Full Version: Time for a REVOLT
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1]
31 Oct 2006
To: ALL
......a revolt against indiffernce in America!!!!!
It is time for us (remember "We The People of the United States of America"?) US to STOP the tsunami of mediocrity that is swelling over the land.
Be sure to VOTE......vote for NOBODY....because NOBODY cares, NOBODY will do something, NOBODY will take action, NOBODY will fix healthcare, NOBODY will reduce beauracracy (sp?).......VOTE and VOTE FOR NOBODY!!!!!
That is just the political part. The other part is that it is becoming more and more common for US to just accept that poor quality, poor service, lack of courtesy, and disrespect have become the norm.....because we DO NOT stand up and SCREAM at the top of our lungs that we will no longer TOLERATE IT!!!!!
When was the last time you went into a store, oh, I don't know.....lets say SAFEWAY, or your local hardware store and been greeted with a cheery "Hello, can I help you find something?" As opposed to having to spend your time hunting down an employee, only to have them rudely say, it's over there....go look there.... ( rather than saying, "Oh Yes, I know what you are looking for...here follow me I know where it is)...more often, you will just accept it. Well it's WRONG!!!!
What has started this rant? The local !@@#!@#@!! phone company. The phone company that doesn't care...the phone company that after a YEAR has not fixed their W#E@#!@#!@#! software problems.....and doesn't bill you, then suddenly says oooops look what we forgot...and send a HUGE bill ...full of errors......
So I asked the poor gal that felt my wrath, what other people do. She says mostly they just live with it until we get it fixed.....it has been going on for a YEAR 365 days, 52 Weeks......they just "live" with it....
WELL IT IS TIME TO STOP "living" with and to stand up and scream.
And it's not just the phone company...it is EVERYWHERE!!!! and we MUST DEMAND better service, better quality, courtesy and respect......or we may as well just have Korea drop the @#$#@$#$@#$ BOMB!!!!!!
We can no longer afford to be apathetic nor can we afford to let others be apathetic either. Apathy = mediocrity= carelessness = rudeness= collapse followed shortly by some dictator.
Remember the Roman Empire? Well we are facing the same fate if we as a citizenry do not put a stop to this. Americans as a society have become fat, lazy, greedy( WHO in America NEEDS a 12,000 square foot house? Huh? WHO? ) wasteful and arrogant. ( I'm an AMERICAN so YES I CAN say this) ....but it's not too late to put away our PDAS and GAMEBOYS and computer games....THOW AWAY your cell phone.....get OFF THE COUCH......and get back at it.
I could go on and on and on....but I'll stop now.
Thanks for the vent.
EDITED: 31 Oct 2006 by C_BURKE
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#2]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 31 Oct 2006
From: JHayes55 [#3]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 31 Oct 2006
Not sure after reading this - but is there a problem with the phone company in the island paradise??
(devil)
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4]
31 Oct 2006
To: JHayes55 [#3] 31 Oct 2006
Just the tip of the proverbial (melting due to global warming) iceberg.....how many stories do you hear on the forum of folks left dangling by their equipment rep? Plenty.....there are stories EVERYWHERE......get in, make the sale, get out.......the dissappear....... :-(
EDITED: 31 Oct 2006 by C_BURKE
From: JHayes55 [#5]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#4] 31 Oct 2006
From: logojohn [#6]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 31 Oct 2006
He goes overboard but complains about every little thing that goes wrong at businesses.
He knows exactly how to complain. He calls the HQ and keeps pushing the up button till he gets what he wants. He TELLS them what they have to do. Usually they do just to get rid of him.
He goes to a grocery store and the ham on sale is not there but a premium brand not on sale is fully stocked. He summons the meat manager and tells him to go get a pricing gun to mark down the premium brand to the sale price OR a scissors to cut up his "reward card" . . . he got the discount. If they don't comply the HQ gets a call the next day and he ends up getting even more.
