The British are more civil to each other. Drunken fools exiting the pub at midnight aside, the British behave more civilly in public.

Britain:

"Good day. I bought these shoes two days ago and they pinch a bit in the heel. I don't suppose I could return them for another pair that fit properly?"

"Certainly, sir. May I see your receipt?"

"Oh, yes. Right here. I hope it's not too much of a bother..."

"Not at all. Why don't you try on another pair, then return to this desk with your new pair and we'll sort out the return then."

"I will. Cheers!"

America:

"I just bought these shoes and they're SHIT!"

"Um, can you describe what's wrong with them sir?"

"What are you, blind? LOOK AT THEM! They don't fit AT ALL! I don't know what kind of a rip-off joint you're running here, but I want a new pair and I want them NOW!"

"Well, sir, I'll just need a receipt so we can-"

"WHAT??? Why do I need a goddamn receipt? You can TELL these shoes are from here, you can TELL they don't fucking fit! That's all you need to know! This is the WORST customer service I've ever seen!!!"

"Sir, I need the receipt so we can make sure the return is valid and our inventory numbers are correct. It states right here that all returns must be accompanied by-"

"I don't care what it says there! You are going to replace these shoes and you're going to do it NOW! I swear I'll sue you people into the GROUND! Oh, what am I saying? You are USELESS. Get your manager. NOW!!!"

"Just one moment, sir..."

Then off she goes. the manager appears, gets an earful, folds like a cheap deck chair, gives the guy everything he wants, including a $20 credit at the store, then berates the sales girl for not doing her job properly.