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		<title><![CDATA[Customer Disservice Forum - All Forums]]></title>
		<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/</link>
		<description>Customer Disservice Forum - http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums</description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:19:58 -0400</pubDate>
		<generator>MyBB</generator>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[No Substitutions]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=15</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 May 2008 15:55:35 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=15</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I went into a Potbelly Sandwich store a couple weeks back and the lovely gentleman behind the counter asked if I wanted any mushrooms on my sandwich. This was new - I'd been to Potbelly LOTS of times and never had been asked that. I was tickled. I love mushrooms. Most certainly I would like mushrooms!

So, they put my sandwich through their little toaster oven, I get the rest of my veggies and when I go to pay, there is a little slip of paper in my sandwich's little basket - it says "extra". I come to find out they charged me an extra &#36;.50. Didn't mention that it would be extra and I always say "no cheese", so figured maybe it would be a wash, but I just left, slightly irritated that they didn't tell me it would be extra. But man alive, those mushrooms were tasty.

I was hankering for another sandwich earlier today, so I stopped in again. I saw on their little board that "Extras" (for &#36;.50) were cheese, bacon or mushrooms. Since I never get cheese anyway, I said, "I'd like mushrooms instead of the cheese on my sandwich, please."

The guy behind the counter said, "I don't think you can do that." I said, "Why would that be? According to your sign, Potbelly has assigned cheese and mushrooms with the same value - &#36;.50." He said, "But the cheese already comes on the sandwich." I said, "The sandwich is not pre-made - you are going to make it. Leave the cheese off, and add mushrooms instead of the cheese." "Yeah, I don't think we can do that - hang on."

So, off he goes to ask the manager. After considerable consultation, he comes back, "Yeah, no substitutions."

"OK, thank you anyway," and I left. They can keep their sandwich. In this day and age, two things come to mind. Any establishment that is not interested in their customers' health (by substituting fattening cheese for something more healthful) and any establishment that doesn't make a simple concession such as this one (costing them nothing extra) does not deserve my business, but at least I got a good chuckle out of it as they watched me walk out the door.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I went into a Potbelly Sandwich store a couple weeks back and the lovely gentleman behind the counter asked if I wanted any mushrooms on my sandwich. This was new - I'd been to Potbelly LOTS of times and never had been asked that. I was tickled. I love mushrooms. Most certainly I would like mushrooms!

So, they put my sandwich through their little toaster oven, I get the rest of my veggies and when I go to pay, there is a little slip of paper in my sandwich's little basket - it says "extra". I come to find out they charged me an extra &#36;.50. Didn't mention that it would be extra and I always say "no cheese", so figured maybe it would be a wash, but I just left, slightly irritated that they didn't tell me it would be extra. But man alive, those mushrooms were tasty.

I was hankering for another sandwich earlier today, so I stopped in again. I saw on their little board that "Extras" (for &#36;.50) were cheese, bacon or mushrooms. Since I never get cheese anyway, I said, "I'd like mushrooms instead of the cheese on my sandwich, please."

The guy behind the counter said, "I don't think you can do that." I said, "Why would that be? According to your sign, Potbelly has assigned cheese and mushrooms with the same value - &#36;.50." He said, "But the cheese already comes on the sandwich." I said, "The sandwich is not pre-made - you are going to make it. Leave the cheese off, and add mushrooms instead of the cheese." "Yeah, I don't think we can do that - hang on."

So, off he goes to ask the manager. After considerable consultation, he comes back, "Yeah, no substitutions."

"OK, thank you anyway," and I left. They can keep their sandwich. In this day and age, two things come to mind. Any establishment that is not interested in their customers' health (by substituting fattening cheese for something more healthful) and any establishment that doesn't make a simple concession such as this one (costing them nothing extra) does not deserve my business, but at least I got a good chuckle out of it as they watched me walk out the door.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Tea Please]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=14</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 04:25:06 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=14</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I had a long drive for a sales appointment, and arrived early, located my prospect's office, but still had time to kill.

I didn't want to go far and get lost, but I spotted a fast-food establishment that had those familiar golden arches.&nbsp;&nbsp;I pulled up to the drive through, and said "may I have a hot tea please?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Mom said to be polite, even if its a machine - there is a human on the other side.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, the machine replied, but it replied in Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, still trying to be courteous, I said "ONE HOT TEA" as distinctly as I could.&nbsp;&nbsp;Again with the Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, I responded.&nbsp;&nbsp;Excusez moi, je parle francais, and I speak English.&nbsp;&nbsp; HOT TEA PLEASE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, something I don't understand.

I pull up the the window, and they tell me what I owe (again in Spanish) and I'm not certain what they are saying, but they are handing me a plate.&nbsp;&nbsp;I haven't had tea on a plate, so I ask "what is this".&nbsp;&nbsp;They explain "Hot Cakes".&nbsp;&nbsp;

And so, I say "HOT TEA, I want tea - a bag&nbsp;&nbsp;and hot water."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We don't have license to serve that."&nbsp;&nbsp;

I said OK.&nbsp;&nbsp;I pulled away, leaving them with HOT CAKES and my wallet untouched, and...well, its was almost time for my appointment now anyway.

I wonder what license is required to sell tea.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I had a long drive for a sales appointment, and arrived early, located my prospect's office, but still had time to kill.

I didn't want to go far and get lost, but I spotted a fast-food establishment that had those familiar golden arches.&nbsp;&nbsp;I pulled up to the drive through, and said "may I have a hot tea please?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Mom said to be polite, even if its a machine - there is a human on the other side.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, the machine replied, but it replied in Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, still trying to be courteous, I said "ONE HOT TEA" as distinctly as I could.&nbsp;&nbsp;Again with the Spanish.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, I responded.&nbsp;&nbsp;Excusez moi, je parle francais, and I speak English.&nbsp;&nbsp; HOT TEA PLEASE.&nbsp;&nbsp;Again, something I don't understand.

I pull up the the window, and they tell me what I owe (again in Spanish) and I'm not certain what they are saying, but they are handing me a plate.&nbsp;&nbsp;I haven't had tea on a plate, so I ask "what is this".&nbsp;&nbsp;They explain "Hot Cakes".&nbsp;&nbsp;

And so, I say "HOT TEA, I want tea - a bag&nbsp;&nbsp;and hot water."&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We don't have license to serve that."&nbsp;&nbsp;

I said OK.&nbsp;&nbsp;I pulled away, leaving them with HOT CAKES and my wallet untouched, and...well, its was almost time for my appointment now anyway.

I wonder what license is required to sell tea.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[I just color my hair...]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=13</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 03:53:42 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=13</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[As days go, it wasn't a bad day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The weather was neither hot nor cold, so I was surprised when I went to start my car...and it made that sound I knew.&nbsp;&nbsp;The battery was dying, and this was the last start.&nbsp;&nbsp;It barely cranked.

And the battery was way overdue for its death.

So, I headed to the mechanic.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had a full day planned, but Enterprise Rent-A-Car was almost next door, and I figured it would be a delay to drop my car, and I would have to rent a car.&nbsp;&nbsp;I couldn't miss work, but a little late would be OK, and my excuse was good.

I had been to this garage before, the tiny parking lot in front presented a challenge every time; they took cars to the back once checked in, but I couldn't find a spot, so I left it running and blocking in several others, and ran in to explain that we needed a place to put the car, since I was pretty certain it wasn't going to start again.

