This is how I feel on an almost daily basis. It seems that as the economy continues to get weaker and businesses are competing harder than ever for your business that most have implemented a new way of keeping you as a customer. The new method, as far as I can tell, is a combination of never being able to provide you with the product or service you paid for and making their internal problems yours by refusing to take responsibility and provide you with any service whatsoever.
I have been lucky enough to be subject to this new philosophy by almost every single establishment I frequent in the last year and it's only getting worse. It seems like almost every day I hear the excuses as to why a computer glitch or employee's incompetence is going to cost me money or time. There is never any responsibility on the part of the business, after all, the customer is NEVER right. Isn't that what we were all told growing up?
Welcome to the new American economy.... one where "No, I'm sorry sir. That rate is only available to new customers" is the new motto. What happened to "You've obviously been a loyal customer, I'll take care of that for you."? Nope, those days are gone. Now if you want to just get what you paid for without getting charged for fees that don't make any sense and no one can give you a legitimate explanation for you better be willing to fight. And I mean scream and yell; simply explaining the mix-up will get you nowhere.
Well, my mission is to stand my ground. I hate confrontation as much or more than the next guy. I would prefer to live my life in near anonymity always paying my bills on time and frequenting the same businesses that I am familiar with. I have found, unfortunately, that this is now impossible. The only way to live a peaceful and drama free existence these days is to just pay the extra fees when the bank makes a mistake, and just deal with a broken phone when the cell company's computer system has a glitch; and go on your merry way knowing that some genius executive is going to get a healthy bonus this year because of the new policy they have put in place making the company millions. These millions are made because we refuse to call bull shit. Plain and simple. We've all heard the stories of insurance companies that refuse every claim the first time. This is a strategy to steal from you. A little bit from a lot of people adds up to a whole lot of cash.
I call on you, the consumer, to end this cycle of abuse. These companies should be begging for your business. They should be going out of their way to help you spend money at their stores. Here is a novel concept... you should feel satisfied with your purchase and be willing to recommend them to your friends and family. Ask yourself.... when was the last time you told someone about the outstanding serviced you received? Been a while? When was the last time you ranted about the BS you just went through with (fill in the company here) because they screwed you? I bet is was within the last week.
The fact is it is up to us. You can do it. Don't let them take from you any longer. You have many weapons at your disposal, confrontation being the most valuable. I will guide you along the way, sharing my stories of frustration. Just set your feet and stand your ground, it is the only way to change this abhorrent cycle.
eat prices. Again, great customer service, free shipping on most items and a small, family owned company. My favorites are the case pocket knives but I'm sure they've got what you're looking for too.
