Bad Service (1102 hits)
Category: Business & FinancialRating: 1.73 on 40 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by NotApologizing (Posterboy for Reluctance) (View user info) at 2004-05-06 10:46:55 EDT
Since I have no other place to voice my complaints, I am using this Übersite as the clothesline to air my dirty laundry. So it's not really MY dirty laundry, but rather some dirty laundry for a few stores that give or gave me bad service. First the list (these are the 5 worst, with #1 being the absolute worst):
5. Hill's Automotive-Eaton Rapids, MI
4. China Garden-Mt. Pleasant, MI
3. Best Buy-Jackson, MI
2. M-59 Dodge-Hartland, MI
1. Amoco (12-Mile and Novi Rd.)-Novi, MI
5. I took my 1994 Ford Aspire in for maintenance because the transmission (I thought) was sputtering. I was getting very little acceleration at low RPM's in every gear. I took the car in to have Hill's dirty, greasy wrench monkey's take a look at it. I get a call 90 minutes after I took it in to let me know that it was finished. "Wow", I thought, "That was quick, cool." When I got there, they told me that they hooked the car up to their diagnostic computer (which my car had no data output for) and it told them that timing was off and the car needed a tune-up. They charged me US$150 for the diagnostic alone; a diagnostic, as I said, they could not possibly have performed the way they said. The replaced 4 spark plugs, brushed off the ends of the brushes in the distributor, wiped out the spark plug wires, and made some minor adjustments to my gear timing. They charged me an additional US$145 for the plugs and the tune-up. So for about 20 minutes of work, I was charged a total of US$295. When I told the employee that $295 was 'fucking outrageous for a simple tune-up', he got mad and pushed me. He then ran back inside and grabbed a tire-iron. All I could do was burn out in his parking lot. And any of you who've driven a Ford Aspire know that it was NOT a good burnout.
4. I got some bad shrimp on a Shrimp Vegetable Medley plate at this restaurant called China Garden. My company's HQ is in Mt. Pleasant where this restaurant is, and most days we comprise over half of the lunchtime patrons. I told the owner that the shrimp was bad and that I'd like a replacement. She reluctantly agreed and that should've been the end of it. But no, she brings out the new dish, sets it down, looks at me and says "I tried the shrimp, and it was fine. I guess you don't know how shrimp is supposed to taste." I told her "hmmm, I guess not. I DO know that I won't be coming back here again to eat shrimp or anything else. Oh, and I'll be sure to tell everyone at (my company) that they should avoid this place from now on." They do, and the restaurant is struggling.
3. I was returning (on warranty) an xBox controller that I purchased and subsequently broke out of video game frustration. The girl was really bitchy, and I figured it was high time for me to ask what her problem was. "So, you're not really into the whole friendly customer service thing are ya? Maybe you should go work at the Secretary of State office—I think you'd fit in better." Her reply was "No, I could tell you were a fucking asshole when I saw you. People like you come in here, lie about how their stuff gets broke, then do their best to rip us off. You don't deserve ANY service, let alone the friendly kind." Her manager, who had overheard the conversation and was now listening intently behind her disagreed with what she told me. He sent her to the back room, replaced my controller, and gave me a $10 Best Buy card. I just didn't understand why she would be such a bitch. I didn't start THAT, although I initiated the dialogue. Fucking cunt.
2. I needed a new car to take on vacation with me Memorial Day of 2002. Since my wife was pregnant, we decided to get a minivan. We settled on M-59 Dodge because they helped people with bad or no credit. I made the mistake of informing the salesdevil that we needed the car on Friday evening, and that we couldn't come in until about 6PM Friday to sign the purchase agreement. When we got there, he added a US$1250 warranty and a $900 insurance (against death or serious injury) on the purchase agreement. I told him we didn't want those things added. His response was "oh, well then I'd have to write up a new purchase agreement and I couldn't possibly do that before I left today. I guess you could pick it up next week." I was in a real bind, but there was no way I was letting this motherfucker get away with it. I told him "Fine...oh, wait. Actually, I've changed my mind. There is no way I am possibly going to buy a car from you. You're a classic swindler and the type of scum that gives used car dealers a bad name. Watch out for boat propellers this weekend—nevermind, you'll be too busy sucking algae from the bottom of the lake to get hit by a boat." Yeah, that's right. I called him a swindler.
