Opinion Talk

By KA

March 15, 2007 5:06 PM | Link to this

Simple solution, don’t shop at stores with rude employees. Home Depot workers are lazy and rude, and not helpful. Go to Lowe’s, they will actually help you and they are pleasant, too.

By Lola

March 16, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

I typically refuse to pay a cashier until they make eye contact with me and tell me what my total amount is. If they just stand there, not talking and simply turn the register display so I can see it, I will continue standing there not talking as well, waiting to be addressed. If I am not thanked after the transaction, I will then carry on both sides of the conversation before leaving, saying “Thank you for shopping at __! Have a great day!” and then respond to my own statement with “Thanks! You too!” and then walk out. My point gets across quite well and I’ve had people that were behind me in line say “good for you!”

By Robin

March 16, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this

Lola - I love what you do when the cashier fails to address you! I am going to start doing that too.

I think the best solution is to stop shopping in stores with rude employees.

And, not only stop shopping with those stores, but also notify the corporate headquarters EXACTLY why you are no longer doing business with them. Hopefully, that will get the message to the big dogs even faster.

By Jen

March 16, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this

I have an instance to share.

I was shopping at a Publix. While checking out the cashier called for a bagger. When one didn’t come a girl who was dressed as a cashier came up and began bagging. She told me hello and asked if I’d found everything. I could tell that she was one of those really awkward geeky teenaged girls with no self-confidence. Heck, I was like that once, myself.

Anyway, while she was bagging the manager and a teenaged boy bagger came up and the manager said something like, “I want you to go over to produce and help So-and-so.”

I assumed she was talking to either the girl or the boy. The girl stopped bagging and walked off towards produce. The boy, meanwhile, had started bagging for another cashier.

My cashier stops and looks off in total astonishment at the girl walking away and says very loudly, “I cannot believe she just left me like that!”

And the manager says, “Huh, I can. She doesn’t care. It’s her last day.”

And the cashier and the manager, both in their 50s, continued to trash this teenaged girl, who realized they were talking about her and stood about 15 feet away, watching and listening.

I was furious! I mean…the girl made a mistake! When the manager said she wanted someone to go help out in produce she didn’t specify who so I imagine the girl assumed the manager meant her.

And, I bet this girl, who is very awkward, makes lots of social missteps.

But, the cashier and the manager were adults AND the manager was trashing an employee!

I spoke up, loudly myself, “OK, Cut it out. Don’t talk about her. Not in front of me. Not in front of my son.”

They both froze and stared at me. Then they continued bagging my groceries in silence.

I might still be a young woman at 32 but I’ve come to a point in my life where I don’t feel that Southern Belle upbringing anymore when I hear people behave in rude or cruel or bigoted ways. I’ve started giving them a piece of my mind.

Not that long ago I was gassing up at a QT.

A small group of black teenaged boys came walking into the parking lot. They were being silly and making some noise, but nothing vulgar or disrespectful. Just being silly boys, throwing insults at each other and having a good time. I imagine they were going to get a snack.

On the other side of the pump was a man gassing up his car. He was a little older than me, driving a Honda. He watched the boys with a look of disgust before turning to me and saying, “You know what’s wrong with this city? All the n**** and the wetbacks.”

I know my mouth dropped open in total shock and before I knew it I told him the first thing that came to mind.

“Where in the hell did you get the idea that because I’m white like you that I would ever agree with something that disgusting? Why don’t you suck on that gas pump and die so I don’t have to worry about a world full of a***** like you?”

And when he got red in the face and mad and wanted to spit something mean and profane back I told him to shut up. I told him if he spoke to me again I was coming over there with my golf club.

I was shaking with anger and outrage when I left.

But you know…I like the grown up, outspoken, hard-assed me a lot better than my old Southern Belle self.

Sorry the long post…had to share.

By RespectYourCustomers

March 16, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

I think that there are a few different scenarios associated with this problem. If the products/services you seek are not unique (you can find them elsewhere), then simply find another place to do business. If the products/services you seek are hard to come by, then you should contact someone in the corporate office to offer a formal complaint. A good company will be proactive in their response to your complaint. On the other hand if it’s your favorite hamburger at the local hole-in-the-wall, then either you do without or aversely accept the treatment. As the owner of 3 Brothers Catering (http://3BrothersCatering.googlepages.com) I seriously consider all feedback from my customers and make changes accordingly. Ultimately, a company that doesn’t respect its customers doesn’t want to be in business, at least not successfully.

By des

March 16, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

When this happens, I find the manager and calmy and politely make my complaint. If I am not satisfied, I go as high as necessary until someone takes my complaint seriously. Happened at walmart. Went to the corporate level. Not only got a written apology, but a gift card at the managers espense.

By Rebecca Grace

March 16, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

My husband and I have gotten to the point that we would rather pay more money for a product if there is good customer service. Anytime we need clothing-our first stop is Nordstroms. Not only is everyone friendly and well dressed but I don’t feel we get any sort of “snobby vibe” from them. We had a horrible experience at Dick’s sporting goods a couple of weeks ago-just looking for a pair of tennis shoes. No one was around to help us and when we were finally able to flag someone down he did that “look-straight-ahead-and-answer” thing were he didn’t make eye contact with either of us. My husband just dropped the shoes and we walked out. The worst customer service I ever had was at Sears at Northlake. Not only did we have to beg for help but the guy was toally put out with us for asking! He kept sighing and rolling his eyes. When we asked for batteries for the camera he said “Don’t it come with it?” We told him it did not and he stomped away from us-put off I guess, for us asking for him to do his job.

By msteven

March 16, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this

Jen..LOL LOL LOL ah ha ha hee hee hee! As a Black male I have to say thank you for telling that guy off. That was hilarious. He naturally assumed because your the same race as he you would side with him. That was too funny. OMG. I have had some of the worst customer service EVER. Many times I be in a hurry or not in the Mood to fight. Other times I go off like a Burglar Alarm..sometimes I shake my head, then sometimes(seldom)I turn into one of my 4 german shepherds and want to bite someone!(I generally keep that side locked with several pad locks in the basement, thats an ugly side I perfer to keep locked away) But I do declare some of these stores ie Walmart and Home depot have the Worst employee working for them and clearly some need to be terminated for such nasty customer service.

By Rebecca

March 16, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

Good for you Jen!

Usually if I have a bad customer service experience or a product is not up to par, I would normally just brush it off as a bad experience.

But now that I work in a call center for a beverage company, I know how important customer service is so when I feel that I havent received good customer service or something that I purchased is not what it should, I will make a complaint.

Always call or write a letter to the manager or company so that you can share your experience and they can make changes.

By DemandRespect

March 16, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

Lowe’s is much cleaner and neater. Home Depot stores are always a mess.

