Called the local cable company to pay my bill. And had the strangest experience. The operator answered the phone and I told her I wanted to pay my bill via check. I was paying the full amount and wanted the check post dated. I knew I could pay my bill ten days out because I had done it before. I have started paying most of my bills in person or via the phone because I always want a "live" person's name or an immediate receipt.
Then she asked me for my social security number. I gave her the last four digits. She interrupted me and said she needed the whole thing. I quickly informed her that she couldn't ask me that because we were on a non-secured lie and that by law...she couldn't. And I had given my last four numbers before, why was it a problem now. She put me on hold.
If I had been rude to her, I could understand her curtness. I wasn't. I worked for the cable company years ago so I know all the customer service workings and vowed I'd never fuss, curse, or yell at someone.
When she came back, she realized she made several mistakes. I just let it go. All I wanted to do was pay the bill. It occurred to me me that people in customer service careers need to realize that we (the customers) pay their salaries. I don't need operators who are given permission to hang up on us, talk to us anyway, and aren't willing to work with folks.
The other day, I went to TOPS grocery store in my hometown of Rochester, New York and no handicap carts were available. Yet again. No matter how much I've adjusted my schedule...TOPS never has them. Managers apologized half-heartedly and wanted me to sit down and wait until a cart was available. I thought how long is this going to be? 10 minutes. 40 minutes. An hour.
I also wondered if I was an abled-bodied walker, I'm sure TOPS would have sent one of their guys out for shopping carts immediately. This was my final straw. I took myself and my money to a competing store around the corner. Their prices may be more expensive, but their customer service is exceptional.
The days of "the customer is always right" are vanishing. Don't shop or support a business that doesn't value you. I'll just spend my money elsewhere.
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Thursday, August 19th 2010 at 1:43PM
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