The cashier said "oh, don't worry, just park it and bring in the keys."&nbsp;&nbsp;And I hesitated, and explained, "honestly, I'm blocking every car in the lot - I think I should put it someplace else since it is going to be hard to move - that battery is really dead."&nbsp;&nbsp;He looked very annoyed and commanded&nbsp;&nbsp;"just park it and bring in the keys - someone will come and get it in a minute."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so I did.

Meanwhile, they helped a man pay for his car that had been repaired; he was getting ready to leave, but my car was blocking him in.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, a mechanic came to get my key to move my car.&nbsp;&nbsp;The mechanic was apparently having a bad day.&nbsp;&nbsp;He stormed in moments later.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Who left the red car with the dead battery in the middle of the lot."&nbsp;&nbsp;I felt his pain.&nbsp;&nbsp;I said "that was me, I asked if I could put it elsewhere because it wasn't going to move, but was dismissed and told to leave it there and bring in the keys."&nbsp;&nbsp;At this point, the cashier said "but how could you possibly know it wouldn't start?"&nbsp;&nbsp;And, I replied..."You should know, I just color my hair (blond)."

The cashier looked confused, the mechanic broke into a big smile...the poor man who had paid for his repairs but was blocked in (and had witnessed the entire scenario) fell to a chair, tears streaming out of his eyes in laughter...&nbsp;&nbsp;And said "nothing has gone right for me today - but thanks for making it all worthwhile."

The cashier was still looking confused, and nobody seemed to feel it worthwhile to explain.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[As days go, it wasn't a bad day.&nbsp;&nbsp;The weather was neither hot nor cold, so I was surprised when I went to start my car...and it made that sound I knew.&nbsp;&nbsp;The battery was dying, and this was the last start.&nbsp;&nbsp;It barely cranked.

And the battery was way overdue for its death.

So, I headed to the mechanic.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had a full day planned, but Enterprise Rent-A-Car was almost next door, and I figured it would be a delay to drop my car, and I would have to rent a car.&nbsp;&nbsp;I couldn't miss work, but a little late would be OK, and my excuse was good.

I had been to this garage before, the tiny parking lot in front presented a challenge every time; they took cars to the back once checked in, but I couldn't find a spot, so I left it running and blocking in several others, and ran in to explain that we needed a place to put the car, since I was pretty certain it wasn't going to start again.

The cashier said "oh, don't worry, just park it and bring in the keys."&nbsp;&nbsp;And I hesitated, and explained, "honestly, I'm blocking every car in the lot - I think I should put it someplace else since it is going to be hard to move - that battery is really dead."&nbsp;&nbsp;He looked very annoyed and commanded&nbsp;&nbsp;"just park it and bring in the keys - someone will come and get it in a minute."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so I did.

Meanwhile, they helped a man pay for his car that had been repaired; he was getting ready to leave, but my car was blocking him in.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, a mechanic came to get my key to move my car.&nbsp;&nbsp;The mechanic was apparently having a bad day.&nbsp;&nbsp;He stormed in moments later.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Who left the red car with the dead battery in the middle of the lot."&nbsp;&nbsp;I felt his pain.&nbsp;&nbsp;I said "that was me, I asked if I could put it elsewhere because it wasn't going to move, but was dismissed and told to leave it there and bring in the keys."&nbsp;&nbsp;At this point, the cashier said "but how could you possibly know it wouldn't start?"&nbsp;&nbsp;And, I replied..."You should know, I just color my hair (blond)."

The cashier looked confused, the mechanic broke into a big smile...the poor man who had paid for his repairs but was blocked in (and had witnessed the entire scenario) fell to a chair, tears streaming out of his eyes in laughter...&nbsp;&nbsp;And said "nothing has gone right for me today - but thanks for making it all worthwhile."

The cashier was still looking confused, and nobody seemed to feel it worthwhile to explain.]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[My Daughter is Not an Olympic Athlete...still]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=12</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 03:13:45 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=12</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[I live in MN, and we have an odd assessment that our children endure a year prior to starting in Kindergarten.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is to make sure that they are on-track to start school on time.

I took my eldest, we will call her Cathy, and I was told that her motor skills were behind.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was concerned, and asked more, and learned her balance was poor, and, she would be up to speed if I took her to the playground more often.&nbsp;&nbsp;At least once a week.

Well, Cathy loved a playground, so I couldn't drive past one without a lot of moaning.&nbsp;&nbsp;And she had a small one in the back yard.&nbsp;&nbsp;She probably spent more than 10 hours/wk on playground equipment during the summer, and she spent as much time as weather would allow in the winter too.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's a lot; we are pretty durable in MN.

So, I honed in on this and said... "are you telling me, she isn't likely to be an Olympic Athlete?"&nbsp;&nbsp;I guess they thought I was taking this assessment lightly.&nbsp;&nbsp;It seemed it might be a hereditary thing.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I wasn't expecting an Olympic Athlete.

Cathy was also a little slow on her other skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had witnessed that test but I forbidden to intervene.&nbsp;&nbsp; This poor kid was supposed to be naming the letters and was trying to sound out words.&nbsp;&nbsp;They weren't words.&nbsp;&nbsp;She just couldn't figure out why someone would want her to name letters, nor could she figure out what these letters spelled.&nbsp;&nbsp;And during the assessment, she said "I can't sound it out."&nbsp;&nbsp;She tried so hard to sound out those non-words.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Later she asked me what those funny words were - and I tried to explain that they wanted her to name the letters.&nbsp;&nbsp;She said "Oh, didn't the lady know what the letters were? I could go back and help her." Imagine if I had taken her back to help the lady!)

They asked me many personal questions, some felt too personal.&nbsp;&nbsp;I didn't see the point of answering why my name was different.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was simple, I kept it when I got married.&nbsp;&nbsp;But this was a silly question to ask and I felt it was not relevant to my daughter's coordination.

So, a year later, and Cathy was in Kindergarten, and struggling terribly.&nbsp;&nbsp;She spent all her time in the nurse's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, I'm something like 10 months pregnant with #2 while trying to sort things out.&nbsp;&nbsp;They tell me..."she's really slow - she doesn't try."&nbsp;&nbsp;I ask if it might be possible that she is actually bright, and bored, but the teacher says "no, the other half-day I work with the gifted children - I would know if that was the case."

They tell me her problems are probably because she is from a broken family.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where is her real mom?&nbsp;&nbsp; And they review their paperwork from the year earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not answering why my name differed apparently erased the birth process.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had now adopted this child that I recalled 6 months of bed-rest to birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had changed history!

I was surprised to hear she was slow.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had been reading since age 4, and her math skills seemed advanced - she could multiply small numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp; So, I took her to a child psychologist to find out what was wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;And...I learned, she was spending her time in the nurse's office because she couldn't tolerate the teacher being angered when she picked up the book and started reading it instead of naming the letters up to M (they hadn't finished the alphabet yet).&nbsp;&nbsp;The psychologist said that most kids don't figure out that they can escape a bad classroom by pretending to be sick till they are in 3rd or 4th grade.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, honestly, reading Nancy Drew in Kindergarten...is quite advanced.

Well...Cathy is now 15 and considered "very gifted", and has found her way on a great scholarship to a school for gifted kids, and she is still pulling down straight A's. 

And, she is still not an Olympic Athlete.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I live in MN, and we have an odd assessment that our children endure a year prior to starting in Kindergarten.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is to make sure that they are on-track to start school on time.

I took my eldest, we will call her Cathy, and I was told that her motor skills were behind.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was concerned, and asked more, and learned her balance was poor, and, she would be up to speed if I took her to the playground more often.&nbsp;&nbsp;At least once a week.

