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(Long/Ranty)
Perhaps its because I'm in customer service myself, but I don't think I have exceptionally high standards in what I expect when I am being served by others in the retail/customer service industry. I guess its just because I know they are human like me, but up until today, I could only count on the fingers of one hand occassions of such bad service that I would bitch/complain about them. In the space of the last 3 days, I've got a bunch.
Hunting for New Glasses
Lil Retail Rabbit wears glasses, and very nice ones she thinks too. They are plain black, thin squarish-rims, nothing too fancy, but I think they suit me perfectly fine. I love them. Sadly they are about 8 years old and starting to get a bit worn. I would like to buy a new pair.
I first went into the well-known chain, Specsavers. Actually, I went in there last week, but I was returning to have a look at frames now I had a good idea of what the prices were. I was considering something a bit fancy as long as the shape was ok. I was finding nothing. I spent a good 15 minutes in there picking up frames and putting them on (and grimacing and looking sad at how ridiculous they all looked)...and not ONE sales advisor approached me. Oh they did the other day, but today they were too busy gossiping.
Unimpressed by the frame selection (they didn't even have anything that rightly resembled what I have now), I went to their rival, Scrivens Opticians, a few doors down. Even though they close early and were only 30 minutes from close, the sales advisor was happy to chat with me and suggest some frames. Good start.
Well I tell him that while I am open to other shapes, I would really love it if I could get a pair that look as close to the pair i was wearing already as possible, as I feel they are the perfect glasses for me. I was unhappy with everything I had been shown so far because the lenses were too wide for my face and made it look strange.
He proceeded to make me feel like an utter weirdo by INSISTING that the lenses were the right size and that my current glasses were in fact the wrong size- too small, and that they looked "wrong" on my face. This just made me feel sad, and a little paranoid for a short while (self esteem isn't my strongest point
). I have been assured by people that my glasses look fine (and a couple of people, my fiance included, have insisted they look sexy 
), but for the rest of the time I was in Scrivens, he was trying very hard to persuade me that HIS way was right, and I was WRONG. He did not at any point tell me exactly how or why that wearing "small" lenses is somehow harmful or bad in some way, but he sure as hell acted like he did. Surely my preference is what is important, being as I'm the one going to pay through the nose for them and wear them every single day?
I escaped and tried Tesco's opticians, expecting it to be crap, being a supermarket's opticians. Within 5 minutes, I saw SEVERAL frames that looked snazzy on me, and within seconds of me entering the department a lady kindly asked if I'd like help. I didn't have time to do a proper look, so I'm going back tomorrow. They are also doing buy one get one free on all glasses priced over £65
I hope that my first impression of them turns out to be correct!
Stop Lying About the Shampoo Prices, I CAN Read!
I am a thrifty bunny, and I like a bargain. I used to buy the VO5 shampoo/conditioner because it was very cheap but also did good stuff to my hair. It seemed to become discontinued a few months back so I switched to the slightly-more expensive and not as long-lasting Loreal Elvive. Nice and all, but if you don't get it on offer, it can be a bit pricey. So when I was restocking on toiletries in Superdrug on the same day as the glasses hunt (Wednesday), I was very pleased to see that VO5 is being sold in new shiny bottles. I am about to run out of Elvive in 400ml bottles (lasted a while, and I got them on offer) and these bottles are 500 ml, which I think, cool, that will last a while! Then I notice the little promotional price tags on the shelves:
VO5- better than half price!
It states that the 250ml bottles are 99p. I think, ooh not bad. And then next to them, it says the 500ml bottles are £1.99. I was rather surprised- £2 is cheap for a 500ml bottle of shampoo. I check and re-check...yep...the little ticket under the price stating £1.99 says "VO5 500ml". I snap it up.
