Which of the following actions may never be considered reasonable conduct by a merchant?

Using bullying or verbally abusing a customer is never considered reasonable conduct by a merchant. Such behavior violates basic standards of professionalism and respect that are expected in commercial interactions. The merchant's role is to provide a service or product while maintaining a level of civility and respect toward their customers.

Engaging in abusive behavior not only detracts from the customer experience but can also lead to legal repercussions, such as claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress. In the context of tort law, this kind of conduct can be seen as exceeding the boundaries of what can be deemed acceptable.

In contrast, actions like using reasonable force to remove a disruptive customer may be justifiable in certain situations if the merchant is protecting other customers or employees. Providing exceptional customer service and offering refunds are entirely appropriate behaviors that support positive customer relations and uphold the standards of business practice.