Few remember when a handshake agreement actually meant something, and when cashiers and other customer service persons met you with a smile and sincere concern. We are now met with rude clerks and service personnels. When we ask to "see" the manager, he or she is often more disrespectful than the service person. We are placed on long holds only to be forgotten. When we recontact, we are told to "start over", only going through the exact same "pass the buck" maze. Our travels on the road are met with rude and inconsiderate drivers and toll persons. Often restaurant cashiers or servers serve us items we have not ordered. How many times has a diabetic been served products with sugar when he or she precisely warned against it? What about movers who destroy and misplace property because they do not care, or mechanics who do not repair problems (or cause other problems during their "repair")? How bout businesses that take our finances and give us items that we did not order (or fail to give us any items at all)? Is there anything you and I can do to stand up to such apathy, rudeness, unprofessionalism, and/or incompetence?
I've been around for over 4 decades. I'm elated to see Americans standing up for themselves. More complaints are being filed, and more areas are now being reviewed that were overlook. So many office personnel were getting paid to "do nothing" as complaints were "pushed under the table".
Here are some suggestions (in no particular) order to help you and I address and correct any areas in our life that include apathy, rudeness, unprofessionalism, or incompetence:
1) Sorry to say this, but we have to become record takers. Yes, we have to note down dates, times, events, location(s), the names and appearances of those we dealt with. This information will be most essential when placing a complaint or recalling such events. It's not that we are "looking for trouble". We just live in a period of time where apathy (and Murphy's Law) rules. Any person with a rude or "bad ass" attitude has been bitten by the "apathy bug" and needs a quick reality check. We should write these notes away from public view to prevent any attempts to stop us from filing a complaint with the correct department.
2) Do not accept "verbal contracts". Very few persons promising to "correct the matter" will do so. Attempt to get specific information (and agreements in writing) if possible.
3) Outside agencies will always encourage you to try to solve your problems with the particular businesses before contacting them. Again, make sure you document everything as outlined in number 1. If that particular business doesnot "stick to its end of the bargain", then seek outside assistance. Time is of the essential. The longer you wait, the less of a chance you will have in your customer satisfaction.
4) Business and consumer matters can be addressed to the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Affairs, the Attorney Genral's office, and in many cases, your local newspaper (or even televised news locations).
5) Matters of the local and state government can be addressed to your Mayor and the Governor's office.
6) Cases of discrimination, misconduct, and associated issues can be addressed to the Equal Employment Opportunity office and the Civil Rights office. It might be wise to hire your own personal lawyer in matters of misconduct and/or employment matters. Many States do not readily enforce matters in these areas.
7) Again, documentation and witnesses are essential. No matter how "right" you may be, no one can help you if you don't have solid proof.
Sad to say, problems and disatisfactions (Murphy's Law) are primary existences in our world. This might be why Jesus told His disciples to be innocent as doves but cautious (aware) as serpents. When dealing with anyone in business (or shopping) matters, it's good to make eye contact, get the names of the persons involved, double check everything, and ensure that these person know that we are not easily "bullied" or fooled.
Any manager who fails to take our complaints serious should be reported to the owner of that particular location. If this information is not known, the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Affairs may be able to assisst.
This article was Published Here
No comments:
Post a Comment