By DadMania

March 16, 2007 11:39 AM | Link to this

I inform the cashier/waiter whoever it may be that the service is unacceptable. I speak with the manager or the highest ranking employee. I contact corporate headquarters and inform them of the bad service, horrible food, or unacceptable time spent waiting.

If it’s a fast food place, I ask for the owners name and what other establishments they own because I will avoid those places as well. Usually they do not offer that information up because they do not want to lose future business elsewhere.

Finally, if at all possible, I do not provide those companies or restaurants with another penny from me and I let all my friends know about these places as well.

By lwa

March 16, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this

@Jen.. good for you! There should be others who not only comment and repond to racist comments, but they should spread the word that they have spoken up!

When customer service is bad, I let management know. When management is not responsive, I usually go the the web site (if it is a national company) and send an e-mail… McDonalds, Lowe’s, Burger King, Wendys, Pizza Hut, Cheesecake Factory, etc, etc.

By Sad

March 16, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, the bad customer service I experience usually happens in my own neighborhood. My husband & I do our best to frequent the stores and malls in our area like Stonecrest and minority owned small “mom and pop” stores. We think it’s important to give them our business. But, the total disregard for customers, lack of eye contact, talking across customers to their co-workers, unkempt appearance… it’s just too much. Instead of going to the Kroger on Wesley Chapel, which I can walk to from my house, I drive to the one on N. Decatur Road by Emory for better service.

Now, I’m a middle aged black lady, so don’t start that racist crap with me, but in my neighborhood, black people give the worst service ever. It’s either bad service or bad appearance. I’ve left the McDonald’s on Wesley Chapel before because the cashier had two inch long nails with rhinestones in them and a mile-high, clown red wig on her head that was all greased and curled up! What tha?!? It’s just embarrassing.

So, what do I do about poor customer service? I take my hard earned greenbacks elsewhere. No skin off my nose - they’ll be the ones out of a job when the establishment closes.

By Jen

March 16, 2007 11:44 AM | Link to this

mstevem, you’re welcome. In the past, if some bigot like that would have said something that vile I would have thought about how horrible he/she was but not said anything because…nice girls don’t cause conflict or make others uncomfortable…but that’s not me anymore. ;)

You’re right…there are a lot of hateful people out there who think that SOLELY based on your common race/gender/religion that you will OF COURSE agree with them on anything they say about people of other races/gender/religions.

But now that I am a mother I would rather my children see me go berserk and tell some idiot off when he/she is being WRONG and EVIL than teach them that they should tolerate it by being “nice”.

Re my experience at that Publix….I should have written a letter, or gotten the manager’s name, or something and reported them for being so unprofessional about a co-worker. But I was too mad and disgusted.

Kind of like when some guy gropes all over you and you just want to GET AWAY.

I need to learn to put the lid on my newfound outrage long enough to do the sensible follow-up.

By Ask em about me

March 16, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

I like that Lola. I’m going to use that one too as well. However they dont care if you stop shopping there. The cashiers feel like less work for them.

I ALWAYSZ…..ask for the manager on duty make him aware of the situation & I make time to write there corp to inform them of the situation. ONLY if I feel the on duty manager didnt get care or address the situation.

Yes, It works I have had to do this numerous times. Dont even get me started. Wendy’s on 124, Walmart on 124, Copelands off Cumberland, AZTECH truck company that ran me off the road one day. I mean the list goes on simply b/c I feel if I spend my hard earned $$ with you rather it be a nickel or dime. They need to act as if it’s appreciated & I make it known.

I HATE!!! rude folks & selfish customner service. Just Mon I had to go slap off on & a customer in the bank line talking LOUD..on his cell phone. Sooooo Rude!! Totally disregarded the sign that said No cell phone talking while in line & it’s just plain rude to do so in a public business like that.

Good 4 U Jen!!!
We as customers have to get soem RESPECT from these consumers when it’s about our $.

Have a great day ladies & gents!!

By shoelover

March 16, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this

Thanks Jen

By Michelle

March 16, 2007 11:53 AM | Link to this

I will never set foot in a Radio Shack again as long as I live, every time I go in there I get sales people who are either rude or indifferent. Not only that but their merchandise is cheap and second-rate.

By Still Defiant

March 16, 2007 12:24 PM | Link to this

Sorry Sad but I have to disagree with you that Black people give the worst customer service ever. Bad customer service like many things in life is not solely based on race. The area you stay in majority Black so of course the majority bad customer service you receive is from Black people. I have experienced equally bad service in White, Black, Hispanic, etc. areas. I’ve been ignored at stores in Kennesaw and Woodstock and disregarded at South Dekalb and in SW Atlanta. The real problem is that people are not taught how to show respect to others. I can guarantee during training that how to treat the customer takes a backseat to performing the everyday tasks. I also think that it also starts at home. My parents always taught me to say “please”, “thank you”, “yes ma’am”, and “no, sir”. As a Black male who has plenty of friends and relatives who do the same, I can’t agree with Sad on her assessment. The bottom line is that until we as customers make a stand that businesses only receive our money when we receive good customer service, the problem will persist.

By Jen

March 16, 2007 12:37 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with Still Defiant. It’s not a race thing. Like he said…if you live an area with a certain racial profile then you can expect an impression of more bad service from that demographic.

Some of it upbringing (like racism is upbringing). But some of it, in my opinion, is low pay and overwork.

And if minimum wage workers are treated by their supervisors like that poor girl in Publix than I can drum up some sympathy for them. I’d be cranky too, making a non-living wage and getting trashed by supervisors who view me with disdain, like dog poo on their shoes.

Excuse me, all. I am feeling like a Angry Social Activist today. Must be the weather…..

By mapleleaves

March 16, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

I’ve handled one bad service situation by not shopping at Macy’s. They’re no Rich’s, and they’re certainly no Marshall Field’s. When I bought something at Field’s, a salesperson spent twenty minutes helping me and I bought something from the clearance rack. When I had to return it at Macy’s, I waited twenty minutes while the salesperson shopped for HERSELF from the clearance rack…

By everydayjaneblow

March 16, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this

I like Jen…….

By Allen (for real)

March 16, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this

Jen is my hero. I usually don’t get past the “jaw dropped that someone would actually voice that sort of crap” phase of a reaction when I hear that sort of thing.