Well, Cathy loved a playground, so I couldn't drive past one without a lot of moaning.&nbsp;&nbsp;And she had a small one in the back yard.&nbsp;&nbsp;She probably spent more than 10 hours/wk on playground equipment during the summer, and she spent as much time as weather would allow in the winter too.&nbsp;&nbsp;That's a lot; we are pretty durable in MN.

So, I honed in on this and said... "are you telling me, she isn't likely to be an Olympic Athlete?"&nbsp;&nbsp;I guess they thought I was taking this assessment lightly.&nbsp;&nbsp;It seemed it might be a hereditary thing.&nbsp;&nbsp;If the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I wasn't expecting an Olympic Athlete.

Cathy was also a little slow on her other skills.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had witnessed that test but I forbidden to intervene.&nbsp;&nbsp; This poor kid was supposed to be naming the letters and was trying to sound out words.&nbsp;&nbsp;They weren't words.&nbsp;&nbsp;She just couldn't figure out why someone would want her to name letters, nor could she figure out what these letters spelled.&nbsp;&nbsp;And during the assessment, she said "I can't sound it out."&nbsp;&nbsp;She tried so hard to sound out those non-words.&nbsp;&nbsp;(Later she asked me what those funny words were - and I tried to explain that they wanted her to name the letters.&nbsp;&nbsp;She said "Oh, didn't the lady know what the letters were? I could go back and help her." Imagine if I had taken her back to help the lady!)

They asked me many personal questions, some felt too personal.&nbsp;&nbsp;I didn't see the point of answering why my name was different.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was simple, I kept it when I got married.&nbsp;&nbsp;But this was a silly question to ask and I felt it was not relevant to my daughter's coordination.

So, a year later, and Cathy was in Kindergarten, and struggling terribly.&nbsp;&nbsp;She spent all her time in the nurse's office.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, I'm something like 10 months pregnant with #2 while trying to sort things out.&nbsp;&nbsp;They tell me..."she's really slow - she doesn't try."&nbsp;&nbsp;I ask if it might be possible that she is actually bright, and bored, but the teacher says "no, the other half-day I work with the gifted children - I would know if that was the case."

They tell me her problems are probably because she is from a broken family.&nbsp;&nbsp;Where is her real mom?&nbsp;&nbsp; And they review their paperwork from the year earlier.&nbsp;&nbsp;Not answering why my name differed apparently erased the birth process.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had now adopted this child that I recalled 6 months of bed-rest to birth.&nbsp;&nbsp;I had changed history!

I was surprised to hear she was slow.&nbsp;&nbsp;She had been reading since age 4, and her math skills seemed advanced - she could multiply small numbers.&nbsp;&nbsp; So, I took her to a child psychologist to find out what was wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;And...I learned, she was spending her time in the nurse's office because she couldn't tolerate the teacher being angered when she picked up the book and started reading it instead of naming the letters up to M (they hadn't finished the alphabet yet).&nbsp;&nbsp;The psychologist said that most kids don't figure out that they can escape a bad classroom by pretending to be sick till they are in 3rd or 4th grade.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, honestly, reading Nancy Drew in Kindergarten...is quite advanced.

Well...Cathy is now 15 and considered "very gifted", and has found her way on a great scholarship to a school for gifted kids, and she is still pulling down straight A's. 

And, she is still not an Olympic Athlete.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[rockbottomgolfballs.com]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=11</link>
			<pubDate>Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:20:57 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=11</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Start at the bottom and work up.  I know I became a little testy at times, but I think she was the one out of line.  What do you think?


SHIPPING STATUS INQUIRY! yhst-17562511740467-2808 
 
  Discussion Thread 
 Response (Renee) 03/31/2008 02:46 PM  
Mark,

Please do not communicate with us any longer. I now consider your emails harassing. Also, try to not purchase with us in the future.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/31/2008 01:28 PM  
Hmmm... an apology? 'I am sorry but it looks like we had to have the vendor ship it' is all I see. No apology for the balls taking so long to deliver, nor for the balls not being as advertised, nor for any of the other grievous errors in your judgement.

Ignorant? Asking for proof that I only received half the balls and that they weren't in mint condition when proof was provided and readily available... I'd say that is ignorant.

Rude? Implying that I am an ass for assuming. Yep, I'd call that rude.

Pompous? Not admitting you were wrong when faced with a preponderance of evidence. No doubt about it. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/31/2008 11:31 AM  
Mark,

Actually on 3/4 of this string of emails I did apologize and I am being called ignorant, pompous and rude. I have not resorted in name calling, email shouting or any of those ignorant, pompous or rude characteristics as you have described.

Your shipping was free to begin with and we processed a refund on 3/20 for the missing balls. We obviously can not please you and hope you enjoy the balls you have received.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/25/2008 01:47 PM  
Proof? Of not getting the stated number of balls? That proof is in the weight of the package delivered as stated by the delivery carrier. Of the balls not being mint? Did you not see the pictures that I attached of the actual balls received? I thought that was the point of offering to attach files to questions/inquiries. The pictures clearly show that the balls were not mint.

And again I ask, what is your guarantee of 24 hour shipping worth? Two weeks to deliver, even if it was the correct quantity of the correct quality of balls, is absurd. No compensation of any sort for this delay was ever offered.

A simple 'Sorry, here's the credit for the missing balls, we're sorry about the multiple issues with your order. We hope to keep you business by offering you an xx percent discount on your next order' would have sufficed. Instead, you have been ignorant, pompous and rude. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/20/2008 09:46 AM  
Mark,

Actually, you should read your responses because as far as I am concerned you made several requests and still not a solid answer. There would be a refund for the missing golf balls. If you don't receive something then that would be the obvious conclusion. 

However, you made a complaint on the golf balls you did receive that these were not what you expected and of course I have no proof of this since you refuse to return them. This of it this way... If you purchased something from your local Sporting Goods Store and you didn't like it. You can't just call them up tell them the product is awful and refund my money. They will ask you to bring the product back and they would be happy to offer you a refund. You probably would still be a loyal customer if you had to return the product. We only ask you to do the same. I understand that you don't see it that way and feel sorry.

Your refund for the missing clubs will be processed to your card. This will not show up on your card for about 5 days.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/17/2008 12:39 PM  
Wow, it takes 1 day, then 4 days, then 5 days to respond to my previous inquiries, but when you decide to infer that I am an ASS for assuming, it only takes 45 minutes for you to do so. Thanks for your 'imput' [sic], I'll really take that to heart.

It is not my communication skills that are lacking. Had you actually read the other comments again, you would see that I had already responded, and I quote, 'So I'll keep these, I do not want the other 3 dozen NOT MINT balls. I expect a credit for at least the 3 dozen not received' (in my 3/12 response that took until 3/17 for a reply). Sounds simple right? Credit my &#36;45 and case closed. If you decided to offer a full &#36;90 refund, great... I'd continue to be a loyal customer! If not, I'd base my decision whether to purchase from RBG.com again on the timeliness of the refund and my satisfaction with the overall result. This was all laid out in the aforementioned 3/12 response.

Do you want to continue to waste my time and yours in a petty argument, or will you just do as I asked last week? 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/17/2008 11:59 AM  
Mark,

I am sure you are familiar with the old say when you Assume... My question to you was did you want to return those golf balls you received, not your take again on the Mint golf balls. I had already read all this once and needed your imput on how you would have liked to handle this situation. I see that your hastiness has caused some issues even with your communications.

