Which consumer happenings cheered you recently and which ones made you want to scream or weep?
Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:
My best: A good time at Johnny Rockets
When I went with my daughter and grandchildren to Johnny Rockets, we had a great time. The staff danced and sang to two rock and roll songs. It was fun.
My worst: An unhelpful cashier at Subway
On another outing, I asked the cashier at Subway to empty a cup so I could throw it in the garbage. Indifferently, mumbling, and with a shrug, she said I could dump the apple juice in the tray under where the drinks are dispensed.
I had my receipt and change in one hand. When I took the couple of steps toward the drink dispenser, I knocked my billfold, which was sitting on the counter, on the floor. My change spilled all over.
I grabbed my billfold and a man helped me pick up my change. Then I politely told the cashier that if she’d helped me, I could have avoided the accident. More shrugging and rudeness.
It would be wonderful if businesses could teach their employees to be polite and helpful to customers.
Would also be nice if employees knew some manners in the first place. I know I teach my kids manners at home!
On the subject of worst consumer experiences, out telephone company, Telstra (Australia) rates a mention.
I was given some information about a mobile (cell) phone by an assistant in one of there stores. I intended to buy the phone she suggested but did not have the time to sit for the 15 minutes required to set it up as I had another appointment. So the assistant wrote her name and details on a piece of paper for me to come back when I did have time and set it up.
I had the time to go back in about a week after that but saw there was going to be a bit of a wait as the store was very busy. I was prepared to wait and started browsing.
They have a type of floor walker person who queues you and shows you where you can sit. I asked product knowledge questions of the floor walker but she said I will have to ask the sales assistants as she did not have that knowledge. Poor service, I thought.
My wait turned about to be 45 minutes and I was sure some people who came in well after me were seen before me. Anyway, I waited until I was told it was my turn.
By now I was really in no mood to be stuffed around, but stuffed around I was !
The information given to me by the other assistant was wrong and was told I would have to pay a penalty for breaking my contract. Well that was it. By now I had been there an hour and I was most unhappy.
The assistant I was with tried to help me by calling up some Telstra “Service” line which placed me in another queue to be “helped”.
I’d had enough by now and got up and left. I have not been back since to that store.
This was very disappointing as I have all my comm’s services with Telstra and this is how you get treated.
The only contact I have had with Telstra since this experience is over the phone where the number goes to an offshore service center. I was originally dubious of these but have since come to think that these staff are actually better trained that those in the stores and have more time to help you. You just have to adjust to the accent.
Anything bought via this center can be sent via post. So get online. i find ut easier and I have never had trouble with financial info going astray.