By Still Defiant

March 16, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this

Yeah, you’re right, low pay and overwork are definitely big factors, Jen. When I gruduated from college in 2001, it was hard to find a job in my field (tech bubble bursted) so I had to take a job with Best Buy. Although I hated working as a cashier there, I still at least made the conscious effort to greet people with “Hey, how are you?” and a “Thank you” at the end. I definitely understand the low wage, hard work part but a simple eye to eye contact and “Hi” would work wonders nowadays…

By Gin

March 16, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

First - Thanks Jenn! You are definitely a hero and teaching yoru kids such great things… :)

Second - I agree whole heartedly that bad service crosses all lines - it happens everywhere. I generally will let management know when I’ve had a bad experience and that from then on I will be taking my dollars elsewhere - I am willing to drive an extra mile or pay a little more for good service. My family laughs that rather than stop at the stores I pass on my way home from work I will drive a couple miles in the other direction (still not too far) to go to ‘our’ Kroger & Home Depot because the service is so much better. Poor management and staffing decisions are NOT my problem as a customer - the remaining staff can still be pleasant or at least as helpful as is within their abilities.

Third - In addition to letting managers know when service is lacking - equally important I think is letting places know when I’ve had REALLY good experience and that I will be telling all my friends about the place and coming back. Positive reinforcement is as strong as negative… I like to try to let both the individual & manager know - too often the kids or front end workers never actually hear the compliment if it’s just given to the manager. And a smile or a kind word can make someone’s day when it’s been a long hard day serving lots of grouchy people or in uncomfortable circumstances - I remember those cashier days - your feet and legs killing you… :) Just a thought… mom drilled the golden rule into me - but I appreciate it so much more now…

By Lori

March 16, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

It is great that you guys complain about the service when it is bad and I found there are a lot of people out there that in the customer service field that are rude, but do you also let them know when you get good service?

Drive through the cashier line at 400 N Bound - very very rude - when you say hello to them OMG you get looked at like you are crazy

By Susan

March 16, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Many of us who have office jobs would certainly be fired if we were rude to or talked on a cell phone while also assisting a client, yet in the retail sector, it is becoming the norm to observe cashiers, etc. treat the customer as an interruption. Even in small establishments such as gift shops, my thought is that as soon as I walk through the door, someone should at the very least greet me with a “hi, let’s us know if we can help you.” What I find in these places is social conversations among the clerks, so I will look around, but NEVER buy from this establishment…EVER! It amazes me that many business owners are willing to actually turn over the future of their business to uncaring, disinterested employees.

By Susan

March 16, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

Do I let employees and management know when I receive good service, you bet. Particularly teenagers, because I know that the good service comes from good manners taught at home.

By just another comment

March 16, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

I certainly agree that people of any race can be rude, but how is not racist when SAD says she tries to only frequent minority owned businesses? I find this statment incredibly racist. What if I were to say I only shop at white owned businesses? People would have a fit, and I would be called a racist all day long…not that I really care, but it’s true! Such a double standard.

By Lola

March 16, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

@ Ask em about me

You’re right. The cashiers I do that to don’t care, but it draws attention to them and lets everyone around know that I had to do my own thanking for shopping there. If I can get my message across by making a spectacle of them, nothing makes me happier.

By Jen

March 16, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Thanks, all, for the nice compliments.

I tell you…this thing with me going off on people like that is new. I also used to be stuck at the jaw drop.

But now the shock just flies right out of my mouth. Sometimes it’s as simply as “I can’t believe you said that.” And sometimes I act like a Social Injustice League member.

At first I felt guilty for potentially hurting someone’s feeling, etc, and striking out against my upbringing as a nice girl. I could hear my mother “Now, Jennifer, that was completely crass and unladylike! You should apologize to that man and work on being more diplomatic.”

But, I don’t know….be it having kids or just getting fed up with shutting up …I have no idea…but I’ve turned into that finger-in-your-face, telling you what for, not letting a word in edgewise type of woman my mom always hated.

Oh…bingo! I think that might be WHY! HA! It’s because my MOM would hate it!

Except now that she’s in her 60s she’s starting to do the same thing.

OK, I’m done for the day! Everyone have a good weekend!

By Sad

March 16, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Just another - You obviously didn’t read my entire post. I said, and I quote, “My husband & I do our best to frequent the stores and malls in our area like Stonecrest and minority owned small “mom and pop” stores. We think it’s important to give them our business.” No where did I say I ONLY frequent minority stores! Stonecrest is not minority owned, fool! Mom & pop stores are more than likely owned by older people like me who are trying to earn a living and not to be swallowed by the Wal-Marts and Targets of the world. It’s my prerogative whether I want to shop in my neighborhood or NOT! Also, I employ a minority owned mom & pop cleaning service for my home… and she’s Korean. You took 5 words from my entire post, made a ridiculous comment, and to me, you sound like a fool.

By def

March 16, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Good customer service works both ways folks. As a cashier, I find it extreamly rude of you, my customer, to reqire my undivided attention, when in fact, it is you that walks up to my register with your cell phone stuck to your ear. My attempts to greet you are ignored and then you have the nerve to tell me “I am rude” for interupting your phone conversation.

If your phone coversation is so important, then please, by all means continue and conclude it prior to stepping in front of me. I don’t appreciate the dirty looks I get from you for “eaves dropping” on your personal phone calls. I also don’t appreciate it when you scream at me that “I must have added something up wrong because there is no way that you could have spent that much money on these few items.”

It is my goal to provide you, my customer, with the best possible service every single day. I pride myself on my ability to assist you in any way that I can. But some days, you make it damn hard to be nice.

If

By Jack

March 16, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

I honestly believe that ALOT of businesses have truly lost the “customer service” aspect of business. Yes home depot lost my business due to customer service however so has many businesses. Just dialing the phone and getting automated machines, voices and help from fortune 500 companies such as IBM who 10 to 15 years ago prided themselves on personal customer service. In todays business world you rarely get a real person to deal with, instead you spend an hour dealing with automated systems. Then if you do get lucky enough to deal with a person, whether you are a consumer or anouther business, the person you deal with is rude, mean and has no people skills or customer service skills. If businesses would offer real people with outstanding customer service skills and one that truly cares about its customers then they would be a successful company. You have to be nice, pleasant, respectful, professional, tactful, and be a people person to be in customer service. Please get rid of the automation and hire real people.. Repeat business is the key to success. You cannot get repeat business with poor customer service!!!!

By jd

March 16, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this

I have a question semi related to this…. Why is it that EVERY restaurant in the major metro area hires the absolute worst hostessess to seat the paying customers?

They act like you are a bother, and even in an empty restaurant, during early seating times, give you the absolute crappiest table in the place?

It never fails that I have to ask them “What, are all the other tables reserved for later?” They then give me the deer in the headlights look and stand there jaws agape.

That’s when I point out the table we prefer and go sit there. They leave meekly, muttering, usually in a condescending manner about “enjoying our meal”.

Unreal.

By alex

March 16, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

to Alex re: IBM

Having worked for IBM for 7 years at one stretch 1997-04, I can say what you receive from them is what the employees are receiving from their management.

