Last week on Unlocking The Power of Your Money, I launched a best and worst consumer experience feature.
I think looking weekly at our best and worse experiences as consumers will help us learn from our successes and mistakes.
Each week, we have dozens of consumer happenings, some good and some bad.
Here’s one each of mine for this week:
My best consumer experience – A savings of $20 using coupons
Last week, I took a friend out to dinner to celebrate his birthday. He selected Ramblin’ Jacks, a place where we could use a $10 coupon.
When I tried to use the coupon – which also can be used at another Olympia restaurant – last year, I ran into difficulty. You need to order two entrees and two drinks to get the $10 off. See my article “Read the Fine Print, Even on a Coupon.”
I was busy getting presents ready for my friend, and hadn’t put the coupon in my purse.
However, a new coupon technique saved the day. I keep my coupon folder in my car. When the coupons come in the mail, I file them.
I was able to get $10 off on the bill.
Another $10 was saved when I received an oil change at Jiffy Lube.
I remembered to print out a $5 coupon before I left home. However, when I arrived at Jiffy Lube, they had a sign out saying that consumers would receive $10 off on an oil change.
That was lucky. I enjoyed saving $10.
My worst consumer experience – Rude patrons and low-quality customer service in the library
This week, when I went to the library to pick out some books before my acupuncture appointment, I was in a hurry.
I’d listened to the talking book, “An Irish Country Doctor” by Patrick Taylor, and wanted to check out other books by Taylor.
While one librarian helped people, I waited in line for my turn. A young man came up and instead of getting in line behind me, he went to the spot where the second librarian would be seated when she returned from helping a patron.
When the second librarian walked up to her place at the counter, the young may began telling her what he wanted, but I said, “I’m next.” The librarian helped me instead. The young man looked mad.
After finding the talking book the librarian had referred me to, but not the book, I returned to the reference counter. Another line. Another young man didn’t wait in line but went to the spot where the second librarian could help him when she returned.
This time, the librarian began helping the second young man before I could say anything. I was seething.
When I finally received my turn and the librarian was showing me the shelf where the book was, I said to her that she should ask who’s next when she returns to the counter.
She ignored my suggestion. A most unsatisfying library experience.
Let me know about your best and worst consumer experiences for the week.
I had a bad experience at Office Depot last week. I picked out a new phone without the help of any clerks since none were available. I took the information slip and waited in line with my two small kids and a house guest in tow. When it was finally my turn after 10 minutes the clerk said they didn’t have that model, only the ones on special in a different area of the store. When I asked if I would have to get back in line after I picked out a phone he didn’t answer me and was helping the next customer. I left the store. Today I picked up the same phone I had picked out there at Target with no hassles. I have had problems with that Office Depot before and will try to avoid it.
As far a good consumer experiences this week, I received a $5 coupon for my local supermarket in the mail, a $10 reward from Gap and $5 in extra bucks from CVS. Now I just have to remember to use them!
Hi Lisa,
I’ve had problems, too, with low-level customer service from Office Depot. Like you, it makes me not want to go back there and shop. I’m glad you were able to buy the phone quickly at Target.
Congratulations on getting $20 worth of coupons. That will come in handy during this sluggish economy.
Rita