Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - [RANT] Is customer service getting worse as time goes on?

rockzilla · 11-25-2003, 11:14 AM

Just last week I was at a relatively new, huge grocery store. I was having a hard time finding phyllo pastry (I was having a hard time finding anything since the place was massive, to be honest). So I came across a manager who was supervising a few employees putting a display up and I asked him. His response to me was "Not my department." That was it, no "Sorry", he didn't even make an attempt to find someone who would be able to help me. So I got his name from his name tag, repeated it and then asked if he could tell me where the customer comment box was. He told me it was by the exit, I guess the idiot didn't realize that I was implying that I was going to write a negative comment about him, which I did.

That's the kind of service I'd expect from a minimum wage earning kid who really doesn't want to be there, and I probably would have let it slide if I had asked someone like that for help, but this guy was a manager, he really should have tried harder (or just tried, period.).

I avoid the bigger stores when I can. The reason above is just one of many that I rarely shop in large grocery stores. I find I can get better produce at small markets, for pretty much the same price. I buy stuff like rice, flour, spices and other staples at bulk stores. I usually go to an actual butcher shop for meat. A little pricier, but again, much higher quality.

The staff is usually much more knowedgable at specialty stores as well. I know I'd never ask the kid behind the electronics counter at Wal-Mart for advice on choosing a camera. I'd go to a camera store.

11-25-2003, 11:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
rockzilla Junkie Location: The Kitchen	Just last week I was at a relatively new, huge grocery store. I was having a hard time finding phyllo pastry (I was having a hard time finding anything since the place was massive, to be honest). So I came across a manager who was supervising a few employees putting a display up and I asked him. His response to me was "Not my department." That was it, no "Sorry", he didn't even make an attempt to find someone who would be able to help me. So I got his name from his name tag, repeated it and then asked if he could tell me where the customer comment box was. He told me it was by the exit, I guess the idiot didn't realize that I was implying that I was going to write a negative comment about him, which I did. That's the kind of service I'd expect from a minimum wage earning kid who really doesn't want to be there, and I probably would have let it slide if I had asked someone like that for help, but this guy was a manager, he really should have tried harder (or just tried, period.). I avoid the bigger stores when I can. The reason above is just one of many that I rarely shop in large grocery stores. I find I can get better produce at small markets, for pretty much the same price. I buy stuff like rice, flour, spices and other staples at bulk stores. I usually go to an actual butcher shop for meat. A little pricier, but again, much higher quality. The staff is usually much more knowedgable at specialty stores as well. I know I'd never ask the kid behind the electronics counter at Wal-Mart for advice on choosing a camera. I'd go to a camera store. Last edited by rockzilla; 11-25-2003 at 11:33 AM..