IBM truly has lost it’s focus, and is in the process of cannibalizing itself simply to satisfy shareholders. It won’t be long before they lay off another 100,000 just like the early 90s.

Good riddance to most of them.

By bumblebee

March 16, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this

I agree with SAD I have experience a lot of rude customer service/cashier from Blacks. 1 of so many examples: I walk into office building, receptionist is on a personal phone call she pauses long enough to have me sign in and then tells me to have a set, after sitting for over 30 minutes she finally gets off the phone to ask me who was I there to see. I can’t say I haven’t experience rudeness with other races but with my own race it is a mess 90% of the time.

By Jack

March 16, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Alex: I too worked at IBM for 6yrs at the hillside building off Cobb Pkwy down from akers mill shopping center. Yes you are right, IBM like other companies can no longer pride themselves on customer service, it just simply does not exsist. Companies just do not understand, they can become just as successful and rich as a donald trump if they learned to make customer service the top priority in their business.

Author Blank has truly found out about this didnt he? Mr Blank knew along time ago that home depot was suffering and had poor customer service and just did not care. Then the reporter wrote a article about it, it went through the media, people responded to it and now BOOM he cares… Mr. Blank how can you ask for forgiveness when you really dont care about your customers, all you really care about is money.. Everyone in the company from the owner down absolutly has to care about the customer and give great customer service. What would Donald Trump do if one of his employees demonstrated poor customer service, “Your Fired”, thats what he would do because he knows the customer is the one paying his bills and making him richer…….

By mom3boys

March 16, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this

re: Rebecca I found the worst customer service ever at Nordstrom. I popped in one day because I was out of makeup…I looked pretty rough! I got in line at the makeup counter and quietly waited for the cashier to finish w/ the lady ahead of me…took forever! Another customer walks up behind me. Just then, a second sales lady comes up and asks the lady (who is clearly behind me)if she can help her. I looked around, looked at her and said,”Am I invisible?? Am I wearing my invisibility cloak and forgot to take it off??” She said,”this woman only has a return.” I said,”You didn’t know that until you asked to help her ahead of me.” About that time the first clerk finished w/ the other woman, and I was waited on…she gave me some freebies to make me happy, but I haven’t been back. Every time I went in there, the service was so terrible…I think they know who has money and who is just middle class.

By former peach

March 16, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

There is another side to this. I used to work in retail and would greet and offer assistance to at least 75% of customers in a small store. Sometimes, I heard customers get upset becuase they thought that I was following them. They took my courtesy as my assumption that they were stealing. Also, I got questions as to why I was so chipper. Sometimes the worker can’t win. I didn’t let it stop me from offering assistance to the next customer that walked in, though.

By Jennifer

March 16, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this

Wendy’s on Boulevard. Any given day their customer service is horrible. But the one we went to in Gwinnett County was even worse. I wish I could recall the location but we do not frequent it enough for me to remember. Anyway, we were meeting my husband’s aunt there because it’s halfway between her place and Midtown. We arrived at exactly 8:06pm and when we tried to open the doors they were locked. We stood back and read their hours of operation and they were not supposed to be locked up for another hour or so. We looked in to see every single employee behind the counter trying their best not to look at us. They were all scurrying around doing absolutely NOTHING. We knocked on the door because we thought maybe someone had locked it by mistake. Their reaction? They scrambled to the kitchen and left us and another guy standing there. We were furious. We went elsewhere to eat but when I got back home I immediately sent an email detailing everything that had happened. They sent us four coupons for free food but we never went back to claim them.

When I go to the Publix on North Ave. across from my apartment building sometimes I have to hold myself back because of the level of rudeness some of the cashiers show towards customers. If you think being a cashier is above you, then you should be the best darn cashier in the place! You should excel!

JD: To try to answer your question, if restaurants would pay more than minimum wage they may be able to find something better than minimum staff. It does not excuse their behavior but you do get what you pay for.

To Def: I totally agree with you. It is very rude for people to continue their phone conversations once you are waiting on them. Hang up! But, quite frankly, I think it’s rude for anyone to have a conversation on their cell while standing in any line. I am guilty of calling my mom (she lives in IL) when I grocery shop but I hang up as soon as I am headed towards the checkout lane.

To Jen: I have done the exact same thing you were talking about. Their reaction: The same one they gave you. After feeling how wonderful it felt to stand up and say something, I am much more inclined to say something to people if they feel the need to vent that garbage to me.

By Rebecca

March 16, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

JD, Hostesses do not seat the “best tables” first, they usually have a rotation of sections they seat. You see, in most places each server has a specific set of tables that they take care of, you see how that is efficient? Then each server takes turns receiving tables in his or her section.

As a diner, you are more than welcome to request a particular table, but please do not think the hostess is doing a horrible job for doing what is exactly her job.

By jd

March 16, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

Rebecca

We most often get the worst table in the house when there are no other patrons seated. Period.

I understand the rotation for servers, trust me.

I’d guess by your rationale the server working the crappiest area gets the first customer?

Happens every time to us.

JD

By mom3boys

March 16, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with not being a southern bell…I like my new assertive over 40 self, too!

By rhino

March 16, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

yeah jen, im sure those harmless black teenagers were up to only good things.

By Torrey

March 16, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

I really appreciate everyone’s unvarnished expressions. As a fellow consumer, I agree wholeheartedly with practically everything said. I abhor & have zero tolerance for disrepect of my hard-earned dollars. As a business owner, I respect it & will heed the call of the lessons that can be drawn from them. As a matter of fact, I’ve already sent a company-wide email to this blog page and asked that all employees read it.

I also want to reiterate what a couple of you have already mentioned - PLEASE, PLEASE NEVER, NEVER, NEVER WALK AWAY FROM A BAD SERVICE EXPERIENCE W/O HAVING COMMUNICATED YOUR FRUSTRATION TO MANAGEMENT!!!! It’s kinda like not voting while complaining about the choices of the ones who did. Some may feel as though you’re being a pest by bringing such experiences to management…but don’t. The underlying question of every good company’s plans, principles and decisions is “Will this better serve our customers?” As a customer, you are the best ones to answer it - the best, most valuable, impartial source of “field reconnaissance” ” a co. has in determining who’s doing their part to carry out the mission. In my business, those who do their part stay - those who don’t must find soemplace else to work. A manager’s job is to maximize the bottom line. Clearly, an unhappy ccustomer is not conducive to that aim. Hence, for a good manager, & in most cases, you’re rendering a very, very valuable service - not being a bother. Believe me, few things get me as heated as a customer with a legitimate complaint about the service of one of our Agents.

And, Jen…that was a classic.

By Jen

March 16, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

I leave for one second and here comes some jerk with the name of RHINO. Is that WHITE RHINO, a*****?

