff or other customers.

The store's contact replies that no, they do not offer curbside pickup, but tries to assure Beret Guy that all employees at the location wear masks. When Beret Guy expresses disappointment at the revelation, complaining about the stuffy air of the shop, the contact advises him to consider the virus as part of the curses that come with their products. An angered Beret Guy promptly proclaims that he will not be doing business with the location if they are going to showcase such an attitude towards the pandemic.

Transcript

This transcript is incomplete. Please help editing it! Thanks.

Beret Guy: Hi, is this the shop that sells cursed items but when you try to return them the shop is gone?

Phone: Yes, how can I help you?

Beret Guy: Do you do curbside pickup? I wanted to buy a cursed amulet that angers ghosts and some groceries.

Phone: No, but it's ok, we wear masks.

Beret Guy: So you can't bring stuff out?

Phone: I'm afraid not

Beret Guy: But it's so stuffy in there!

Phone: Why not think of the virus as part of the amulet's curse?

Beret Guy: Excuse me!? I'm trying to buy some bread and do battle with ghosts, not endanger my family and friends in a pandemic! I will take my business elsewhere.

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Discussion

A possible xkcd universe? Are there any other in universe references? 172.69.35.119 23:25, 23 October 2020 (UTC)

Is this the first time we've seen Beret Guy actually angry? 108.162.210.170 02:03, 24 October 2020 (UTC)

I can think of at least one other time: 559: No Pun Intended BlackHat (talk) 16:28, 24 October 2020 (UTC)

Please don't be childish, everyone. (Talking to someone else)

Beret Guy was probably angry in https://www.explainxkcd.com/wiki/index.php/677:_Asshole. 172.69.34.198 16:26, 24 October 2020 (UTC)

I like how Beret guy is trying to get the shop owner to remove a cursed object from the shop... which would probably forever separate the shop owner from his shop & stick the shop owner with the cursed object.

Does the title text actually imply that people are getting COVID at the shop? It says outright that contract tracers are going in, yes, but..? BunsenH (talk) 04:35, 25 October 2020 (UTC)

I don't believe that the comic needs any more explanation. Does anyone else think otherwise? BlackHat (talk) 18:55, 21 November 2020 (UTC)

The importance of a comma. --Char Latte49 (talk) 19:46, 2 March 2021 (UTC)

I think it should be noted somewhere that this is beret guy's only use of "!?" and also arguably the time his motives are most understandable — also, can his mother even catch covid with her plutonium heart? (My first time posting here so I don't know if I'm doing it right) LoquaciousLlama (talk) 18:27, 20 July 2023 (UTC)