I had to run to Kinko’s the other day to get some color copies made and while we were at lunch today, across the parking lot was none other than the well known copy store itself. Making conversation, Andy asked me if that was the location I had gone to and I kind of pulled up my pants and stepped up on top my high horse as I explained that I only went to that location once because the service was awful, which of course ignited a conversation about why I won’t go to that Kinko’s ever again and will drive out of my way for better service. Last night we had gone out to dinner (restaurant review to follow tomorrow) and the TWO people at that were working the hostess table/desk couldn’t even be bothered to lift their heads and acknowledge that we were standing there, exactly what the Kinko’s had done to me at least a year ago. Now I realize I am not the most important person to patronize their business, but a glance up- and, a little, "Be with you in a moment," would be nice. Last night I spoke up. Last year, I decided I would not go back.
Rather than become angry and belligerent and walking out of that Kinko’s last year, I waited patiently for someone, anyone in a cute logo’d apron to acknowledge poor me, pregnant belly and two small girls to ask what I needed. Now, I clear my throat, throw an "ahem" and ask if they can help me. It continues to baffle me at the low end range of customer service at retail and service stores sometimes. Furthermore, this is what it comes down to: Why do I feel it necessary to keep a short mental list of places I will not return to due to crummy customer service? Surely I am not the only one.
16 Comments
Oh preach it sister. I sometime feel like posting notes on every telephone pole about the horrible places I’ve been. Ever since I got blacklisted at Target I tell everyone I know not to register there. You are only allowed to return a certain amount of merchandise without a receipt. Not everyone uses gift receipts. It isn’t like I’m not going to go spend another $100 once I walk into Target. Oh…you got me started!
Huh…..Del Taco made my tummy ill almost 30 years ago and have not been back since…It couldn’t have been I was pregnant?
You go girl! I keep a mental list as well. Brian always rolls his eyes when someone tells me to go to one of those many places I refuse to shop or eat at again because he knows I will GO OFF! Why is it no one is looking at impressing the customers and keeping there business anymore.
Talk to Marie about this one. She is the ULTIMATE grudge-bearing shopper. Though E and I have gotten on some pretty tall ponies ourselves.
oh, i almost stopped a woman today from walking into a store at the mall that i won’t shop in. then i realized that that may be taking things a bit too far. what if she was the manager of that store or something?
my mental list of shopping grudges is HUGE, and includes a large number of restaurants and gas stations as well.
it drives me CRAZY when Dustin continues to go to places that I boycott. come on, man, i thought we were together in this??
I keep my up-to-date list in the glove box!
You’re not alone, Sus.
I got my own list as well. Sometimes if it is a minor offense I will give the place a second shot, but if it happens again, then its on the list. I also dont mind telling other people about my bad experiences. I figure I might be saving someone else.
You are totally NOT the only one who does this. I’m a grudge-holder when it comes to crappy (sorry, C-R-A-P-P-Y) service and will avoid such places for the rest of my days (or the rest of theirs). We pay good money for service, we should get good service for our money.
ummm did i accidentally break into your blog and write this without realizing it? cause YUP this is me. apparently i am the “ultimate grudge-bearing shopper” what a thing to be known for
Amen, sista. Amen.
Alright - I DO keep a list. But only after I speak up and give them a chance to resolve it. It’s not fair to boycott a place if they don’t know why you’re boycotting them. So - I always make my greivances known to the manager and give them a chance to make it right. If, in my book, I am still not satisfied - at least they KNOW why I wont be back in.
I agree 100%!!!
They can at least acknowledge you.
When I worked retail I at least gave a little “be right with you” and a smile :0)
It’s not that hard. Really.
i think when one has worked in the service industry (ironically named), one has a sense of why it’s just so rude to fail at politeness.
that and the fact that very little is required to behave appropriately. my dog lifts her head when i come into a room for pete’s sake
and, in the interest of full confession, tonight the bagger at the commissary was so nice to the pregnant lady with eight million groceries, tired to death, checking out literally two minutes before closing, that i gave him a huge tip. don’t tell curtis.
Next time you need color copies you might want to try our online service.Mimeo.com. Upload the file by 10PM Est, back to you the next morning. Sorry for the commercial for our company, but thought it would help. Also, our service will not let you down (:
PS; Love the blog by the way.
My sister and I were just talking about this! What is it with poor customer service skills? She is having a problem with my niece’s orthodontist. Not him, his staff. I just don’t understand why it is so hard to smile and acknowledge someone.
Awesome vent. It’s so true - surliness just makes you cringe.
You might try sharing this on http://www.measuredup.com - it’s right up their alley. They’re a customer service website where consumers share experiences (positive and negative) with local businesses. It’s pretty cool.