You’re the sniveling disgusting type of people I want to take my golf club and bash in your windshield for.

Take your prejudices and freaking choke to death on them….schmuck.

everyone else….have a great weekend!

By Paying Customer

March 16, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

WOW! It seems that many people are little over-dramatic. I don’t care if the cashier even looks at me as long as the total is correct. I only expect people that are tipped to be nice and c are that I am shopping at their store. Please no more soap opera’s when you blog either.

By rhino

March 16, 2007 6:02 PM | Link to this

guess you wont face the truth until your home is invaded by one of those harmless teens. youre so blind its sad.

By rhino

March 16, 2007 6:14 PM | Link to this

wow! jen,your really blind! Its okay,I used to be the same too until I read statistics and have experienced(myself and neighbors)experience home invasions. good luck to you and hopefully you will never eat your words.

By avalen

March 16, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

Just keep in mind that to get respect, you must give respect. It’s kind of hard to be nice to someone who won’t extract the cell phone from their ear and goes on and on about how she doesn’t know if he will call. Meanwhile, you’re standing there feeling like a dumb* when they don’t respond to your “Hi, how are you?” question. This is especially true in pharmacies where you are picking up you medicine, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION!

By MA

March 16, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this

I entered the IHOP in McDonough at 4PM on a Monday afternoon. There were 4 tables of customers and at least 7 servers (maybe more in the kitchen). My son and I were seated in an empty area and left there. We waited … and waited. I could see two servers SITTING in the customer waiting area and another one smoking outside the door. After 15 minutes, when my son had colored the entire menu and used the restroom we walked out. I told the hostess we were very hungry and would come back sometime when they weren’t so busy. I don’t think she “got it!”

By Honey

March 16, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Rhino has more issues than Vogue magazine. Good for you Jen.

As a newcomer to Georgia from California, I can honestly say, Atlanta ( and surrounding areas) have the WORST customer service reps I have ever encountered. Be it utilities, retail, fast food outlets, etc. I have not had an exceptional experience since I moved here in 2005. Most avoid eye contact, which I do not understand at all… others (on the telephone) seem to find it necessary to talk to co-workers without muting their headsets.

I was talking to a rep at Georgia Telco Credit Union about my account one morning and she spoke to everyone coming into the office, while I was talking to her! I finally said, if you have to say “good morning” to everyone I would appreciate it if you would wait until our conversation is over. Sheesh!

By native

March 16, 2007 8:22 PM | Link to this

It sure does work both ways. I make a point of at least emailing corporations about exceptionally good or bad service. Oh, and I try to avoid the companies that don’t bother to answer their email.

I refuse to shop at Kroger because the employees are so maltreated. The last time I was there, I returned every Kroger brand item from my home because, according to the labels, my satisfaction is guaranteed. I filled a buggy almost to the top, and donated my $370 gift card. Nobody there, including an assistant manager cared why I was unsatisfied. At that time, the computers for the registers were programmed so that the clocks were 15 - 30 minutes fast, so the cashiers could not ring up beer and wine just before the city ordinances alcohol curfew at 11:45. It caused customers to rant at the cashiers nightly. Add that to a 20 person long line with only one register open; bad scene. I figure complaining any further up the ladder is futile.

Employees at so many places really want to be helpful, but they are overworked and the companies come up with any way they can to not pay them. I wrote a complementary letter to Federated regarding the great employees on the sales floor at Macy’s Town Center. It was used for training, but it was twisted by the store manager into a message by Macy’s to work harder. The way excerpts were taken, it sounded like they weren’t working hard enough. That manager is “never there” when I am, either. Go figure.

Last little rant. When I get my business going, I plan to borrow an idea from Spondivots; I want to post a sign for customers notifying them of my zero tolerance policy i.e. customers will not be allowed to be rude to my employees. It angers me so much to see someone belittle a young service person just because they think they can get away with it. Go ahead and flame me for saying this, but it most often seems to be people who have silver fish on their cars and/or have some government position.

By SHAN

March 16, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

HONESTLY * i shop at home depot all the time.. and yes its annoying when i can’t find someone.. however .. what the story should be about

is how COMCAST has hands down the WORST customer no service i have EVER experienced..

someone please do a story on them.. assss ssooooon as another broadband provider serves my area.. goodness

wiFi…

if anyone can name a company with a large service area that i can use please email me

i’ve already changed my digital phone provider

just waiting for broadband

please don’t suggest DSL.. not a fan of momma bell either

By gatorgirl

March 16, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

Working in a restaurant I realize how important customer service is. I usually don’t work a register but when I do, I make much higher tips then the regular register people because I greet them and make eye contact. When I explain to the rest why I get more tips they just don’t understand it. Recently transfering has also made me realize how rude some people are in customer service. I don’t mind driving far out of my way to shop at better stores, for example Publix compared to Kroger. Also, I have driven past a Taco Bell to get to another because in the middle of the order the girl answered her phone and proceeded to cancel my order while on the phone. Unbelievable.

By Cletus Snow

March 16, 2007 10:47 PM | Link to this

Customer service is a thing of the past at many businesses,I never return to any business thats not courteuous.There are 3 kroger stores near my home two of them are great therefore I only shop those stores.Several years ago I went to a Sears store to purchase a rideing mower,there were several employees in the garden dept standing around the register telling jokes, I found the mower I wanted to buy and sat on it and waited finally after several minutes I started to wave the $900.00 in the air over my head, finally I got their attention, one of the sales people came over and ask if he could help,I answered, if you can tell me where the nearest Snapper dealer is.If it’s that hard to buy one how difficult would it be to get it repaired if it broke.I’ve been pretty happy with my snapper for years.

By Meg

March 17, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this

Once at Chik Fil a on Peachtree Ind. we ordered and then took the kids to the table to get them settled, and when we went back to get our food (which we had paid for) they had broken up our order and used it to fill other orders! I’ve never heard of anything like that in my life, we were only away from the counter a couple of minutes and OUR FOOD WAS ALREADY PAID FOR! Six hungry kids waiting and they gave away our food. They’re a little too efficient for my taste. They offered to remake our order but we got a refund and left, never to return.

By Gary Stone

March 17, 2007 8:32 AM | Link to this

I SIGN UP FOR VONAGE PHONE SERVICE AT 24.95 PER MONTH, I MADE THE MISTAKE OF TRUSTING THEM WITH MY ACCOUNT NUMBER FOR AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWL, WITHIN ONE MONTH $198.00 WAS TAKEN OUT OF MY ACCOUNT,I HAD TO CLOSE THE ACCOUNT TO STOP THE MADNESS,I NEVER GOT TO USE THE PHONE SERVICE, BECAUSE BELLSOUTH WOULD NOT RELEASE MY NUMBER, AND NOW 6 MONTHS LATER, I’M STILL FIGHTING FOR MY MONEY BACK. (DO NOT TRY VONAGE, THEY ARE RIPE OFF.)