1. I am a Type-I insulin dependent diabetic. One day during work at my old job in Wixom, I began to have an insulin reaction (low bloodsugar). I needed candy and I needed it fast. I went to the Amoco gas station and picked out a candy bar. I went up to pay for it and was greeted by a toothless beast of a woman who smelled of dirt. I handed her the $10 bill to pay and I expected to receive a 5, three 1's, and some change back. All I got were the three 1's. She claimed that I only gave her a $5 bill, which I am 100% sure was not the case. I argued with her for a couple seconds, but I was not effective considering my state of low bloodsugar compounded by her smell. I told her to count the till (pursuant to retail law) and she refused. Had I been thinking clearly, I would have called the cops. Anyways, she steadfastly refused to count the till. I had no choice but to leave ant eat my candybar (kingsize snickers). As I turned to leave, she decided to call me a jerk. "Jerk!" she said as I neared the door. I turned slowly and pretended to be pulling a gun out of my pants. "Relax dumbass" I said. "I really don't know how you rationalize calling me a jerk. You STEAL $5 from me, you STINK, and you're rude, but somehow I'm the jerk!!? Fuck you. Enjoy your life in the oil industry."
By the way, the above incidents have all served to inspire me in creating a monthly (or maybe yearly) magazine entitled 'Detroit Service'©. My idea is to write articles about places that give exceptionally good or bad service, as well as inform the public of what their rights are in situations like the above where a stubborn employee is breaking the law and stealing money. Eventually, I would have a staff all over the US in major cities releasing similar publications. If you don't care to respond to anything else from this post, a simple 'yes' or 'no' indicating whether you'd be interested in such a periodical would be most appreciated.
Or, feel free to share some of your bad experiences with service. I love and hate to hear that shit (I love to hear it, but I hate that it happens).
User Reviews
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-05-07 05:56:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
nope I don't believe you.
HAR HAR PEENER!!
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-05-07 05:53:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Malone and KoolMang...?
Oh great, thanks.
I hope you never post, ever, bitch.
I hate you.
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-05-07 05:42:42 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Hey corn who asked you anyway?
you sound like Malone and Koolmang riding my ass to post.
heh just kidding
you look pretty
don't hate me.
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-05-07 05:15:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Mysti... looks like you're ready to post! Just do it! Quit testing the waters in reviews! ;-)
***
And I never have bad customer service stories? I have "stupid customer" stories coming out my ass... but...
I ALWAYS get excelent service. Must be my charm. And Charisma.
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-05-07 02:52:40 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
oops I saw I had a typo it was 3 salads I needed not 4, they rang me up for 4 so that's probably why the number 4 stuck in my head.
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-05-07 02:34:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Ok here is mine and it happened today in fact.
Do not go to the Subway on Michigan ave between Haggerty and Hannan in the evening! EVER!
Today at breaktime it was my turn to go get lunch for our team.
The Subway is 5 mins away from work. I had 45 mins for break.
There is a TCBY in that Subway also. I walk in and see they have superman ice cream.
I thought Holy Shit I rarely ever see superman ice cream anywhere and I love it.
So I ordered 1 scoop in a small cup. The 16 yr old worker grabs the display cup, the dirty, cracked, scuzzy display cup, and starts to scoop my ice cream into it. I said " what are you doing? Don't put it in there"
He says " oh fuck! shit! fuck! what am I thinking? I'm very sleepy."
I thought to myself, *did he just say fuck twice to a customer he almost served garbage?*
However since the word fuck is one of my favorite words I said nothing about it.
Then he rings me up wrong Twice! Ok 15 mins down 30 to go before I have to be back.
So after the ice cream nightmare I walk over to the Subway side where the ice cream guy follows me to help make my sub order. At this point I'm thinking about getting my co-workers taco bell instead but they are all on the fucking Atkins diet and wanted the special Atkins shit from subway.