A shelving unit is on sale and the home center that they are out of so he has them order one. After a couple weeks it hasn't arrived so he calls the store manger so much he locates one at another store and has it delivered that day for free. A few days later the original one arrives so he gets 2 for the price of one.
He calls the rental car company for rates for a car to take on vacation. He documents the persons name. Then he calls again the next day and of course gets a different quote. He raises HXXll and ends up getting it for much les than either quote.
The cable company calls at home to sell additional services after he told them not to call again before. Somehow he found out the district managers name and had his friend at the phone company get his home number. He called him at home and ended up with several months of free cable service.
I told him he should quit here and open up a business to complain for people.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#7]
31 Oct 2006
To: logojohn [#6] 31 Oct 2006
A good idea. But the fact that he HAS to scream like that is indicative of the problem...now if he would open a consulting business....and teach people and MOTIVATE others to stand up and SCREAM....he could make a fortune AND a difference.
I had an experience at the local home store when I wanted to buy ONE sliding door. It took 4 count em FOUR hours to buy one door....and THAT after much pushing prodding, yelling and screaming....( one should not have to do that).....when I asked the manager for a discount he said and I quote" A discount? For what? Waiting?.." ) Well I said yes..... he said, I cannot do that....I said you are the manager.......I got the discount, and FINALLY after repeated calls to the regional manager got the "new" store manager to call me......
But why does it have to be like that.......it MUST STOP! And it will if your employee and the rest of us start DEMANDING service, courtesy and respect....just like the kind we hopefully are giving OUR Customers....
sigh
From: logojohn [#8]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#7] 31 Oct 2006
My method is to just not go back to places I don't like again.
Or even plan around things I know will turn out bad. I stop at the home center or wal-mart on the way home during the week and won't go there on weekends since they will be understaffed and have long lines.
I have enuf grief in life to spend all my time complaining. Most of the time I can find an acceptable alternative.
He has gone back to the same car repair shop numerous times and has problems almost every time. I made a silent bet with other people here when he went back again. Sure enuf at the end of the day I had to take him home since the car died on the way home. Laughed my behind off behind his back.
I would just rather pay more at the car dealer(not really that much more), get free coffee, treated like royalty, free shuttle service and have it fixed right the first time and a free rental if they can't fix it that day. He would rather have it messed up and have another reason to complain.
EDITED: 31 Oct 2006 by LOGOJOHN
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#9]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#7] 31 Oct 2006
That is why when we provide good service we get noticed.
I have had a few customers that thought making a scene would get them free merchandise. Just the reverse. They admit, and I had the paper that they incorrectly spelled a name on. So I did my usual thing and offered a replacement at 50% off. When they got nasty I rescinded the offer.
My staff is trained the same way, funny thing is that training sticks when when some other basics seem to leak out of their ears.
From: Peter [#10]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 31 Oct 2006
could you clarify your statement ?
regards
Peter
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#11]
31 Oct 2006
To: Peter [#10] 31 Oct 2006
Peter,
I actually could but are you sure you WANT me to?
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#12]
31 Oct 2006
To: logojohn [#8] 1 Nov 2006
John,
I AGREE. The POINT is to provide EXCELLENT customer SERVICE.......and charge a little extra for it.....I think statistically we as a society would be more than willing to pay more for EXCEPTIONAL service......rather than settle on mediocrity.
A lesson I learned in my first business venture when I was 8 years old. I was shinning shoes in a local barber shop. I figured that I could provide three different levels of service at three different price points. Essentially, one would get a better shoe shine depending on how much one paid.
The fellow who owned the barber shop said to me, why not just provide the BEST service you can? Regardless of price?
That has set with me for 43 years.......and THAT is my point. Providing the BEST service one can..... folks simply DO NOT DO THAT for the most part....the ONLY reason a product should cost less is that it DOES cost less......other than that there is NO acceptable reason for INFERIOR customer service.....
You said yourself that you will go to another place to find an alternative that is "acceptable". This bear the question. WHAT is acceptable?
