An Alabama Best Buy worker says a couple asked him to help them pick a washer and dryer. However, when they reveal what it’s for, the interaction sours.
In a video with over 632,000 views, TikToker Justin Lee (@thejustinlee10) leans over his workstation at Best Buy.
“I just helped a couple buy a washer and dryer,” he says, grimacing. “For their boat.”
The caption reads, “I need to go home…”
Why did the couple need a washer and dryer for their boat?
In the comments of the Best Buy worker’s TikTok, viewers react to the extreme wealth that the couple must have accumulated to afford a boat with a washer and dryer. Some say they’re shocked by the purchase as 40% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, according to 2025 data from Goldman Sachs.
“Hey man, that washer and dryer in their boat added to your commission – now you can afford enough gas to drive across town and look at their boat,” one jokes.
“Boat?!?!? I can’t even afford to replace my broken dishwasher. I’m so jealous!” another says.
“I had to pick between starving for lunch or starving for dinner,” a viewer shares.
Others share similar experiences working in customer service, when wealth disparities became glaringly obvious.
“I worked at a bank and once helped a customer send a wire transfer … to the company she hired to decorate their yacht for Christmas. Because the normal yacht crew they employed didn’t do that,” a commenter says.
“I had to help a dad verify a payment for a 160,000 dollar car payment for his daughter’s sweet 16. I make 18 an hour,” another recounts.
“One of my customers was showing us photos of her new houseboat. in london. That they’ve just got back from a week of redecorating and setting up,” a third writes.
What did the Best Buy worker think of the purchase?
In a follow-up video, Lee pushes back on comments that insist the couple’s success indicates the average worker is “clearly doing something wrong in life.”
“We’re not doing anything wrong in life. It’s just taking us a little longer,” he says. “And that’s OK.”
The TikToker says that he hopes the social media platform will give him the means to “give back” in the future.
“We’re gonna make it. We’re all on different timelines,” he continues.
In a comment, he also defends the couple who purchased the washer and dryer.
“These people were SO nice. It was a pleasure working with them. Just one of the crazier thing I’ve experienced at work,” Lee writes.
@thejustinlee10 I need to go home… #work #fyp #worklife #sundayfunday #retail ♬ original sound – thejustinlee10
The Mary Sue reached out to Lee via TikTok direct message and to Best Buy via email for further comment.
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