I had 3 sub wrap things to get and 4 salads. There were 4 employees behind the counter and i was the only customer. I start spouting off the order from my list. I say the first wrap and what not to put on it to the first guy. He nods and gets the bread and then just stands there saying nothing and looking at the floor. after about 2 mins of silence I decided to make the first move and ask him if he needed me to repeat the order(mind you this is still only the 1st item on my list) he says "no i got it" so i wait. He doesnt move. I politely ask another worker if they want to start some of the other items cause I'm kinda in a hurry. The other guy starts the 2nd thing which was minus green peppers, he however thought it would be cool to put on extra instead. The girl worker starts making the salads, I figure she can handle it so I don't pay attention. Of course when she finished all 3 salads were missing about 5 ingredients. These salads are standard, they come with certain stuff on them, you dont have to pick the items they are specialty Atkins salads.
Guy #1 still has not moved. Guy #2 was picking all the green peppers off the other wrap.
at this point 35 mins down, 10 mins to get back.
Finally guy 31 moves and makes the 1st wrap and starts the 3rd, he moves faster this time but still puts mayo on it after I said no mayo. he starts to remove the items and scrape it off.
That's it!
Me: " Make it over, do not put the stuff back on as it also has mayo all over it! Young lady my salads are missing almonds, bacon bits and red onion. Make it like the picture, see the pictures? You only have 12 of them posted all over the counters and windows for reference! You NO MAYO!!! HOLY SHIT I CAN"T BELIEVE YOU PUT MAYO ON IT AGAIN!!!!!!! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
40 minutes down. I'm going to be late for work. My superman ice cream is melted and dripping all over me, cold blue drips down my arm and onto my white shirt. I would have tried to eat it but I was too busy supervising the idiot crew fucking up every single item of my order.
Finally I think I'm about to pay and leave when the guy charges me for 4 salads when I only have 3 and when he goes to void off the 4th the register tape jams. I try to just give him the money and leave but he won't let me do that.
At this point I am ready to mass murder 4 teenage Subway employees and flee to Canada.
I ask to see the manager. The moron who was going to put my ice cream into the display cup chimes in "I am the manager."
I begin to laugh uncontrollably, not sweet innocent laughter, but maniacal, crazy person laughter.
I throw the money on the counter and say "I'm leaving, I'm late for work and the 4 of you combined still don't have the I.Q equivalent of a mud puddle. I will NEVER come here again!!!!"
I got back to work only to realize that they gave us no dressing packets of the special Atkins dressing that go with the salads. My co-workers had a total cow on my head. God forbid they ate any carbs laden dressing from the cafeteria!
So I beat them all to death with an engine piston........well in my head anyway.
I know this is long but you asked us to share.
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2004-05-06 17:31:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yep, Detroit vs Calgary was a interesting series in terms of what the refs ignored. I still feel that the wings work SO WELL with body and stick positioning, they were really holding Calgary up for the first few games... no passes got through, and their speed was a non-issue, they just held them in place!
Thankfully, the Flames got the Wings to break down and try to play at their level. They tried matching play styles with Calgary because they were just getting out worked. They had to! Whenever you can draw a team out of their system, the advantage is yours. It was a great series though.
If we win another game, I'll take some pictures of 17th ave downtown to show you how crazy our city is going right now. Now we're the only Candian team left, so CBC is actually paying attention to us... I fucking hate it. Compliments in the backhanded way are flying all over the place. "You know, Calgary is a great team, very hard working, but they suck and got here mostly through luck".
Whatever. We're building a dynasty here people, it doesn't happen overnight.
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 16:14:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
tripin-
exactly my point. even someone who can't walk was faster than my car.
Submitted by TripinDayZ420 (user info) at 2004-05-06 16:03:35 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
my new mantra, another duece for you.. and by the way, how did the wheelchair guy get up and walk past you when he was obviously in the wheelchair for a reason that had to have something to do with his legs not working properly, i mean your car may be slow but come on why would you lie to me like that? it was prolly my retard post wasn't it.. orrrrrrr
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
Submitted by girlreporter (user info) at 2004-05-06 13:54:23 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
+2 for Mt. Pleasant. China 1 Buffet..mmm..$5 for all you can eat fried dog. Yum.
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-05-06 13:30:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
NA, I did... it's in my sent box.