By Sina

March 17, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Several years ago, I went to a McDonalds. As I approached the counter, the clerk never greeted me. I asked if her register was open and her reponse was, “unh-huh” and rolled her eyes. I told her that I had changed my mind. She showned no emotion or concern. That was the last time I went to a McDonalds and it was about 14 years ago. I must say that hands down, Chick-fil-a is in a fast food league all of their own. They are consistently, consistent with excellent customer service and food!

By lovelyliz

March 17, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this

http://www.planetfeedback.com/

By lovelyliz

March 17, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Coomplain/Compliment:

Be Specific Be Detailed Be Reasonable

And do it as soon as possible.

By LB

March 17, 2007 11:47 AM | Link to this

I have read each comment and understand them all very well. I would like to add a few statements of my own.

My solution is spread the word to everybody like this blog has done. I have taken you people very seriously and will also not patronize some of these businesses you have mentioned.

My final agreement with you is I do indeed pay compliments when due. I have gotten many complimentary tickets for complimenting people. I was just in a mood to dump today.

By kingdavid

March 17, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

though i was the only one that notice, and the sad part is you see the managment as far as blacks , sorry to say i find that my brothers and sisters for got that value of respect…lets start a blog with the names & business of all that lack respect , and have the nerve to want our money…..like the heath department score lets give out scores and place them in a weekly blog…..lets also reward the ones that make our day with a smile …..

By kingdavid

March 17, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

though i was the only one that notice, and the sad part is you see the managment as far as blacks , sorry to say i find that my brothers and sisters for got that value of respect…lets start a blog with the names & business of all that lack respect , and have the nerve to want our money…..like the health department score lets give out scores and place them in a weekly blog…..lets also reward the ones that make our day with a smile …..

By kingdavid

March 17, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

though i was the only one that notice, and the sad part is you see the managment as far as blacks , sorry to say i find that my brothers and sisters for got that value of respect…lets start a blog with the names & business of all that lack respect , and have the nerve to want our money…..like the health department score lets give out scores and place them in a weekly blog…..lets also reward the ones that make our day with a smile …..

By Robin

March 17, 2007 7:51 PM | Link to this

kingdavid

What a GREAT idea!! We should start a local blog and post all good and bad customer service. That way, we can learn the best places to go, and the ones to never enter. That should also be a big motivator to the businesses with poor customer service, to get their stuff together!

By byron

March 17, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this

I agree that there is no more customer service.There has been no good customer service for about 15 years.when Clinten started this welfare to work program and made the welfare girls get jobs,the customer service went out the window.Im a 40 year od black man.I have seen the worst customer service in atlanta than i have seen in any other part of southeast. These young black,white,and mexicangirls do not care about their jobs they only care about that paycheck.This has been going on for years ,i guess since it has gotten to be a problem for white Atlanta now is the time to really do something about it.It’s just like crack,when it was in the black neighborhood it was alright,but now that it’s in klan county it a problem.The black nieghborhood have always suffered for bad customer service since yall allowed us to buy from yall stores.Now yall have to go thru what we have been going thru for over 100 years.Dont complain now cause you have to put up with us.Were here to stay.

By kingdavid

March 17, 2007 8:39 PM | Link to this

so we have it , not only submitt the business name but lets put the name of the employee if they have a name tag.. maybe we can get AJC to list our list. what shall we call it this can be a grass root start on putting service back in place we spend our money….

By Jas

March 17, 2007 8:55 PM | Link to this

WOW what ignorance!!! Bad employees do not have to be welfare to work participants. It is pretty sad that you associate the decline of customer service with the underprivledge.

By Acashier

March 17, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

I am a cashier at Home Depot. Now I would like to comment on rude customers. Do not place the money on the counter. That is almost like an insult. When we greet you please return the greeting. We would all like for you guys to enjoy your shopping experience Because remember You can do it and we can help!! And most importantly without you we would not have a job and since most cashiers are like me not be able to have extra money for school.

By Penguinmom

March 18, 2007 12:12 AM | Link to this

I think we can all blame WALMART for the bad customer service in our country today. Walmart has trained Americans to look for low prices above anything else (including clean stores, friendly employees, fast service, etc. ) So while there are some of us out there who will not put up with lousy service, there are way too many people who will seemingly put up with anything in order to save a nickel.

I have friends that are shocked that I don’t shop at Walmart but when I mention the crowded aisles, dirty stores, frustrating store layout and extraordinarily slow checkout, they all agree that Walmart has all of those things. When I say why do you shop there, they say, It’s the cheapest place. Well, you get what you pay for.

As far as cashier/server rudeness, I will say that a lot of times, treating the server or sales clerk with respect goes a LONG way toward getting good customer service yourself. We are pleasant to the servers and cashiers at the restaurants we frequent and not only do we get good customer service, we have developed a good relationship with many of them which just leads to better customer service.

jen, glad you set that man straight. Doesn’t matter what he personally thought about those teens, his comments were rude, offensive and way over the top. Being a southern belle doesn’t mean you can’t speak your mind. Just means you smile when you do it.

By Chris

March 18, 2007 2:30 AM | Link to this

I deal with rude employees the old fasion way: I get their name, store location number, time of my visit, etc., and then I sit down at my computer and write an e-mail to their headquarters. I make sure to send the letter with all the gory details, to every single email address I can possibly find on the website. Believe it or not, when it comes to the home offices of the big corporations, the last thing they want to hear is how bad they can be!

By A Customer

March 18, 2007 6:46 AM | Link to this

To the HomeDepot cashier above- I agree that consumers shouldn’t be rude to cashiers. But remember, one big difference between the customer and cashier. You are being paid to be there and I am spending my money. So, if I am irratated at long lines, mis-placed merchandise, out of stock advertised stuff, etc, this has been a more frustrating experience for me than you. Remember- the customer may NOT always be right, but they are always the customer.

By Otis

March 18, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Anytime I get no service in my Home Depot, I have the store phone number in my cell phone directory. If I am in a department and no one is there, I will call the store and have someone meet me in where I am. When the service gets really bad, I will email a letter to the Home Depot’s corporate office and will see what happens. Very, very rarely will ANYONE from HD will ever get back to me.

HD needs to learn the fundermentals of good business and get off their lazy butts to start thinking on how to improve the true customer service.

There

By Rilindo

March 18, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this

Robin,

There already is such a thing:

http://yelp.com

By MC

March 18, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this

If youu didn’t come into our store you wouldn’t have to worry about our cashiers rudeness,go somewhare else and leave our cashiers alone.