I didn't realise until yesterday when I was writing in my spending book that for the shampoo and conditioner, I was charged £3.49 each. Annoyed much
I was CERTAIN that the prices had been right...so I thought "Thats ok, I'll check the Superdrug in my work precinct." This store (I'll call it store A) is not the store where I bought the shampoo, but I figured, it being the same chain, they could help me. I went there after work today. First of all, I double checked the price before approaching the cashier, you know, just in case I had had a dumb moment. Nope, it was the same here too- VO5 500ml, £1.99. I asked the cashier if they would be able to help me. They said they couldn't refund me the difference as it wasn't their store where I was overcharged, but they were cool about it. I said "What if they don't believe me about the price? What if it changes before I can get there next?" They said "It only just went on promotion so it shouldn't change too soon. Howabout you call the store before you go there, so you can give them a head up?" I thank them kindly. In Store A, they are lovely peeps. Then again, in this precinct, we all know each other
I called Store B (where I was overcharged) this afternoon to ask about it, and give them a heads up, as suggested. The manager first of all denied that the shampoos were £1.99 AT ALL. She implied that the people at Store B were wrong and that I was wrong too. I explained that I double check the price today at Store A and was told it was a new promotion. She relented, stating that the promotion had "just finished" and that if it was stated that price in another store she'd have to refund me. I'm a bit annoyed, as her tone implied I was scamming. I know its only a difference of about £3, but that £3 can be put to good use when you have very little money (and need to buy new glasses <.< ). I told her I'll be in Store B tomorrow, but I have a sneaking suspicion she's going to deny me. I should mention I was very polite on the phone.
As Useful as an Ashtray on a Motorcycle...
...is how I would describe the morons at Yodel.
My mum recently bought new furniture for the guest room (which is soon to be occupied) from well-known and pricey catalogue Littlewoods. She picked a wardrobe that was just over £200. When she opened it up to assemble it, it was broken. This was over 2 weeks ago- she called Littlewoods and requested a refund on the basis that the item was faulty (and decided that she'd get a wardrobe of the same quality but much better price from Argos
).
Now I should point out that it was really more down to the manufacturer of the product at this point, but Littlewoods of course accepted the refund request and told my mum that it would be collected within 3-5 days. To be honest, this was already inconvenient...my mum was on holiday and spending that time redecorating the room and preparing it for our "lodger's" arrival. Her holiday was ending in 3 days time.
They messed her around and then eventually told her what they neglected to tell her 5 days previous- that she needed to arrange a date for the collection etc. More annoyance. My mum contacted them but then had to wait to be contacted by suck-tastic courier Yodel. One evening last week, my dad took the call and I overheard him saying that my mum was working on Thursday (yesterday). I interrupted and said that I had the day off work and could cancel my plans to sit in for the collection. And so it was arranged.
Fast forward to yesterday. I don't do anything all day...I don't wash because I don't want to be half-naked and realise the collection had arrived, I don't vacuum because its noisy, I don't even sit in the same room as the washer in case it blocked out the noise. I wasn't even sure WHEN they were meant to come, but by around 2:30, I told my fiance "I don't think they are coming."
4:04, I get a call from my mum asking if I was out. I said "No, Im at home waiting for this stupid courier." My mum said "They still haven't come?" "Nope." She tells me where to find Yodel's phone number- on the note it also says that they were supposed to coming between 12:15 an 4:15. Mum asks me to chase up Yodel and to make it clear we're unhappy.
I call them at 4:11. I give them my details and say that the collection hasn't arrived. The guy lamely says "Well its only 4:11...(meek silence)...oh...I guess that only gives them 4 minutes." He puts me on hold to try and get in contact with the driver. He tells me he only went to answer-machine but left a message for the driver asking him to contact me. He says if they haven't arrived within half an hour, to call back.
I give it to 4:50. Mum comes home and she's tired and not in the mood for confrontation. I call Yodel again. Get some other guy. Go through everything again, tell him that the last guy said to call back. He tries calling the driver again and says "I only got his answer machine so I left him a message asking him to contact you."
Me: "The last person I spoke to said that also. Look, I'm sorry, but this is terribly inconvenient for us, I had to take the day off work for this and the item for collection is blocking a large amount of our living space. Will he actually arrive?"
Guy2: "Well, I'm checking the log, and it says the driver has encountered no delays, so I don't know why he's not there. We will be closing at 6, so you can keep calling us until then..."
Fine >.< I thank him too and hang up.
5:30 rolls around. I try one more time:
Yodel Girl: *opening spiel*
Me: *details*
YG: And this item is for collection?
Me: Yes, this is the 3rd time I've had to call you *repeats everything from before, including the 12:15-4:15 thing and the fact I'm off work*
(They don't need to know I had the day off already, thats not the point)
YG: I can try calling the driver again?
Me: *silent grimace* Ok, but the other 2 guys tried that already too.