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 13:27:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Nugget-
Right. No new messages. Please confirm that you sent it to me.
evenom-
He came in here pointing the finger of 'bad idea-been done', then refers to something I never suggested. I am sure Razor has some kind of problem with me. If you look back at the early ubermadness posts, he sends condolences for the two people I beat, then congratulates the person that beat me, but never mentions my name in either case. I think my comments about amputees (in an earlier post) pissed him off. I think he was irked by my +2 overall rating, and came here to ruin it.
Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
Submitted by firechomper (user info) at 2004-05-06 13:22:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I like the idea .. especially the part about knowing what our rights are as consumers!
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-05-06 13:16:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Right? Isn't he always getting on everyone about reading comprehension?
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-05-06 13:13:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Hey NA, check yer email already. Jeeze.
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:59:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Razor-
NOWHERE did I suggest a website. Strange, I had supposed that your abilities of comprehension were better than what you've shown them to be here.
Submitted by Razor (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:53:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Websites such as the one you are suggesting already exist in copious numbers.
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:45:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
no, it was when the guy in the electric wheelchair actually stood up and walked past me with his middle finger raised.
Submitted by antluvdog (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:31:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Great post:
1. Circuit City - Wouldn't let me return a walkman because the packaging was missing. The packaging was a clamshell type that could only be opened by cutting it into oblivion.
2. Nationwide - read my old posts on them.
I could go on and on. I don't have much time.
Submitted by TripinDayZ420 (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:21:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
hahaha you got that right man.. when did you notice? when the electric wheelchair guy flipped you off when he passed you on the right?
Submitted by AshK (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:03:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I think a periodical would be great, but a website would be a good thing too. Good luck with it, I think it is an excellent concept.
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 12:02:57 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You KNOW it was bad if i was able to notice an acceleration decrease in an aspire.
Submitted by TripinDayZ420 (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:58:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
"I took my 1994 Ford Aspire in for maintenance because the transmission (I thought) was sputtering. I was getting very little acceleration at low RPM's in every gear."
um, am i the only one that see's the humor in this?
just givin you a hard time man, i drive an accord. flame away.
Submitted by TripinDayZ420 (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:55:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
yesyesyes... customer service is absolute crap these days. i deal with insurance companies in my field. if its not monifa jackson that cant say anything that doesn't sound like backnoise from a JayZ album, it's Brent the super 'mo that sounds like he is trying to talk to me around the cock in his mouth. fuck them, fuck medicare, fuck principal, fuck bcbs, fuck uhc, fuck cigna, fuck first source, fuck aetna, and fuck the rest that i can't remember.
for some reason i don't feel like spewing my recent ordeal with cingular, i will return when inspiration strikes (aka: smoke a bowl and have some chinese food)
Submitted by Norman (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:51:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I had problems with Best Buy as well. My wife bought a dance pad from them for our PS2, and when she got it out of the box we noticed it had many small tears. After trying to use it, she also found that a few buttons didn't even work. A strange thing she noted was the small pink sticker attached to the box.
We took the piece of crap back to Best Buy, and when we came through the doors, the greeter asked, "Are you returning that?". After confirming that with him, he slapped a small pink sticker on the box! The bastards put broken merchandise back on the shelves to sell. I complained also on their website, but no response was received.
Submitted by corn_nugget (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:49:21 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Without fail, the girls who work at the Best Buy customer service counters are bitches. They don't always START out in life as bitches, but working up there will turn you into one, quickly. I spend ONE day working up there, and by the end of the day I had been called a million names, I had stuff slammed down on the counter, a pen thrown at me, and 2 women who insisted in standing and arguing with me over our return policy for almost an hour.
Needless to say, had I had to work up there again the next day, I just can't see myself being nice to ANYONE.
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:47:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
evenom-
nice one. It's got me all pissed off with rememberance. You just have to remember that logic and deductive reasoning are rare at most retail shops. The SKU is the same on ALL the netzero disks. They could have just scanned one later and put it back on the shelf. I've been hearing a lot of bad stories about best buy service; especially regarding their pc repairs and warranty claims. And like PMJ said below, one bad service incident sticks with you more than the 10 good service incidents before it. retailers need to learn that.
Any my idea is the only way I can think of to hold stores/restaurants accountable for screwing people over. Simply not-going there isn't going to effect them enough to improve. We have choices and I think capitalism dictates that we could enter establishments with at least a little bit of information about what kind of wervice to expect. Much like the feedback system on eBay.
