Man,
I've been there. In 1995 I was welding storage tanks for a living, and playing in a band, (drums), on the side. I had long hair and my beard came down to my navel. I was dirty from work and the people at the local hardware store mistook me for one of the Rainbow people who had descended upon our town. They just sat there and looked at me, then would look away. I had to go ask them if they would like to sell me $300.00 worth of triple wall stainless flu pipe. While I was paying, in cash, I told them who I was and where I worked. I think they were a little sorry because I was a home boy, but never apologized. Oh well.
Peace,
gordon

__________________
better have that checked