WE as a society MUST demand that EVERYONE provide the BEST product, service, courtesy and respect, regardless of price.......as Harvey said it comes down to training......but who trains? Who listens....and THIS my friend brings up a completely different discussion.....about WHY people today DO NOT CARE!
Ever see the movie Falling Down? If you have not you should. It would make my point.
Thanks for letting me rant and vent.
From: Peter [#13]
31 Oct 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#12] 1 Nov 2006
I beg the question how is it suppose to work...?
The USA system of paying pin money to service workers, then to have it made up, by what I would term ( Beg money or prostitute money), still doesnt get good service across the board.......
My observations whilst in the USA were..The women in the service industry with the largest breasts, prettiest looks and longest legs, received more beg money from their customers.
The ones that you would consider less fortunate in the shallow Hal type vain, received less despite exceptional service.
I also observed, tall Dark Handsome all American boys receiving handsome Beg money from men and women whilst the slavish, thankyou , thank you, thank you , unfortunate faced ,spanish accented equivalent, receive a paltry beg money from his customer despite exceptional service.
Beg / prostitute money = tips. Now despite having every incentive to make enormous amounts of extra income, your workers still spit in your faces.....
Why ?
However, our system of paying a worker a fair days pay for a fair days work...hasnt been much better either...
We cop it as well....
Engraving Services Co has been saying for some time now....whilst others are busy telling you about their service...we have been busy giving it !
Harvey is right...........its all about training...ask Mackers ( maccas)
regards
Peter
From: Dee (DEENA-ONLY) [#14]
31 Oct 2006
To: Peter [#13] 1 Nov 2006
Peter,
Who or what is Mackers?
Dee
From: Paul (JACKPETTY) [#15]
1 Nov 2006
To: ALL
I won't say much with the exception of what I've witnessed the last 15 months since Katrina as a small businessman. It plain sucks eggs! I DON'T WANT A HANDOUT, I WANT HELP!
I'm one of the lucky ones who made it so far but our government from the city councils to state to fed levels have failed. Not only us in this part of the country but the whole country. They've wasted all our money.
I won't go on but to say I still believe in the system and will vote because it is a right that too many have died for and I refuse to let those who keep our country free down.
nuff said.
From: Zonas [#16]
1 Nov 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 1 Nov 2006
Guess you had a day like I did. Mine wasn't phone company - mine was UPS. Long (5 day - not 365 like yours) story short, an office staff person delivered my 7 packages (exhaust system for new laser) in their own vehicle. Had a nice talk (after some very not nice talks with 'customer service' reps)with him. Seems the #1 complaint UPS is receiving is the actual customer service reps attitude and handling of issues. Seems as with everything else when you take the control away from locals and consolidate to a central office, service goes out the window.
After our talk while in Maui...........YES, we will be voting!! I'm a firm believer that if you don't vote you can't complain.
Zona
From: jeanettebrewer (JEANETTEBREWER2) [#17]
1 Nov 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 1 Nov 2006
I'm probably hijacking this thread (since it's headed in another direction than I'm going) but you asked the question (above) and I have an answer!
My 15-year-old son is into the Led Zeppelin/Van Halen/ etc. bands. There is only one store in our mall that carries the t-shirts (of which he is so fond) in his size -- HOT TOPIC.
You may have been somewhere similar. The employees are all 18-ish ... they have piercings in places I didn't know you could get pierced ... they have black hair, black eyeliner, white faces ... Marilyn Manson (or similar) is playing over the loudspeakers where you would normally hear elevator music at the places I usually shop.
Got the picture?
I'll admit, the first time I walked in there to buy a gift certificate for Alex, I was uncomfortable. Not for long. You get 5 steps in the door when above-mentioned 18-year-old politely greets you & asks you to let him know if there's anything with which he can help you.
As you check out, the next 18-year-old asks if you found everything you need &/or if you need her help with anything else.