Please take a minute and answer the questions I asked. Also, I never said you had to pay for return shipping but when you assume you will always come up with the wrong conclusion.

Now, do you wish to return those golf balls you received or continue to drag this experience out further? We have done everything except make these decisions for you to correct the problem but you continue to want an argument.

Please let me know.
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/17/2008 11:14 AM  
Are you going to send me a return label? You didn't offer, so I'll assume not... expecting me to pay to return your NOWHERE CLOSE TO MINT balls. So much for standing behind your product 100% as stated on your site.
Also, what good is your 24 hour shipping guarantee? What you are basically saying is 'We guarantee to ship your balls within 24 hours, but it we don't, it doesn't matter because we won't do anything about it!' It took nearly 2 WEEKS to ship 1/2 of my balls that were not as advertised.
Refund my card for the missing 3 dozen. RockBottomGolf.com has now been removed from my Bookmarks. Congratulations on losing a loyal customer, I'll make sure to tell my friends how customer service oriented you are. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/17/2008 10:33 AM  
Mark,

While I understand that there were some issues with your order, I am not going to be able to provide you with a full refund. If you wish to have a full refund we would need you to return the golf balls you did receive. If you do not wish to return those golf balls then I can process a refund for the missing 3 dozen and the shipping.

Please let me know!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/12/2008 01:23 PM  
I received the package, and it was ONE box of 36 balls. So after 2 weeks, I finally received 3 dozen balls instead of 6 dozen. They are definitely not MINT either (see attached pictures  ), I don't know if I'd even classify them as NEAR MINT compared to balls I've purchased in the past from 'lostgolfballsretail' on eBay. I don't know if it was the packaging (not wrapped in plastic, allowing balls to scuff on cardboard), but EVERY SINGLE BALL has noticable flaws. But now that it has taken so long to get them, I have no time to get replacements as I am heading to Myrtle Beach for a golf trip starting Friday. So I'll keep these, I do not want the other 3 dozen NOT MINT balls. I expect a credit for at least the 3 dozen not received, and considering your guarantees for timely shipping (24 hours) and ball quality, I don't think a credit for the full original purchase price is too much to expect. I have purchased many times from RBG, and MAY continue to do so in the future depending on the ulitimate resolution of this dispute, just not for used balls. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/12/2008 01:00 PM  
Mark,

This order was delivered on 3/11 with tracking number 268996060015905. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/08/2008 08:56 AM  
Any new info???? It's been nearly two weeks now.

And why was this question marked 'Solved' when obviously there is still an issue. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/04/2008 03:35 PM  
Greetings Mark,

I am sorry but it does look like we had to get the vendor to ship this order for you. I will check on the tracking from them. Unfortunately, I need to get this information before we can do anything concerning our guarantee.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/03/2008 11:11 AM  
This order has still not shipped according to your website. I sent an email last week regarding this situation, and while I got an auto-reply quickly stating that I would receive a personal email within 4 hours, I never received any other updates. I have also tried to call twice, both resulting in long hold times followed with a message saying all customer service reps ares still busy.
Your website states that you guarantee to ship within 24 hours, but makes no mention of what you do for the customer when you fail to meet this guarantee.
I have purchased many times from RockBottomGolf.com and have been very happy with the value and service, this is my first purchase (and probably last) from RockBottomGolfBalls.com.


----- Original Message ----
From: rockbottomgolfballs.com 
To: Mark Bowers 
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:13:54 PM
Subject: order yhst-17562511740467-2808 from rockbottomgolfballs.com

This email is to confirm the receipt of your recent order from RockBottomGolfBalls.com!

Thank You for your Order... We are now busy packaging up your items. Most Orders received by Noon EST are shipped that same day.

We ship these products with FedEx Ground and FedEx Express depending on the shipping method you selected...

Keep an eye out for your tracking number in the next 24 Hours or Less!

Scratch-
The World's Coolest Golfing Caveman!
http://www.RockBottomGolfBalls.com

Thank You for Your Order!

http://www.RockBottomGolfBalls.com]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Start at the bottom and work up.  I know I became a little testy at times, but I think she was the one out of line.  What do you think?


SHIPPING STATUS INQUIRY! yhst-17562511740467-2808 
 
  Discussion Thread 
 Response (Renee) 03/31/2008 02:46 PM  
Mark,

Please do not communicate with us any longer. I now consider your emails harassing. Also, try to not purchase with us in the future.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/31/2008 01:28 PM  
Hmmm... an apology? 'I am sorry but it looks like we had to have the vendor ship it' is all I see. No apology for the balls taking so long to deliver, nor for the balls not being as advertised, nor for any of the other grievous errors in your judgement.

Ignorant? Asking for proof that I only received half the balls and that they weren't in mint condition when proof was provided and readily available... I'd say that is ignorant.

Rude? Implying that I am an ass for assuming. Yep, I'd call that rude.

Pompous? Not admitting you were wrong when faced with a preponderance of evidence. No doubt about it. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/31/2008 11:31 AM  
Mark,

Actually on 3/4 of this string of emails I did apologize and I am being called ignorant, pompous and rude. I have not resorted in name calling, email shouting or any of those ignorant, pompous or rude characteristics as you have described.

Your shipping was free to begin with and we processed a refund on 3/20 for the missing balls. We obviously can not please you and hope you enjoy the balls you have received.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/25/2008 01:47 PM  
Proof? Of not getting the stated number of balls? That proof is in the weight of the package delivered as stated by the delivery carrier. Of the balls not being mint? Did you not see the pictures that I attached of the actual balls received? I thought that was the point of offering to attach files to questions/inquiries. The pictures clearly show that the balls were not mint.

And again I ask, what is your guarantee of 24 hour shipping worth? Two weeks to deliver, even if it was the correct quantity of the correct quality of balls, is absurd. No compensation of any sort for this delay was ever offered.

A simple 'Sorry, here's the credit for the missing balls, we're sorry about the multiple issues with your order. We hope to keep you business by offering you an xx percent discount on your next order' would have sufficed. Instead, you have been ignorant, pompous and rude. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/20/2008 09:46 AM  
Mark,

Actually, you should read your responses because as far as I am concerned you made several requests and still not a solid answer. There would be a refund for the missing golf balls. If you don't receive something then that would be the obvious conclusion. 

However, you made a complaint on the golf balls you did receive that these were not what you expected and of course I have no proof of this since you refuse to return them. This of it this way... If you purchased something from your local Sporting Goods Store and you didn't like it. You can't just call them up tell them the product is awful and refund my money. They will ask you to bring the product back and they would be happy to offer you a refund. You probably would still be a loyal customer if you had to return the product. We only ask you to do the same. I understand that you don't see it that way and feel sorry.

Your refund for the missing clubs will be processed to your card. This will not show up on your card for about 5 days.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/17/2008 12:39 PM  
Wow, it takes 1 day, then 4 days, then 5 days to respond to my previous inquiries, but when you decide to infer that I am an ASS for assuming, it only takes 45 minutes for you to do so. Thanks for your 'imput' [sic], I'll really take that to heart.

It is not my communication skills that are lacking. Had you actually read the other comments again, you would see that I had already responded, and I quote, 'So I'll keep these, I do not want the other 3 dozen NOT MINT balls. I expect a credit for at least the 3 dozen not received' (in my 3/12 response that took until 3/17 for a reply). Sounds simple right? Credit my &#36;45 and case closed. If you decided to offer a full &#36;90 refund, great... I'd continue to be a loyal customer! If not, I'd base my decision whether to purchase from RBG.com again on the timeliness of the refund and my satisfaction with the overall result. This was all laid out in the aforementioned 3/12 response.