*she puts me on hold*
My tone is cold, but utterly polite and assertive btw.
YG: OK well I could only get his answer machine so I left him a message asking him to contact you.
Deja Vu anyone?
Me: Heh. He's not going to call.
YG *real attitude, and whining* Well maybe his mobile phone has run out of battery! Maybe he can't get to the phone! You don't know! He might have been delayed!
Me: *blinking and giving my mum a look of surprise* The last guy I spoke to said that there were no delays reported.
YG: *still being a shit* Well if his phone is dead then he won't be able to report delays and things! *seems to realise how rude she is being and goes back into customer-service mode* Besides, even though we close at 6, the drivers keep delivering until they are finished, so he'll probably just be late coming to you.
Me: So he is coming?
YG:...well, they just keep going until they are finished...
Needless to say, the wanker never showed up. I had an early shift this morning so I didn't get the pleasure of calling Yodel back myself at 9am...but when I came home this afternoon, my mum said she was so "furious" that she needed to calm down before she told me.
She called Yodel up. Whoever she got said "Oh your collection was cancelled." My mum was already livid (but knowing her, she kept her cool, she doesn't fly off the handle). She asked why. They said "Because you decided you wanted to keep the item." She replied "Do you know anyone stupid enough to buy a £200 wardrobe and then keep it when they realise it is completely broken?" They then changed their mind and said "Um, no, Littlewoods cancelled it."
So they've already lied there.
She asks why Littlewoods cancelled it. They said "You'll have to ask them." So she phoned them. They said they hadn't cancelled it at all, and thought it was on their way back to them.
Are, so Yodel are just a bunch of filthy liars eh? My mum said "Well, this company that you use have just lied to me, twice." Now we have to arrange ANOTHER time for collection and mum has also told Littlewoods that she's clearing her account with them because she's fed up.
This is obviously Yodel's fault but as Littlewoods are prepared to keep using them I guess they need to accept some responsibility. I tell you what, these guys are damn out of order. This item is taking up so much space, its hard to walk around and completely blocking where we keep our coats and jackets...and its heavy so you can't just move it out of the way on a whim. Oh and of course, although we were assertive, we were totally polite throughout our dealings with these people.
Can't get the staff, eh?
Perhaps its because I'm in customer service myself, but I don't think I have exceptionally high standards in what I expect when I am being served by others in the retail/customer service industry. I guess its just because I know they are human like me, but up until today, I could only count on the fingers of one hand occassions of such bad service that I would bitch/complain about them. In the space of the last 3 days, I've got a bunch.
Hunting for New Glasses
Lil Retail Rabbit wears glasses, and very nice ones she thinks too. They are plain black, thin squarish-rims, nothing too fancy, but I think they suit me perfectly fine. I love them. Sadly they are about 8 years old and starting to get a bit worn. I would like to buy a new pair.
I first went into the well-known chain, Specsavers. Actually, I went in there last week, but I was returning to have a look at frames now I had a good idea of what the prices were. I was considering something a bit fancy as long as the shape was ok. I was finding nothing. I spent a good 15 minutes in there picking up frames and putting them on (and grimacing and looking sad at how ridiculous they all looked)...and not ONE sales advisor approached me. Oh they did the other day, but today they were too busy gossiping.
Unimpressed by the frame selection (they didn't even have anything that rightly resembled what I have now), I went to their rival, Scrivens Opticians, a few doors down. Even though they close early and were only 30 minutes from close, the sales advisor was happy to chat with me and suggest some frames. Good start.
Well I tell him that while I am open to other shapes, I would really love it if I could get a pair that look as close to the pair i was wearing already as possible, as I feel they are the perfect glasses for me. I was unhappy with everything I had been shown so far because the lenses were too wide for my face and made it look strange.
He proceeded to make me feel like an utter weirdo by INSISTING that the lenses were the right size and that my current glasses were in fact the wrong size- too small, and that they looked "wrong" on my face. This just made me feel sad, and a little paranoid for a short while (self esteem isn't my strongest point
). I have been assured by people that my glasses look fine (and a couple of people, my fiance included, have insisted they look sexy ), but for the rest of the time I was in Scrivens, he was trying very hard to persuade me that HIS way was right, and I was WRONG. He did not at any point tell me exactly how or why that wearing "small" lenses is somehow harmful or bad in some way, but he sure as hell acted like he did. Surely my preference is what is important, being as I'm the one going to pay through the nose for them and wear them every single day?I escaped and tried Tesco's opticians, expecting it to be crap, being a supermarket's opticians. Within 5 minutes, I saw SEVERAL frames that looked snazzy on me, and within seconds of me entering the department a lady kindly asked if I'd like help. I didn't have time to do a proper look, so I'm going back tomorrow. They are also doing buy one get one free on all glasses priced over £65
I hope that my first impression of them turns out to be correct!Stop Lying About the Shampoo Prices, I CAN Read!
