Not Gonna Take It Any More

On my travel blog, I did a blog about Customer Service. This is now quickly becoming a pattern for me! Speaking my mind about Customer Service! But I have discovered something quite refreshing this past week. As well, it has been enlightening.

Within the last week, I have had three miserable experiences at local establishments: 1) Starbuck's; 2) McDonald's and 3) Circle K. However, this time, instead accepting my experience as the "norm" I decided to take action and let corporate offices know about my experience. I am pleased to announce that 2 out of 3 actually responded and at least took the time to listen to my complaint.

My complalint at Starbucks really didn't have anything to do with customer service, but more poor planning for South Louisiana. We have quite a few Starbucks in Baton Rouge, but very few drive thrus. This day was pouring down rain, so I drove out of my way to go to a drive thru and not have to walk in the rain. HOWEVER, when I got to the drive thru, low and behold there was no cover for the menu. I got SOAKED trying to place the order. So, I complained. I went to http://www.starbucks.com/ and found where you can make comments about specific locations. I did and the next morning I had an immediate response to my specific complain. Not some canned reply. The representative not only agreed to address my concerns, but also tried to offered a certificate for my next visit. Now, does this mean that there will be a cover the next time I go, U don't know. I just feel better that someone listened.

McDonald's, however, was another story. Talk about poor customer service! It was a terrible experience, that was exaserbated by a poor manager on staff at the time of our visit. There was such poor customer service that we almost didn't want to ever go back. However, I made up my mind that I wasn't going to just accept this poor treatment. Once again, I went to the internet and found http://www.wearemickeyds.com/intro/ the site to the local McDonald's franchise owner. I issued my complaint. This time I received a phone call from the regional manager. Again, while I don't know what will happen to rectify the situation, he at least took the time to listen to my complaint and was willing to go back and review the video to see what we had experienced.

I think we just assume that those in corporate offices know what their customers are experiencing. I now believe that may not have any idea. It is up to us to let them know if something happens to us at their establishments. So, I am not gonna take it any more. If you are going to treat me poorly, or not consider my patronage to be important, then I am going to let those over you know. Both places actually appreciated my complaint. And I appreciated that.

So, the next time you have a bad experience, let them know! You may be suprised at the effort they will go to in order to save your business!

I have not heard back from Circle K.

Sunset Engagement

Sunset Engagement
Originally uploaded by vwnetbug

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Eikonfoto.com

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