Do you want to continue to waste my time and yours in a petty argument, or will you just do as I asked last week? 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/17/2008 11:59 AM  
Mark,

I am sure you are familiar with the old say when you Assume... My question to you was did you want to return those golf balls you received, not your take again on the Mint golf balls. I had already read all this once and needed your imput on how you would have liked to handle this situation. I see that your hastiness has caused some issues even with your communications.

Please take a minute and answer the questions I asked. Also, I never said you had to pay for return shipping but when you assume you will always come up with the wrong conclusion.

Now, do you wish to return those golf balls you received or continue to drag this experience out further? We have done everything except make these decisions for you to correct the problem but you continue to want an argument.

Please let me know.
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/17/2008 11:14 AM  
Are you going to send me a return label? You didn't offer, so I'll assume not... expecting me to pay to return your NOWHERE CLOSE TO MINT balls. So much for standing behind your product 100% as stated on your site.
Also, what good is your 24 hour shipping guarantee? What you are basically saying is 'We guarantee to ship your balls within 24 hours, but it we don't, it doesn't matter because we won't do anything about it!' It took nearly 2 WEEKS to ship 1/2 of my balls that were not as advertised.
Refund my card for the missing 3 dozen. RockBottomGolf.com has now been removed from my Bookmarks. Congratulations on losing a loyal customer, I'll make sure to tell my friends how customer service oriented you are. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/17/2008 10:33 AM  
Mark,

While I understand that there were some issues with your order, I am not going to be able to provide you with a full refund. If you wish to have a full refund we would need you to return the golf balls you did receive. If you do not wish to return those golf balls then I can process a refund for the missing 3 dozen and the shipping.

Please let me know!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/12/2008 01:23 PM  
I received the package, and it was ONE box of 36 balls. So after 2 weeks, I finally received 3 dozen balls instead of 6 dozen. They are definitely not MINT either (see attached pictures  ), I don't know if I'd even classify them as NEAR MINT compared to balls I've purchased in the past from 'lostgolfballsretail' on eBay. I don't know if it was the packaging (not wrapped in plastic, allowing balls to scuff on cardboard), but EVERY SINGLE BALL has noticable flaws. But now that it has taken so long to get them, I have no time to get replacements as I am heading to Myrtle Beach for a golf trip starting Friday. So I'll keep these, I do not want the other 3 dozen NOT MINT balls. I expect a credit for at least the 3 dozen not received, and considering your guarantees for timely shipping (24 hours) and ball quality, I don't think a credit for the full original purchase price is too much to expect. I have purchased many times from RBG, and MAY continue to do so in the future depending on the ulitimate resolution of this dispute, just not for used balls. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/12/2008 01:00 PM  
Mark,

This order was delivered on 3/11 with tracking number 268996060015905. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/08/2008 08:56 AM  
Any new info???? It's been nearly two weeks now.

And why was this question marked 'Solved' when obviously there is still an issue. 
  
 Response (Renee) 03/04/2008 03:35 PM  
Greetings Mark,

I am sorry but it does look like we had to get the vendor to ship this order for you. I will check on the tracking from them. Unfortunately, I need to get this information before we can do anything concerning our guarantee.

Thank you!
Scratch 
  
 Customer (Mark Bowers) 03/03/2008 11:11 AM  
This order has still not shipped according to your website. I sent an email last week regarding this situation, and while I got an auto-reply quickly stating that I would receive a personal email within 4 hours, I never received any other updates. I have also tried to call twice, both resulting in long hold times followed with a message saying all customer service reps ares still busy.
Your website states that you guarantee to ship within 24 hours, but makes no mention of what you do for the customer when you fail to meet this guarantee.
I have purchased many times from RockBottomGolf.com and have been very happy with the value and service, this is my first purchase (and probably last) from RockBottomGolfBalls.com.


----- Original Message ----
From: rockbottomgolfballs.com 
To: Mark Bowers 
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 1:13:54 PM
Subject: order yhst-17562511740467-2808 from rockbottomgolfballs.com

This email is to confirm the receipt of your recent order from RockBottomGolfBalls.com!

Thank You for your Order... We are now busy packaging up your items. Most Orders received by Noon EST are shipped that same day.

We ship these products with FedEx Ground and FedEx Express depending on the shipping method you selected...

Keep an eye out for your tracking number in the next 24 Hours or Less!

Scratch-
The World's Coolest Golfing Caveman!
http://www.RockBottomGolfBalls.com

Thank You for Your Order!

http://www.RockBottomGolfBalls.com]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Un-Technical Support]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=10</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:34:18 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=10</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was recently having issues with my internet connection and was informed by a friend of mine that Windows Vista, in a result of making things more secure, will close ports based on your internet use.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, sometimes I game, sometimes I surf but for the majority of the time, the computer is just sitting there - connected - and doing nothing.

I decided to call my ISP to see what they can see.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nope.&nbsp;&nbsp;You connection is good on our end.&nbsp;&nbsp;Would you like us to send out a technician to check your end?&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be an hourly charge of &#36;38/hr with a minimum of 1 hr."

What?&nbsp;&nbsp;No.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, I talk some more with my friend and decide to call Microsoft since they make the software.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry sir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since you bought your computer from Gateway and the operating system was installed by Gateway, you must call Gateway for support on this."

Ummm, ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;I call Gateway.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, your download speed is supposed to be at 5k but it's only getting 1k or less? Yes. ... and your upload speed ... is running fine at 800. ... so you need to move some of your upload to your download... click...

Bottom line.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you need tech support - don't call the company.

I finally got this fixed by placing a call to my ISP and dropping my speed and bill down.&nbsp;&nbsp;They asked why I was decreasing and I explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;They came out and fixed it for free.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was their modem.

That'll do pig.&nbsp;&nbsp;That'll do.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was recently having issues with my internet connection and was informed by a friend of mine that Windows Vista, in a result of making things more secure, will close ports based on your internet use.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, sometimes I game, sometimes I surf but for the majority of the time, the computer is just sitting there - connected - and doing nothing.

I decided to call my ISP to see what they can see.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nope.&nbsp;&nbsp;You connection is good on our end.&nbsp;&nbsp;Would you like us to send out a technician to check your end?&nbsp;&nbsp;There will be an hourly charge of &#36;38/hr with a minimum of 1 hr."

What?&nbsp;&nbsp;No.&nbsp;&nbsp;So, I talk some more with my friend and decide to call Microsoft since they make the software.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sorry sir.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since you bought your computer from Gateway and the operating system was installed by Gateway, you must call Gateway for support on this."

Ummm, ok.&nbsp;&nbsp;I call Gateway.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, your download speed is supposed to be at 5k but it's only getting 1k or less? Yes. ... and your upload speed ... is running fine at 800. ... so you need to move some of your upload to your download... click...

Bottom line.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you need tech support - don't call the company.

I finally got this fixed by placing a call to my ISP and dropping my speed and bill down.&nbsp;&nbsp;They asked why I was decreasing and I explained.&nbsp;&nbsp;They came out and fixed it for free.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was their modem.