I am a thrifty bunny, and I like a bargain. I used to buy the VO5 shampoo/conditioner because it was very cheap but also did good stuff to my hair. It seemed to become discontinued a few months back so I switched to the slightly-more expensive and not as long-lasting Loreal Elvive. Nice and all, but if you don't get it on offer, it can be a bit pricey. So when I was restocking on toiletries in Superdrug on the same day as the glasses hunt (Wednesday), I was very pleased to see that VO5 is being sold in new shiny bottles. I am about to run out of Elvive in 400ml bottles (lasted a while, and I got them on offer) and these bottles are 500 ml, which I think, cool, that will last a while! Then I notice the little promotional price tags on the shelves:
VO5- better than half price!
It states that the 250ml bottles are 99p. I think, ooh not bad. And then next to them, it says the 500ml bottles are £1.99. I was rather surprised- £2 is cheap for a 500ml bottle of shampoo. I check and re-check...yep...the little ticket under the price stating £1.99 says "VO5 500ml". I snap it up.
I didn't realise until yesterday when I was writing in my spending book that for the shampoo and conditioner, I was charged £3.49 each. Annoyed much
I was CERTAIN that the prices had been right...so I thought "Thats ok, I'll check the Superdrug in my work precinct." This store (I'll call it store A) is not the store where I bought the shampoo, but I figured, it being the same chain, they could help me. I went there after work today. First of all, I double checked the price before approaching the cashier, you know, just in case I had had a dumb moment. Nope, it was the same here too- VO5 500ml, £1.99. I asked the cashier if they would be able to help me. They said they couldn't refund me the difference as it wasn't their store where I was overcharged, but they were cool about it. I said "What if they don't believe me about the price? What if it changes before I can get there next?" They said "It only just went on promotion so it shouldn't change too soon. Howabout you call the store before you go there, so you can give them a head up?" I thank them kindly. In Store A, they are lovely peeps. Then again, in this precinct, we all know each other
I called Store B (where I was overcharged) this afternoon to ask about it, and give them a heads up, as suggested. The manager first of all denied that the shampoos were £1.99 AT ALL. She implied that the people at Store B were wrong and that I was wrong too. I explained that I double check the price today at Store A and was told it was a new promotion. She relented, stating that the promotion had "just finished" and that if it was stated that price in another store she'd have to refund me. I'm a bit annoyed, as her tone implied I was scamming. I know its only a difference of about £3, but that £3 can be put to good use when you have very little money (and need to buy new glasses <.< ). I told her I'll be in Store B tomorrow, but I have a sneaking suspicion she's going to deny me. I should mention I was very polite on the phone.
As Useful as an Ashtray on a Motorcycle...
...is how I would describe the morons at Yodel.
My mum recently bought new furniture for the guest room (which is soon to be occupied) from well-known and pricey catalogue Littlewoods. She picked a wardrobe that was just over £200. When she opened it up to assemble it, it was broken. This was over 2 weeks ago- she called Littlewoods and requested a refund on the basis that the item was faulty (and decided that she'd get a wardrobe of the same quality but much better price from Argos
).Now I should point out that it was really more down to the manufacturer of the product at this point, but Littlewoods of course accepted the refund request and told my mum that it would be collected within 3-5 days. To be honest, this was already inconvenient...my mum was on holiday and spending that time redecorating the room and preparing it for our "lodger's" arrival. Her holiday was ending in 3 days time.
They messed her around and then eventually told her what they neglected to tell her 5 days previous- that she needed to arrange a date for the collection etc. More annoyance. My mum contacted them but then had to wait to be contacted by suck-tastic courier Yodel. One evening last week, my dad took the call and I overheard him saying that my mum was working on Thursday (yesterday). I interrupted and said that I had the day off work and could cancel my plans to sit in for the collection. And so it was arranged.