And I invited SpikeGoddess to write an advice column in there too, just to add some entertainment value.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:38:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh yes, I was having problems with my Netzero after my computer crashed and because you typically download the installation files, I didn't have a disk to reinstall it. They told me I could pick one up for free at Best Buy. I drive all the way across town to Best Buy, and they're not letting anyone in the store because their computers were down. I told them I wasn't purchasing anything and I just wanted to grab a free disk, but they wouldn't let me in.
ME: Can't I just grab a disk? It won't take 10 seconds.
Asshole Employee: No
ME: But I can see them, they're right there!
Asshole Employee: No, no one is allowed in the store.
ME: Well can you get it for me?
Asshole Employee: (Laughing) No.
ME: Why not?
Asshole Employee: I just can't.
ME: You can't give me a reason?
Asshole Employee: No.
ME: Let me speak with a manager!
I wait 15 minutes for a manager while this asshole and one of his co-asshole's are giving this same load of shit to a couple that had borrowed a pickup truck to bring back their monsterous 52 inch TV's that wasn't working. I could tell from the look on the guy's face that he wasn't going to take "sorry our computer's are down, come back later" as an answer. The manager comes out and proceeds to tell me I can have a disk because even though they are free they still have to ring them up because they keep inventory on them. ??? There's no money changing hands here. Write the damn SKU down and ring it up later!!! Tard. I filed a complaint on the best buy website, never got a response. Best Buy must go down!
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:34:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
WQP-
In order to maintain my cool, I will relate something I was thinking about during the series.
It was Flames vs. RedWings
That is,
Message Board Insults vs. Menstrual Cunnalingus (sp?)
Calgary outworked the wings, but there was no small amount of hooking and holding. Because of that, you didn't see Detroit's speed in the open ice, all you saw was the grinding hustle of the Flames in the corners of both zones. They played Detroit the only way you can: outhit, outwork, and wait for your chance. Oh, don't forget run the goalie, redirect a puck at Yzerman's face, and injure Chelios.
J/k, but I am rooting for Philly now. The have a helluva time with sports.
Submitted by hcp28 (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:33:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I think it would work if you took requests for investigating certain retailers as well. That sounds great though I bet it would be a lot of work you would need a lot of employees or customers reporting on places and you give advice.
Submitted by Kristen (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:32:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Only women give bad service, stupid bitches.
Submitted by William_Q_Percy (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:25:10 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
How do I suscribe?
PS - How about those wings??
Submitted by partisan (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:24:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I don't even live in the same country as you, but yes, the Detroit Service thing is a good idea.
Oh, and the post was excellent.
Submitted by Random Joe at 2004-05-06 11:19:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
People should report their bad experiences on this post, start a database of sorts for you.
Submitted by Envenom (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:19:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Nice.
I had an experience like number 4. I went to this little mom and pop italian place and ordered a fried eggplant sandwich, which I'd had a million times at other restaurants. What he gave me neither looked nor tasted like eggplant, so I asked for a couple slices of Pizza instead. (Which seemed like a reasonable request as the 2 slices was still less than the cost of the sandwich) He tried to give me the same shit, "Apparently you don'ta knowa whata eggplant tasta like. You shouldn't hava ordered it."
Well fuck you buddy!
Submitted by NotApologizing (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:16:41 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
bob-
mines teal. I still have it though I don't drive it anymore (i am trying to sell it, it was my winter car this past year).
To repeat, it's TEAL. The mdoel name 'Aspire' was written in pink, so I removed it with a window razor.
Teal sucks. I hate teal and I hate dolphins too.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:13:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You've got a good idea. I think a website would be more expense friendly than a periodical.
When I was shopping for a car back in '93, I looked at Aspires. At the Ford dealership, there was about 6 of them in line. The white one reminded me so much of an egg, so I bought a Geo Tracker instead.
Submitted by potatomanjack (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:03:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
For every good customer service experience that you have, there are the 5 bad ones that you remember.
Submitted by DeathJester (user info) at 2004-05-06 11:00:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yes.
I'm from England, but i'd still read it.
Submitted by shitfuck (user info) at 2004-05-06 10:50:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
That's a great idea man. A website for good and bad service, I betcha it'll spread like wildfire.