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Sounds like part of the Death Spiral for Every Day Low Prices* we are currently experiencing. Don't worry, death spirals are always self-ending .. but it's best you put on a golden parachute and get out of the plane before it's too late.

No golden parachute? Damm .. well pull yourself up but the boot straps, my good man. There are tonnes of opportunties out there .. ok fewer then there have ever been .. but they are there, and eventually America will decay to match rising third world levels .. then there will be lots of more for yourr great-great-grandchildren.

God Bless America, and Keep Partisanship Alive*!

==

*slogans copyrighted by JDR

"Restaurants, clothing stores, car dealerships, real-estate agents, utilities, you name it"...

I find it incredibly hard to believe that you are treated rudely everywhere you go to spend your money, Anthony. Perhaps your standards are a bit high?

Just a couple of days ago I visited a home improvement store to pick up a couple of grommets that protect electrical wire entering a junction block. Had a hard time finding what I wanted and didn't really want to bother anyone over what cost about $0.50. After about 5 minutes, this guy approached me and asked if he could help. I explained to him what I wanted and it took him about 10 minutes to find it because it wasn't his department and the 'electrical guy' was out to lunch so he was just trying to help me because he "could see the frustration building".
This is not an isolated incident.

Sure, you get an Ahole every once in a while, but it's rare to find one that is still there the next time you visit the place, especially if you file a complaint. (Exception to the DMV and various other government run agencies, of course)

So lighten up, Anthony. Try smiling at these people. They're human too.

Neo you must not get out much. I have to wholeheartedly agree with Anthony. Customer service is a thing of the past. We are an interruption to someone's day when we ask for service. The so-called "managers" are just as bad. And this happens when you are pleasant and just require normal service...no complaints involved.

It extends all the way to the top of a lot of these corporations. I wrote to the president of Amerihost about a recent stay in New Orleans - it was the worst place in the world to stay. They guarantee you to be satisfied. I never got a reply.

It begins with owners/managers. You can't expect someone to give good customer service if they have 4 inch fingernails, don't dress appropriately, chew and snap their gum, talk on the cellphone to anyone, or talk to their friends who have come in to see them while they are working. Very few managers will say anything to anyone who does this because they are afraid that person will quit and the manager may have to do some real work.

What I do is just not go back. I will inform the so-called management/owner and bad mouth the place ever chance I get, and just never go back.

And Neo, Home Depot is one of the few places that has fairly decent customer service, although I had a bad experience with them and immediately complained to the manager. He took care of the problem right then and there and he, himself, assisted me. I was duly impressed. The same happend at Lowe's. I asked a salesperson for assistance and they just walked away from me. I got what I needed and when asked at the register if I found everything okay I said yes, but that their customer service left a lot to be desired. That manager also took care of things immediately.

The only way things are going to change is if enough people complain and refuse to patronize places with poor customer service.

I agree with TJ, when he states...
"The only way things are going to change is if
enough people complain and refuse to patronize
places with poor customer service."

With that statement alone, upper management
will feel it at the end of the month, when they view
their P/L report.

Another "rude" character flaw, is when the employee gives you the "look." You know, that
"look." The "once over look." The "profile" look.
That "ass-uming" look. The "look" that makes you
feel like you're not wanted in "this/that" kind of
establishment.

And just think...we're entering the season of
goodwill towards ALL men!

So, what I would do, is this. Be persistent as a
consumer. If that employee gives an attitude,
smile. Then, please do not leave angry. Go
directly to the manager, and make sure you got
the employee's name. If there is phone number on
your receipt for the head office. Call them! Tell
them everything that was done to you.

The reason why I suggest the above approach,
is because, if the employee is in such "uncaring"
character that day. The employee should stay at home, and not having to face the world. When
an employee has that "attitude" day, it effects
everyone else. Management should not allow such an employee to be near the customers!
Because, the "BITCH EFFECT" will spread
widely. We've all been there.

So, I hope when everyone is out shopping and
dining. Remember, other people have feelings,
too. And, that, that other person, may have a
stronger "attitude" than you. It goes to both the
employee and the customer.

"It extends all the way to the top of a lot of these corporations. I wrote to the president of Amerihost about a recent stay in New Orleans - it was the worst place in the world to stay. They guarantee you to be satisfied. I never got a reply."

Just depends upon the company TJ. I tried a new chain called Hometowne Suites. Upon arrival my reservation was not honored and they put me in a Comfort Inn down the street. Lesser quality property with a higher cost. Yep, the manager wasn't too cooperative so I called (instead of writing) the corporate office. They paid for my stay at the Comfort Inn, sent me coupons for two free nights at Hometowne Suites, and apologized profusely.

What started as a negative experience became a positive one. I'll try them again.

I travel a lot and stay almost exclusively at Hampton Inns and other Hilton brands. You will get a clean room and good service 99% of the time. They guarantee a satisfactory stay or your money back. At one property the wireless internet wouldn't work (couldn't post here all night) I told them I wasn't 100% satisfied and bingo my night was free. Plus their Hilton HHonors program accumulates points quickly for free stays.

It's a mixed bag, learn from experience, patronize the companies that provide good service and LET THEM KNOW IT. If I have great service at a restaurant I'll ask for the manager to compliment the server. It's funny when I do this, the usual initial response from the manager is "is something wrong"? They are sometimes amazed that I asked for them to offer a compliment.

Complain to those who do not. If you don't get satisfaction on the local level, call the corporate office. That usually gets attention.

Gotta agree with Neo, I'd rather have molars extracted than go to the DMV.

This is a "Counterpoint?" I must have missed the original point, which must have been in favor of bad customer service.

It seems that many, MANY customers feel it is their constitutional right to be nasty. I work in one type of retail business mentioned by the writer. I can assure you, Anthony, if you came to my place, you would get excellent service. If for no other reason than my customers are surveyed, and part of my pay depends on the answers given. I've found myself being very nice to very rude people - for the money.

Let me tell you about my new car. After not buying a American car since 1983, I decided to try a domestic brand. After many test drives, I like the Fusion and Malibu, both drove great and suited me. I wounded up buying a Fusion from Green Ford. (not Good). My wife drove it home and told me that was the car was noisy. I returned it to Green Ford on the next Tuesday. In the end they told me all Fusion made this noise. I told them BS, if they had all been this way I would have not purchased it. A friend fixed the car. No more noise.Then I noticed the front air dam was loose. I emailed Green Ford and set up a appointment. When I arrived it was like who the hell are you. After more discussion, they told me they would order the parts and call me in 2-3 days. After15 days I called Ford , they, informed me that Green Ford would call me that day. Never heard a word. I have now got the Attorney General Office involved. If my check had bounced, they could have had me in court, with little are no expense, not so when you get a bad car. I can get the car fixed at a body shop, for less than I can get a lawyer. Maybe I could sue the NR, they induced me with their ad. Bottom line I am screwed.

cdoG,
perhaps you weren't aware that FORD is an acronym.....FixOrRepairDaily. generally Ford dealerships give its new customers earplugs before test drives :-)

Hey Dog try Ceiner Woods Ford. They are the BEST when it comes to customer satisfaction! Go talk to Bill Mock or Danny. They will make sure you're happy with the repair. I can't say enough good about them.