Fast forward to yesterday. I don't do anything all day...I don't wash because I don't want to be half-naked and realise the collection had arrived, I don't vacuum because its noisy, I don't even sit in the same room as the washer in case it blocked out the noise. I wasn't even sure WHEN they were meant to come, but by around 2:30, I told my fiance "I don't think they are coming."
4:04, I get a call from my mum asking if I was out. I said "No, Im at home waiting for this stupid courier." My mum said "They still haven't come?" "Nope." She tells me where to find Yodel's phone number- on the note it also says that they were supposed to coming between 12:15 an 4:15. Mum asks me to chase up Yodel and to make it clear we're unhappy.
I call them at 4:11. I give them my details and say that the collection hasn't arrived. The guy lamely says "Well its only 4:11...(meek silence)...oh...I guess that only gives them 4 minutes." He puts me on hold to try and get in contact with the driver. He tells me he only went to answer-machine but left a message for the driver asking him to contact me. He says if they haven't arrived within half an hour, to call back.
I give it to 4:50. Mum comes home and she's tired and not in the mood for confrontation. I call Yodel again. Get some other guy. Go through everything again, tell him that the last guy said to call back. He tries calling the driver again and says "I only got his answer machine so I left him a message asking him to contact you."
Me: "The last person I spoke to said that also. Look, I'm sorry, but this is terribly inconvenient for us, I had to take the day off work for this and the item for collection is blocking a large amount of our living space. Will he actually arrive?"
Guy2: "Well, I'm checking the log, and it says the driver has encountered no delays, so I don't know why he's not there. We will be closing at 6, so you can keep calling us until then..."
Fine >.< I thank him too and hang up.
5:30 rolls around. I try one more time:
Yodel Girl: *opening spiel*
Me: *details*
YG: And this item is for collection?
Me: Yes, this is the 3rd time I've had to call you *repeats everything from before, including the 12:15-4:15 thing and the fact I'm off work*
(They don't need to know I had the day off already, thats not the point)
YG: I can try calling the driver again?
Me: *silent grimace* Ok, but the other 2 guys tried that already too.
*she puts me on hold*
My tone is cold, but utterly polite and assertive btw.
YG: OK well I could only get his answer machine so I left him a message asking him to contact you.
Deja Vu anyone?
Me: Heh. He's not going to call.
YG *real attitude, and whining* Well maybe his mobile phone has run out of battery! Maybe he can't get to the phone! You don't know! He might have been delayed!
Me: *blinking and giving my mum a look of surprise* The last guy I spoke to said that there were no delays reported.
YG: *still being a shit* Well if his phone is dead then he won't be able to report delays and things! *seems to realise how rude she is being and goes back into customer-service mode* Besides, even though we close at 6, the drivers keep delivering until they are finished, so he'll probably just be late coming to you.
Me: So he is coming?
YG:...well, they just keep going until they are finished...
Needless to say, the wanker never showed up. I had an early shift this morning so I didn't get the pleasure of calling Yodel back myself at 9am...but when I came home this afternoon, my mum said she was so "furious" that she needed to calm down before she told me.
She called Yodel up. Whoever she got said "Oh your collection was cancelled." My mum was already livid (but knowing her, she kept her cool, she doesn't fly off the handle). She asked why. They said "Because you decided you wanted to keep the item." She replied "Do you know anyone stupid enough to buy a £200 wardrobe and then keep it when they realise it is completely broken?" They then changed their mind and said "Um, no, Littlewoods cancelled it."
So they've already lied there.She asks why Littlewoods cancelled it. They said "You'll have to ask them." So she phoned them. They said they hadn't cancelled it at all, and thought it was on their way back to them.
Are, so Yodel are just a bunch of filthy liars eh? My mum said "Well, this company that you use have just lied to me, twice." Now we have to arrange ANOTHER time for collection and mum has also told Littlewoods that she's clearing her account with them because she's fed up.
This is obviously Yodel's fault but as Littlewoods are prepared to keep using them I guess they need to accept some responsibility. I tell you what, these guys are damn out of order. This item is taking up so much space, its hard to walk around and completely blocking where we keep our coats and jackets...and its heavy so you can't just move it out of the way on a whim. Oh and of course, although we were assertive, we were totally polite throughout our dealings with these people.
Can't get the staff, eh?
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