People who use the "economy is bad" excuse

[MoonChild2007]

I know the economy is going bad and everything but come on, that doesn't give people the right NOT to pay their bills on time and bitch why their services are turned off. I understand some people are laid off and they obviously can't pay it but why blame us because they are laid off and make the company look like the bad guys?

Anyone else?

[malmalthekiller]

People are using the bad economy to blame everything.

Even the poor man that was stomped to death at walmart.

When in fact it's just human greed, stupidity, and cruelty that did it.

[persephone]

I will give them that the economy IS bad and, if you are laid off due to no fault of your own, just your company cutting back, it DOES suck. But it is not, I repeat NOT, the utility companies fault and bills still have to be paid!

Though I do have some sympathy for them. Finding a job in this economy right now, even for well qualified candidates, can be hard. And some of the lay offs are because of the economy and not in any way the worker's fault.

Doesn't mean they should fuss at you though. I'm sorry they're taking out their frustrations on you!

[MoonChild2007]

I will give them that the economy IS bad and, if you are laid off due to no fault of your own, just your company cutting back, it DOES suck. But it is not, I repeat NOT, the utility companies fault and bills still have to be paid!

Exactly, I feel for those people, too. I understand that some jobs do not pay enough money but why bother paying something that they obviously don't have the money for and then ask ME, how do I lower this bill?

[HorrorFrogPrincess]

My boss just had a meeting this morning with all the cashiers to warn about scams and theivery. Which are going to be incredibly high the next few weeks, since it's Christmas.

As a result, my boss hates Christmas.

[persephone]

Exactly, I feel for those people, too. I understand that some jobs do not pay enough money but why bother paying something that they obviously don't have the money for and then ask ME, how do I lower this bill?

Do you mind if I ask what kind of company you work for? Is it a utility company, like gas or electricity or water, that customers kinda need and I can see people panicking over or is it something like a credit card company or a cell phone or cable company -- you know, something people can live without?

If it's the first, does your company have some kind of department customers can call when something like this DOES happen to try and make some kind of arrangements before the bills go past due? (Just wondering, cause all three of our utility companies (gas, water, and electric) had little notes in the most recent bills saying, basically, "if you're having problems financially, call this number before your payment is due and we'll see if there's something we can work out". Obviously, it was worded differently, but that was the basic gist.)

[MoonChild2007]

Do you mind if I ask what kind of company you work for?

Cable company

[persephone]

So, in other words, NOT a necessity and what should probably be the first thing to go if you're having financial problems?

Sheesh, sorry they're causing you problems. I'll send you lots and lots of happy thoughts until the economy gets better!!

[MoonChild2007]

So, in other words, NOT a necessity and what should probably be the first thing to go if you're having financial problems?

Exactly and what's funny is how I had one customer asking me on how to lower his bill but wouldn't want to downgrade (he has our highest package!) or remove any services.

[HawaiianShirts]

Exactly and what's funny is how I had one customer asking me on how to lower his bill but wouldn't want to downgrade (he has our highest package!) or remove any services.

Translation: "I want a discount or something for free."

I'm constantly getting asked if the retail electronics company I work for is suffering because of the economic downturn. We're not. Revenue is lower than previous years, but we're still turning enough profit to stay in business. I don't see people shopping any differently. They must be of the same mindset as the above cable customer.

I'm just waiting for one to ask whether we'll be having some sort of "Bad Economy Sale" or "Customer Bailout Package."

[smileyeagle1021]

I'm just waiting for one to ask whether we'll be having some sort of "Bad Economy Sale" or "Customer Bailout Package."

well will you

I think I was at your store earlier today... heard some lady whining about with people purchasing less the lines should be going quicker... blah blah blah... umm, hello, if you didn't notice, the store is still busy, there will still be a line. Also, it's kind of funny, every time I go into an electronics store now I wonder if you're the one that's helping me, I wonder if other CSers have the same problem when they go shopping

[calulu]

My first sales call this morning was a little old lady from Ohio complaining that the economy has tanked in her area because the auto plants are closing and she's on a fixed income so she deserves a BIG discount! I didn't give her one. I have no sympathy for anyone trying to weasel out of paying for the hugest arrangement we send, putting it on a black amex card AND sending it overseas. Another 'gimme grab' by a EW.

Plus, flowers are a luxury, not an essential. She acted like I was forcing her to sell her granddaughter to the houses of ill repute in Venezuela.

Yeah, our business is sort of down now too but we're still making something of a profit. However we're not handing out any sort of discounts any longer to argumentative people.

[Boozy]

The "bad economy" excuse works well for certain things, like "I can't donate to your charity this year because I'm afraid I'll lose my job." Or, "Sorry, Mr. Car Salesman, but I cannot afford the extended accessory package."

It does NOT work when used as in "I can't pay for the cable services I have been using and have agreed to pay for. The Bad Economy broke into my home and quite unexpectedly stole all my money."

[MoonChild2007]

Also, what I am not understanding is these are the same customers who have jobs and CAN pay for it but use that excuse to not pay their bills.

[Meegz]

I get it all the time. They would rather open up the credit card for 10% off of a $40 purchase. They bitch about some dollars off an item they don't need but they will sign up for a credit card right away! WHAT