In between those two 18-year-olds, as you're looking at the amazing collection of t-shirts, at least two others approach to see if there's a size you need or any other assistance.
I was amazed. Yes, my preconceptions were blown away. Someone at Hot Topic has trained their staff very well. I shop there at least twice a year (Christmas & Alex's birthday) and each time, I've run into the same service. Even when the store is PACKED with customers, I've been greeted & assisted each time.
Oh, and by the way, I've already voted. In Texas (maybe everywhere now?), we can do Early Voting for several days before any election.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#18]
1 Nov 2006
To: jeanettebrewer (JEANETTEBREWER2) [#17] 1 Nov 2006
Over the years, it's become more difficult to shock "the establishment."
When I was growing up, in the late 60's, having hair half way down my back was enough.
What better show of defiance? :-)
My daughter is a fan of the "primal scream therapy" bands and although she is an excellent student and hasn't adopted their "uniform" she has friends who do subscribe to the dress, hardware etc.
As strange as they may appear (to us) guess what?
If you take time to get to know them, they're just regular, good kids, expressing themselves in their own way.
Looking a little wild now, but some, will no doubt end up being the accountants, doctors, engravers, etc., etc. of tomorrow. :-)
On Chuck's topic, customer service needs to be the primary goal of our elected officials. Some have forgotten that basic requirement.
I'll be voting next Tuesday, but not based on 30 second, negative campaign ads, that so many people rely on.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#19]
1 Nov 2006
To: jeanettebrewer (JEANETTEBREWER2) [#17] 1 Nov 2006
As you check out, the next 18-year-old asks if you found everything you need &/or if you need her help with anything else.
In between those two 18-year-olds, as you're looking at the amazing collection of t-shirts, at least two others approach to see if there's a size you need or any other assistance.
Jeanette,
It is refreshing to know therer are still pockets of courtesy left...probably all in Texas....
Here is my counter example. About two months ago, I went in to the local Ritz Camera to look at a digital SLR. Not a cheap camera. I don't know if at that time I would have bought one or not, but I know for a fact that NOW I would NOT buy one from Ritz......the 18 yr olds working the store....basically ignored me.....and several other customers....while talking among themselves...one even walked right in front of me, looked me in the eye, walked past to put something on the shelf and then walked by me AGAIN without so much as a word. Not an aknowledgement of any kind.... so I left.
I am truly glad you had a good experience and like David said, you cannot judge folks.....I remember my step father telling me as a kid that he would NEVER let someone with long hair work on his car.......I asked him why...he could only say "Well look at him...." I countered with, that doesn't mean he doesnt know what he is doing.....then it really got ugly, but that is another story.
By the way, you did not hijack the thread. The thread really is about service, quality, respect and courtesy, not just from our government, but from all of us.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#20]
1 Nov 2006
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#19] 1 Nov 2006
Chuck,
Here's one you'll like.
The other day, I was listening to a radio show, hosted by a person who does restaurant reviews.
He told a story about how he was in Beverly Hills, on errands and decided to stop into a new restaurant, owned by a person, known for another successful restaurant in SoCal.
He was dressed in golf shorts and a T-shirt, but very clean.
He walked up to the hostess and asked to see a menu.
The young, trendy hostess looked him up and down, then said, "Sorry, we don't do take out."
The radio host said he would just like to see a menu.
The hostess, reluctantly handed him a menu, but stayed close by, as if she expected him to bolt for the door with the menu.
The talk show host was so offended by the treatment he was getting, he handed the menu back and walked out.
Of course, when his Saturday talk show came along, (broadcast to the greater L.A. market) he went on at length about the total lack of customer service he'd been subjected to and mentioned the restaurant, by name, several times, during the course of the show.
He also made a point of mentioning several very nice restaurants, located directly across the street, where the owners are not only happy to see you, they treat every customer as a King.
As you can imagine, I was laughing my "A" off. :-)
I wonder where that hostess works now?
EDITED: 1 Nov 2006 by DGL
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