That'll do pig.&nbsp;&nbsp;That'll do.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Delivery from La Rizza Pizza in Long Beach]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=9</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 22:42:03 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=9</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Order their Shrimp Primavera in Alfredo Sauce for delivery. Plenty of Alfredo sauce but no Shrimp! Called to complain and the lady on the phone argued with me about it saying that it was not possible for shrimp not to be included. Finally she said they would send another order. The delivery guy arrived and looked at the order I was returning and claimed that I must have eaten the shrimp. I called to complain about this and was told that "well we have to look at the original order because lots of people try to rip us off"
Oh... so it's ok to accuse your customers of lying and stealing? Don't bother ordering from La Rizza's Pizza delivery restaurant in Long Beach, CA because their's no telling what you may get for your money other than a lot irritation.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Order their Shrimp Primavera in Alfredo Sauce for delivery. Plenty of Alfredo sauce but no Shrimp! Called to complain and the lady on the phone argued with me about it saying that it was not possible for shrimp not to be included. Finally she said they would send another order. The delivery guy arrived and looked at the order I was returning and claimed that I must have eaten the shrimp. I called to complain about this and was told that "well we have to look at the original order because lots of people try to rip us off"
Oh... so it's ok to accuse your customers of lying and stealing? Don't bother ordering from La Rizza's Pizza delivery restaurant in Long Beach, CA because their's no telling what you may get for your money other than a lot irritation.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[homeschoolsupercenter.com BEWARE]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=8</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:32:48 -0500</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=8</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Stay far far away from Homeschool Supercenter.  The customer service is the most unprofessional group of misfits I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.  I ordered 10th grade material and receive 2nd grade material.  These jokers refused to exchange the book or give me my money back.  They had the nerve to tell me my son should just use the 2nd grade book he would get it finished sooner then the 10th grade book.  Between the uhms and the duhs by the phone rep I could hardly even get her to understand why I thought this was ridiculous to imply my son should use a 2nd grade book.  I was told they wouldn't sell to me anymore because I was difficult. HAHA, like I would buy from them again. I finally had to get the asistance of my bank to get my money back.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Stay far far away from Homeschool Supercenter.  The customer service is the most unprofessional group of misfits I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with.  I ordered 10th grade material and receive 2nd grade material.  These jokers refused to exchange the book or give me my money back.  They had the nerve to tell me my son should just use the 2nd grade book he would get it finished sooner then the 10th grade book.  Between the uhms and the duhs by the phone rep I could hardly even get her to understand why I thought this was ridiculous to imply my son should use a 2nd grade book.  I was told they wouldn't sell to me anymore because I was difficult. HAHA, like I would buy from them again. I finally had to get the asistance of my bank to get my money back.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Stupid Chicks]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=7</link>
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:08:23 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=7</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Ok... So I have a family plan with Sprint right.&nbsp;&nbsp;Three phones on the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to get phone Bs number switched to phone Cs number.&nbsp;&nbsp;This sounds simple right?&nbsp;&nbsp;I call up Sprint and tell them what I want to do.
Sprint: "No problem sir... Do you have both phones in front of you?"
Me: "Crap... No I dont... Ill have to call back later"

2 hrs later....After navigating thru Sprints automated jungle I hear:
"Your approx wait time is 10 - 15 min"
What the hell?? I guess Ill just put it on speakerphone and wait it out...
30 min later I get a human on the phone. I tell her what I want to do and once again I get:
Sprint: "No problem sir... Do you have both phones in front of you?"
She tells me to read her some numbers off the back of the phone, Im thinking everything is going fine, then I hear:
Sprint: "Oh... our system says this phone already has a number assigned to it"
Me: "ummm, yeah.. Im switching the number with another one.."
Sprint: "Ok... please hold..." 
5 min pass..
Sprint: "Ok sorry about that... Can you read me the info from the other phone.."
I read the numbers...
Sprint: "Oh... our system says this phone already has a number assigned to it also.."
No %&*! im switching the numbers!!
Me: "Yeah... Im switching the number with another one.."
Sprint: "Please hold..."
5 min pass... 10, 15... then nothing... They hung up on me.&nbsp;&nbsp;I spent an 1hr on the phone and they hung up on me... I call back.. 
"Your approx wait time is 20 - 25 min"
Oh hell no... I hang up and dial right back...
"Your approx wait time is 30 - 45 min"

Sprint won that night. Pissed off and beatin I go to bed.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Ok... So I have a family plan with Sprint right.&nbsp;&nbsp;Three phones on the plan.&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to get phone Bs number switched to phone Cs number.&nbsp;&nbsp;This sounds simple right?&nbsp;&nbsp;I call up Sprint and tell them what I want to do.
Sprint: "No problem sir... Do you have both phones in front of you?"
Me: "Crap... No I dont... Ill have to call back later"

2 hrs later....After navigating thru Sprints automated jungle I hear:
"Your approx wait time is 10 - 15 min"
What the hell?? I guess Ill just put it on speakerphone and wait it out...
30 min later I get a human on the phone. I tell her what I want to do and once again I get:
Sprint: "No problem sir... Do you have both phones in front of you?"
She tells me to read her some numbers off the back of the phone, Im thinking everything is going fine, then I hear:
Sprint: "Oh... our system says this phone already has a number assigned to it"
Me: "ummm, yeah.. Im switching the number with another one.."
Sprint: "Ok... please hold..." 
5 min pass..
Sprint: "Ok sorry about that... Can you read me the info from the other phone.."
I read the numbers...
Sprint: "Oh... our system says this phone already has a number assigned to it also.."
No %&*! im switching the numbers!!
Me: "Yeah... Im switching the number with another one.."
Sprint: "Please hold..."
5 min pass... 10, 15... then nothing... They hung up on me.&nbsp;&nbsp;I spent an 1hr on the phone and they hung up on me... I call back.. 
"Your approx wait time is 20 - 25 min"
Oh hell no... I hang up and dial right back...
"Your approx wait time is 30 - 45 min"

Sprint won that night. Pissed off and beatin I go to bed.]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Taco Bell Career Professionals...]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=6</link>
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2007 15:34:56 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=6</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[So I’m craving Taco Bell for like 4 days, and decide I’ll treat myself to some yummy grade D beef product. I pull into the drive thru and order 2 Meximelts, 2 crispy tacos, a chicken taquito with salsa, and a large cola beverage. The girl working the drive thru mumbles something staticy at me and tell me to pull around. The total is &#36;8.96, so I hand her a &#36;20 bill. She hands me back &#36;1.04 and runs away from the window. I call her back to the window and say, “The total was &#36;8.96, and I gave you a twenty dollar bill.” 

She looks at me stunned, takes the &#36;1.04 back from me then runs across the store. She comes back a minute later with a managerish looking person. The manager unlocks the register and walks off. The girl counts for a minute and then hands me &#36;3.04. I try again to explain.

“The total was &#36;8.04. I gave you a twenty. My change is &#36;11.04.”

Her eyes get really big and she says, “Uhhh…no…I don’t…uh…”

Another girl walks over with a calculator and says, “Look, I got this.” She presses the buttons a lot and then shows the first girl. Then calculator girl walks away. 

The first girl takes the &#36;3.04, opens the register (without a key, mind you) and hands me back &#36;11.43. She even says, “Eleven forty-three.” Then she looks at me for a minute like she’s waiting for me to approve. I totally do. 

Then I make things way worse for myself. She asks me if I want any sauce and I say, “Could I have 6 of each?”

For the next 3 minutes or so she’s got sauce packets spread out all over the counter. She’s putting them in neat little lines according to the type. Then someone hands her my bag of food and she panics. She puts napkins on top and then gathers all the packets up and puts them on top of the napkins.