By Mark

March 18, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

Jen, That gentleman was right. N**** and wetbacks are the downfall of this nation.

By Janine

March 18, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this

Like *Honey@7:31,I have found Atlanta to have the absolute worst customer service…and it crosses racial lines. I often travel to Huntsville, Alabama and don’t stop on my trip until I get to Adairsville, off I-75 because starting there, customer service improves. From there througj the little towns of Summerville, Menlo, Mentone, Scottsboro, it is a pleasant experience to stop at any retail establishment. In Huntsville and surrounding suburbs, there is no comparison …they far outshine Atlanta every time. Wonder Why????

By moreweekend

March 18, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

I was at Wallgreens on Bells Ferry yesterday, went to the register to check out, and stood there a few minutes. There was one worker at film developing. I stood and waited, looked around and couldn’t find anyone else. The film person was busy helping cutomers with film. I was in too much of a hurry and impatient to ask or wait longer, so I just put the pile of merchandise on the check out counter, and left. Hope the manager sees unbought stuff beside an empty cash register, and got a hint.

By catlady

March 18, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this

I also leave stores and restaurants with screaming, uncontrolled kids (I know, not exactly the fault of the biz, but see below) and stores with loud rap music or “European” music and stores that have heavily perfumed areas. Also, if I see or smell anyone smoking in the store I go to the manager and then leave. Store managers can set the tone, but fail to do so in many cases because they don’t want to lose the money of the parents of the screaming brats. My money and I walk.

By Meaghan

March 18, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this

A question for all of you who make it a point to tell managers about poor service that you receive: Do you make the same effort to inform the manager when you receive excellent service?

Everyone is so quick to complain, but no one thinks twice about telling someone about great service. What is the incentive for a non-tipped customer service employee to go above your expectations when they know that their manager will never find out?

Working a customer service job in retail is not easy, and it is very often thankless. When I am behind the cash register at my job, I am treated with so little respect that it makes it very difficult to motivate myself to continue smiling and greeting the guests that come into my store. I do my best to be pleasant and helpful to everyone who walks into my store, because I know that it is very important and my guests deserve good treatment. At the same time, I know that I have myself given less than excellent service… I am never rude, but I’m sure that at the end of an 8 or 10 hour shift, after dealing with very grumpy customers and the many other tasks that my job entails, that I have accidentally kept a customer waiting at the counter while I was cleaning or talking to an employee, or forgotten to enter a discount, or taken longer than normal to complete a transaction. Mistakes like this are not ok, but they are still mistakes.

If a serious infraction of customer service has occurred, I think that you should tell the manager. But if a line is long because the store is busy, or if the cashier who is busy in another part of the store doesn’t realize immediately that you are there, or if they fail to make eye contact with you as they politely thank you for your purchase (keep in mind, you probably threw your money down on the counter at them in the first place), keep your irritation to yourself.

I don’t think people realize how rude they can be to cashiers, especially young ones, just because “its their job”. We are there to help you and most of the time are happy to help you, but we also have other customers and MANY other duties and can’t guarantee that your service will be “perfect” every time. I try to help my guests both quickly and thoroughly, and I try to be friendly, but at times, one of these three aspects of customer service is compromised.

And by the way, I don’t even work behind the register any more. I’m not just some teenager trying to defend myself for the poor customer service I give… I am just trying to get you guys to think about this a little bit differently.

By hitwriter

March 18, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this

Alot of great posts here!

My pet peave is the new self check out lanes! Why am I paying full retail to scan and bag my own groceries! Never enough cashiers in the traditional lanes! Always the same at Kroger and Wal-Mart.

Companies are doing their best to disolve the entire customer client relationship.

Needless to say we eat out alot and that’s another story.

One more thing that really really really ticks me off… Pay at the pump and the pump out of receipt paper!

I hope there are some IT professionals out there writing code to let you know before you buy gas that the dang pump is out of paper! At least then you could move to another pump, go inside and get in line or even better, take your business elswhere!

By Bill

March 19, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this

Come on folks! Home Depot is not that bad. I was in LOwe’s Friday and 7:30PM and only two registers open with 9 folks in one line and 10 in the second one. I’me not goingto get n that mess. I was nice anough to take my items back and walked out the door. I went to Home Depot and there were one register open andtwo others with one person in line. I like both stores but my vote right now goes toBAAAA HUMBUGGGG to Lowes. Bill Martin

By disgusted

March 19, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this

I was 8 mos pregnant and had to get a gift for a female relative. I went into a store named Dress Barn thinking a sweater would be nice. A clerk said to me from across the store “We don’t have anything to fit you in here”. I loudly replied “I didn’t expect you to as your store is not a maternity shop, but as rude as you are I won’t shop here anyway. And by the way half the women in this area are as big as the broadside of a barn, if you can’t fit me then change your name because you won’t be here long.” They were gone within 3 mos. My husband and I went into a Long Horn in Rome about 1:30 p.m. We stood by the please wait to be seated sign for 10 min. without ever being spoken to. We finally sat ourselves in the area by the bar. After another 5 min. with no acknowlegement that we were even there, my husband asked the bartender for menus and a waitress. With no apologies a waitress brought our menus and asked what we wanted. After taking our order she went and got my husbands tea, she left and brought back his salad. I asked for my drink and salad and she rolled her eyes and said she would come back with it. She next brought his dinner. I asked for her manager and was told he aint here now. She finally brought all of mine at one time and the bill. I told my husband to make his tea last because she would not be back to our table. I had been taking him to lunch not the other way around. I put the exact amount for our food on the tray and wrote on the back of the ticket “Tip denied due to a lack of manners, lack of training in customer service and lack of management availability.” I emailed corporate office and never got a reply so I knew the “Lacks” went all the way up the ladder. We have never been back to a Long Horn and never will again.

By Lis

March 19, 2007 7:53 AM | Link to this

This problem is huge. There is no longer a direct relationship between customer and service. Some of the reponsibility is circular. Lowe’s credit card is owned by GE. If you have a complaint about your credit there is no way for Lowe’s to know that. Customer service is roped off with no accountability. A store manager is not necessarily interested in exposing their own store to crticisim and the motivation to change is buried. I called about my cable bill. In the USA contracts are portioned out to areas and there is no free market. For a problem I spoke to someone in the Phillipines. Explain the logic of that!

The solution evades me since the problem is so insidious. Customer service has been taken out of the equation.

By MP

March 19, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

I think that there are so many men and women who were not raised properly that they don’t care about customer service. They do not act or dress as if they care about themselves or their customers. We bought a new car this weekend noticed a sales girl walking around wearing such a skimpy shirt that her bra was very noticeable. It was not supposed to be that way as it was not even an attractive bra. She should have been sent home.

