The Good Ole Days

     Remember when there used to be a standard rule of thumb when working in retail?  That standard was  "the customer is always right".

     I understand, having worked in many a retail position, that isn't always true, but it also meant to deal with the customer in a professional and kind manner.  Try to resolve the issue without making the customer look bad.  After all, if the customer is spending money in the establishment, that money is where the employee's paycheck is coming from.

     Recently I entered a store that I have done business with for many years.  I've always liked the place and the people who work there.  I also like the service they provide along with the equipment.

     The last piece of equipment I purchased there seems to be a bit faulty.  It still works, but there are times when it does not work properly.  When I inquired about replacing it, I was told that my contract would not end until sometime next year and that perhaps I could look online in a swap shop or auction site to purchase a new one.   I was thinking, "Hmmm, you don't stand behind your equipment?"  The sales person was new to me and I decided to go back another day.

     I did just that, a couple of weeks later.  I was told again that my contract did not end until sometime next year, BUT, in a couple of weeks I would have enough accumulated points to be able to put towards the new equipment.  Once again, I left and as I drove back home, the Voice, who was sitting in the back seat reading the latest copy of Wusses R Us, said quietly "They don't stand behind their equipment?"

     Today I went back again.  The new person was there and helping another customer.  This new person was also on the phone.  I stood quietly to the side and she asked if she could help me.  I told her I was there to see about getting a new piece of equipment. As I waited, gazing at the selections of said equipment, she asked me for some information.  Since she was working with another customer and had a receiver held to her ear, I didn't realize she was speaking to me.  When it finally dawned on me that she actually was speaking to me, I gave her the requested info.  

     She entered the data, and told me I did not have any accumulated points and that I would have to wait until next year.  I tried to explain that I did have the points and was told to come back.  While still working with the other customer and still holding a phone receiver to her ear, she tells me "Sorry".

     I hate confrontation, but I was instantly upset.  I informed her that was not what I was told two weeks ago, grabbed the door and rattled it quite nicely as I left.

     As I drove home again, the Voice, who was sitting in the front passenger seat this time, opened its mouth to speak.  "Just don't even go there!", I snapped.  It quickly shut its mouth, looked out the side window and began to hum the old Beatles' song, "I'm A Loser".

     Yes indeed, the good ole days of the customer being right or shown some respect have gone by the wayside.