I take the bag and try to look throw it. It’s incredibly small so I can’t lift up the napkins without taking the sauce packs out of the bag. By now there is a long line of people waiting. I pull around the building and stop so I can make sure I have everything. I pull the napkins out and thru the sauce packs I count 2 Meximelts and 1 taquito. No crispy tacos. I park and walk into the building.

Inside there is no one manning the register and it’s utter chaos in the back with two people, including calculator girl, horsing around and not doing any work. There were also two people outside smoking, one being the manager that unlocked the register, when I walked in. After about 3 or 4 minutes one of the food guys says, “Do you need something?”

I hold up my receipt. “Yeah, I ordered 2 Meximelts, 2 crispy tacos, and a chicken taquito.” I open the bag. “No crispy tacos.” I swear you’d have thought I was trying to rob the place. If there would have been cops eating in there they’d have arrested me for it. 

The guy throws two tacos together and it becomes obvious why everyone else is goofing off. Twice he yells at the girl working with him, “I’ll do it!” and “Stop! I said I’ll do it!” He jams the tacos into a bag and tosses them onto the counter. No words, just aggression. 

On the way out the door I see the sauces and just in case, I grab 2 of each type. I get in my car and go home. There I find that I have 7 mild, 7 hot and 9 fire sauces and no cup of salsa that is supposed to come with the chicken taquito. 

But all in all I made 39 cents, so…]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[So I’m craving Taco Bell for like 4 days, and decide I’ll treat myself to some yummy grade D beef product. I pull into the drive thru and order 2 Meximelts, 2 crispy tacos, a chicken taquito with salsa, and a large cola beverage. The girl working the drive thru mumbles something staticy at me and tell me to pull around. The total is &#36;8.96, so I hand her a &#36;20 bill. She hands me back &#36;1.04 and runs away from the window. I call her back to the window and say, “The total was &#36;8.96, and I gave you a twenty dollar bill.” 

She looks at me stunned, takes the &#36;1.04 back from me then runs across the store. She comes back a minute later with a managerish looking person. The manager unlocks the register and walks off. The girl counts for a minute and then hands me &#36;3.04. I try again to explain.

“The total was &#36;8.04. I gave you a twenty. My change is &#36;11.04.”

Her eyes get really big and she says, “Uhhh…no…I don’t…uh…”

Another girl walks over with a calculator and says, “Look, I got this.” She presses the buttons a lot and then shows the first girl. Then calculator girl walks away. 

The first girl takes the &#36;3.04, opens the register (without a key, mind you) and hands me back &#36;11.43. She even says, “Eleven forty-three.” Then she looks at me for a minute like she’s waiting for me to approve. I totally do. 

Then I make things way worse for myself. She asks me if I want any sauce and I say, “Could I have 6 of each?”

For the next 3 minutes or so she’s got sauce packets spread out all over the counter. She’s putting them in neat little lines according to the type. Then someone hands her my bag of food and she panics. She puts napkins on top and then gathers all the packets up and puts them on top of the napkins.

I take the bag and try to look throw it. It’s incredibly small so I can’t lift up the napkins without taking the sauce packs out of the bag. By now there is a long line of people waiting. I pull around the building and stop so I can make sure I have everything. I pull the napkins out and thru the sauce packs I count 2 Meximelts and 1 taquito. No crispy tacos. I park and walk into the building.

Inside there is no one manning the register and it’s utter chaos in the back with two people, including calculator girl, horsing around and not doing any work. There were also two people outside smoking, one being the manager that unlocked the register, when I walked in. After about 3 or 4 minutes one of the food guys says, “Do you need something?”

I hold up my receipt. “Yeah, I ordered 2 Meximelts, 2 crispy tacos, and a chicken taquito.” I open the bag. “No crispy tacos.” I swear you’d have thought I was trying to rob the place. If there would have been cops eating in there they’d have arrested me for it. 

The guy throws two tacos together and it becomes obvious why everyone else is goofing off. Twice he yells at the girl working with him, “I’ll do it!” and “Stop! I said I’ll do it!” He jams the tacos into a bag and tosses them onto the counter. No words, just aggression. 

On the way out the door I see the sauces and just in case, I grab 2 of each type. I get in my car and go home. There I find that I have 7 mild, 7 hot and 9 fire sauces and no cup of salsa that is supposed to come with the chicken taquito. 

But all in all I made 39 cents, so…]]></content:encoded>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title><![CDATA[Management hates customers]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=5</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:53:45 -0400</pubDate>
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			<description><![CDATA[Well let me start by saying this isn't really a fast food restaurant but it is close enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;I went into BW3's and was, well I was doing a mystery shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;So pretty much I could make or break them, by my report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well the shop was simple all they had to do was ask me if I wanted to try the ribs combos and if I wanted a coke product.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know it doesn't sound hard at all does it.&nbsp;&nbsp;The best part is if they would have done those two things they would have gotten Target gift cards for all the employees in the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cool right, I was totally cheering for them, I wanted them to get them so bad.
So I go in and go to the counter to order, the girl says "what can I get for you".&nbsp;&nbsp;So I am thinking hey I will just stall act like I don't have a clue and she will suggest it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh no she just looks at me like I am the dumbest person she has seen all day, never says a word. So I am just trying to help the girl out, and I say "Oh I just don't know what I want", and stupid me thinks she will suggest something, nope just more staring.&nbsp;&nbsp;So after about 5 minutes of this (there was no line behind me, remember that later) I order the ribs and tenders combo (I had to order one of them).&nbsp;&nbsp;Then I am thinking oh man she is going to get this one, and she is going to get a gift card.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she opened her mouth,&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do you want a DRINK?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Come on how hard is it to say do you want a COKE?&nbsp;&nbsp; So I then I take another 3 minutes or so stalling trying to figure out what drink I want to order, while she continues to stare at me.&nbsp;&nbsp;So finally I order a coke and then go to my table.&nbsp;&nbsp;Everything else in the store was in order and the bathrooms were clean so that was good.
Then I had to do the last part of my job before I left.&nbsp;&nbsp;I go to the counter and ask for a box, and I also ask to speak to the manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was required to tell the manager at the end on this one whether the passed or failed.&nbsp;&nbsp;So the manager comes out and I ask him if we can go to my table (I didn't want all the customers to hear me).&nbsp;&nbsp;So he follows, on the way I introduce myself and explain that I am a mystery shopper (he tuned me off right then).&nbsp;&nbsp;He said "I am really busy and I have a line of tickets that I have to get too."&nbsp;&nbsp;I say "this will only take a second, I have to have you sign off on a paper for me"&nbsp;&nbsp; I get to the table and give him the paper to sign, as he is signing it I get out the other paper that I am supposed to give him and I say "I am sorry I have to be the bearer of bad news".&nbsp;&nbsp;Then I start to hand it to him and he growls "I don't care, I don't expect my servers to suggestive sell when we are busy."&nbsp;&nbsp;To which I nicely said "you weren't busy when I came in"&nbsp;&nbsp;he replied "I only have 2 server for all these table, so they can't take do all of that" Me "I order at the counter".&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he stormed off leaves the paper on the table and yells "That's all I need".
Needless to say they didn't get a very good report, and I won't go back to that location to see if he is still working there.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Well let me start by saying this isn't really a fast food restaurant but it is close enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;I went into BW3's and was, well I was doing a mystery shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;So pretty much I could make or break them, by my report.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well the shop was simple all they had to do was ask me if I wanted to try the ribs combos and if I wanted a coke product.&nbsp;&nbsp;I know it doesn't sound hard at all does it.&nbsp;&nbsp;The best part is if they would have done those two things they would have gotten Target gift cards for all the employees in the store.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cool right, I was totally cheering for them, I wanted them to get them so bad.
So I go in and go to the counter to order, the girl says "what can I get for you".&nbsp;&nbsp;So I am thinking hey I will just stall act like I don't have a clue and she will suggest it.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh no she just looks at me like I am the dumbest person she has seen all day, never says a word. So I am just trying to help the girl out, and I say "Oh I just don't know what I want", and stupid me thinks she will suggest something, nope just more staring.&nbsp;&nbsp;So after about 5 minutes of this (there was no line behind me, remember that later) I order the ribs and tenders combo (I had to order one of them).&nbsp;&nbsp;Then I am thinking oh man she is going to get this one, and she is going to get a gift card.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she opened her mouth,&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do you want a DRINK?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Come on how hard is it to say do you want a COKE?&nbsp;&nbsp; So I then I take another 3 minutes or so stalling trying to figure out what drink I want to order, while she continues to stare at me.&nbsp;&nbsp;So finally I order a coke and then go to my table.&nbsp;&nbsp;Everything else in the store was in order and the bathrooms were clean so that was good.
Then I had to do the last part of my job before I left.&nbsp;&nbsp;I go to the counter and ask for a box, and I also ask to speak to the manager.&nbsp;&nbsp;I was required to tell the manager at the end on this one whether the passed or failed.&nbsp;&nbsp;So the manager comes out and I ask him if we can go to my table (I didn't want all the customers to hear me).&nbsp;&nbsp;So he follows, on the way I introduce myself and explain that I am a mystery shopper (he tuned me off right then).&nbsp;&nbsp;He said "I am really busy and I have a line of tickets that I have to get too."&nbsp;&nbsp;I say "this will only take a second, I have to have you sign off on a paper for me"&nbsp;&nbsp; I get to the table and give him the paper to sign, as he is signing it I get out the other paper that I am supposed to give him and I say "I am sorry I have to be the bearer of bad news".&nbsp;&nbsp;Then I start to hand it to him and he growls "I don't care, I don't expect my servers to suggestive sell when we are busy."&nbsp;&nbsp;To which I nicely said "you weren't busy when I came in"&nbsp;&nbsp;he replied "I only have 2 server for all these table, so they can't take do all of that" Me "I order at the counter".&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he stormed off leaves the paper on the table and yells "That's all I need".
Needless to say they didn't get a very good report, and I won't go back to that location to see if he is still working there.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[The In-Home Salesmen]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=4</link>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Aug 2007 08:45:56 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=4</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[Now, I know we all hate the dudes that show up unannounced, usually at dinner time, trying to sell...well...whatever.&nbsp;&nbsp;But let me start off this story by saying this experience was NOT with one of those guys. 