By mad mommy

March 19, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this

Christmas of 2005 we bought our daughter a new computer from Dell. When it was unpacked and set up Christmas night it had a problem. After a 2 hour wait on their tech line I finally spoke to someone in india who said his name was Bob. We determined that we had received a broken mother board. He told me that with my warranty that I could have onsite repair with REFURBISHED parts, exchange, or return. At that point I decided no refubished parts I’ll do an exchange. He then put me through to customer service. I spoke to a woman who said she had to speak to a tech and put me on hold. After an hour and a half someone asked who I was holding for. When I said customer service she told me that they went home 45 minutes ago to call back tomorrow. It then became a return. When I called back the next day I was on hold another hourand a half. They said to box it all back up and it would be picked up the next day. I waited (stayed out of work) at home all day no one showed up. I again called cust service and again was on hold for another hour and a half only to be told tomorrow we will pick up. This went on for four days. The evening of the fourth day the cust service girl told me just set it outside, you don’t need to be there. I told her that they might not have any crime there but if I put it outside here it would be gone in 20 minutes and not to a shipping co. The fifth day they finally picked it up. When I got my next credit card statement they had credited me with the return amount of the computer but had charged me $218.00 as a restocking fee. Customer service told me that that was what I was going to have to pay and they would not credit it back to me. After protesting to my charge card co. It still took two more monthes to get the restocking fee taken off my card. I love the dell computers but won’t buy from them because of this.

By Shellie

March 19, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this

My family & and friends were in town from OH and I suggested we go to Spondivits for dinner. We placed our orders and upon getting our meals, the server accidentally spilled warm butter all over my brother-in-law’s head, down his back, and all over his shirt and jacket. My brother-in-law, obviously was not happy about the situation so he asked to speak to a manager. Daryl, the Manager on Duty at Spondivits, came out and said Spondivits is not responsible for personal items and said he is sorry this happen but there is nothing he could do and walked away. We received the rest of our meals and there were other issues that we did not complain about because Daryl was not polite and very short with my party. I asked our server if he could get a corporate contact so that I could report this. Daryl comes back to our table with card and contact information in hand. I asked him why could he not have at the very least, comp my brother-in-law’s meal, which was all of $30.00. The entire table spent well over $150. He said that this is the owner’s policy. I asked him, as the manager what descrestions, if any, did he have, and he proceeded to tell me it was none of my business. I said that his customer service sucked. He said he didnt want to be subjected to verbal abuse and asked if I paid my bill. I told him it was none of his business and so he told myself and my party to leave. He was very short and unpleasant from the first time he came to our table, and it was so disappointing because I patronize this establishment frequently. The wait staff was very polite but it was uncomfortable for the remainder of the dinner. Shame on Spondivits and please don’t patronize this restaurant.

By Lee

March 19, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

I know this blog is about bad service, and typically, fast food restaurants are the world’s worst when it comes to customer service. Getting the order wrong, rude help, lord knows what’s going on in the kitchen.

That said, the Chic-fil-a in Hiram, Ga. does it right. I don’t know who the manager is, but they know how to run a fast food establishment. The place is always clean and the help actually acts like they care. You can even understand them through the drive through speaker.

“It’ll be my pleasure to see you at the window as well.”

By Lee

March 19, 2007 11:09 PM | Link to this

I was in a nationally known, large discount retailer one day and bought a few items that totalled about $3. I gave the teenaged cashier a $5 and she gave me back change for a $50. When I told her she made a mistake, she got an attitude with me. I just smiled and told her “good luck balancing that till”, put the extra money in my pocket and walked out.

They probably made her come up with the shortage. I hope so.

By Rick in Lawrenceville

March 20, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this

Ditto the comment about Dell computers (above). I will never buy another computer from Dell. Their customer service was a big run-around. I totaled more than 20 hours on the phone with Dell non-support, mostly from India or the Phillipines (better). I then just gave up! Dell support is the WORST!

By OUTRAGED

March 20, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this

LET ME TELL YOU WHAT HAPPENED TO ME ON THE WAY HOME FROM WORK LAST NITE, I STOPPED AT THE SHELL STATION ON JODECO RD.MCDONOUGH,BOUGHT A 12 PACK OF COKE,WHEN I WENT TO PAY WITH A CREDIT CARD THE CASHIER MOANED AND SAID “PLEASE DON’T DO THAT” I ASKED HIM WHAT HIS PROBLEM WAS, HE ASKED IF I HAD CASH, I TOLD HIM I HAD NO CASH ON ME AND TO ME CASH IS CASH NO MATTER HOW YOU PAY, HE PRECEDED TO TELL ME “IT IS JUST CASH TO YOU BUT NOT TO US” MEANING THEY HAD TO PAY SOME TYPE OF FEE, MONTHLY I MIGHT ADD, I WAS OUTRAGED, I ASKED HIM IF I NEEDED TO BUY MY PRODUCTS ELSEWHERE, HE STARTED BACKPEDDLING, SAYING THANK YOU MAAM, COME BACK. IS IS NOT THE USA THAT GIVES THEM THE RIGHT TO OWN A BUSINESS AND USUALLY DON’T HAVE TO PAY TAXES AND OTHER FREEBIES. GO BACK TO WHERE THEY CAME FROM IF THEY DON’T WANT TO ABIDE BY THE LAWS…..THAT JUST MADE ME SICK TO MY STOMACH, I AM NOT GOING BACK TO THAT STATION. EVER…..

By So Tired

March 20, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this

I thought this blog was about poor customer service. Why are several comments regarding race? The race of a person has nothing to do with customer service. People please grow up.

By DW

March 20, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this

All blogs no matter what end up about race. I read sad and the other black guy.I cant beleive that a black person admitted blacks,white hispanic are also rude. I get very p** when blacks always take up for the blacks ,even if they are rude their nails are gross there hair or weave is half on or off there head. Yes I am white and there are just as many white arsholes but our race does know this,but it just seems black folks are always so defensive because they think they white man is out to get them. Teenagers that work in alot of these places are jerks black or white and I never hesitate to tell them to there face .I amto stupid to be afraid of anyone cause when you call there bluff they become very polite. There is a young black kid at kroger everytime I go in there he has that cap cocked to the side I tell him straight up you give this Kroger and I am going to call the manager again,this happened around three times as soon as he would see me come in and snicker to his black and white bag boys and I would laugh at all of them and call the manager again . That night I stood there again the manager came down from upstairs and fired him.They are young and could care less about the image of the store that employs them,and I kinda get my jollies too.

By Michelle

March 26, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Sometimes I get a cashier that barely understands English, I have to keep repeating myself and they give me attitude because they can’t understand me, that really p** me off. I don’t think they emphasize manners in Mexico like here, most of these foreigners don’t even know what the word means, there is literally no translation for it.