My wife and I casually were considering finishing our basement and called a few places to get a few quotes, just to ballpark a number.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bad Idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first place we called was Owens Corning because we had heard they do nice basements. They scheduled an appointment for 6:30 one weeknight.&nbsp;&nbsp;We thought ok, 630, he'll come in, take some measurements, write up a quote, and be gone by the kid's bathtime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dude shows up with not one, but TWO briefcases.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Surely he's not going to show us enough stuff that would require two briefcases. He's comes in, puts those down, and we exchange pleasantries. We then head for the basement. This is going well. We explain what part we want finished, what part we don't, and he takes some measurements. Wow, he'll be outta here in 15 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;We go upstairs, he draws on a sheet of paper what our measurements are, and I'm getting ready for the quote. Lay it on me.

"First let me tell you about our product." My heart sinks. Here we go. This guy pulls out two HUGE binders.&nbsp;&nbsp;He opens the first one to the first page.&nbsp;&nbsp;He basically reads the page to us. "Let me tell you about mold," he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;Turns out this entire binder is on mold. We spend a good 45 minutes "learning" about mold and the effects it good have on our house, all the while thinking how I can teach this guy about my fist and the effects it could have on his face.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Allright, first binder done. I know mold better than I know myself. But it's baby's bath time.&nbsp;&nbsp;I agree to give baby a bath and put her to bed so my wife can continue on with the "presentation."&nbsp;&nbsp;Dude will not go on without both of us there. My wife calmly explained that he can finish the presentation because she's pretty much the decision maker anyway (which is true), but he refuses. He tries to make her watch a video! Are we in preschool?!

30 minutes later, I'm back after baby is sleeping and we continue on with the madness. The second binder comes out. Kill me now. Blah Blah Blah...Owens Corning this and that and the best basement ever and you're stupid if you don't pick this basement. 45 more minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Want to know anything about Owens Corning or mold? I'm your man.&nbsp;&nbsp; Then he gets out a sample of what the basement would look like. It actually is a decent product (well, from what I can tell anyway) and it comes in a wide variety of colors. How many colors? 2. That's right. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;And they're like off-white and cubicle-gray.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ridiculous.&nbsp;&nbsp;I see enough gray walls at work. 

Ok, so I've endured 90 minutes of torture...er....learning about the product, you've measured my basement, treated my wife like a toddler, so do it already. Give me the quote. 

"If you guys have about an hour and 15 minutes, I can right up a quote for you." WTF!!!!?????&nbsp;&nbsp;Are you freaking kidding me? You just wasted my whole night talking about nothing and you need an hour and 15 minutes to write up a quote? Is it because of the crazy dimensions in our basement. It must be awful to finish a SQUARE ROOM.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Well, we tell, politely (can you believe it?) that no, we don't have an hour and 15 minutes, and that he'll need to come back. Now we tell him this knowing full well that we'll call and cancel that @&#36;&* the next day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well he has to call his "manager" and make sure that's ok. What? Is he gonna get in trouble if he doesn't give us a quote? Am I buying a car where he has to in the back to ask if he can take &#36;100 off?&nbsp;&nbsp;Am I gonna hear "What will it take to get into this basement tonight?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Thinking back, I do remember hearing something along those lines, but I can't remember what and when in the story - oh well. 

Well, thankfully, his manager gives him approval to leave and we reschedule for another night.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then comes this little gem: "Do you mind helping me out to my car with this stuff?" GET THE *&%&#36; OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!! "Sure, no problem."&nbsp;&nbsp;I need to work on being more mean, I guess. 

Well, we did call and cancel. They tried to set up another time but we said we'd call back. So they called back. Every other day. For weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Man, they just never quit.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you like the experience of buying a car, including haggling the price, and you want to get your basement finished, give Owens Corning a call. If not, STAY AWAY!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[Now, I know we all hate the dudes that show up unannounced, usually at dinner time, trying to sell...well...whatever.&nbsp;&nbsp;But let me start off this story by saying this experience was NOT with one of those guys. 

My wife and I casually were considering finishing our basement and called a few places to get a few quotes, just to ballpark a number.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bad Idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;The first place we called was Owens Corning because we had heard they do nice basements. They scheduled an appointment for 6:30 one weeknight.&nbsp;&nbsp;We thought ok, 630, he'll come in, take some measurements, write up a quote, and be gone by the kid's bathtime.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dude shows up with not one, but TWO briefcases.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is bad.&nbsp;&nbsp;Surely he's not going to show us enough stuff that would require two briefcases. He's comes in, puts those down, and we exchange pleasantries. We then head for the basement. This is going well. We explain what part we want finished, what part we don't, and he takes some measurements. Wow, he'll be outta here in 15 minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;We go upstairs, he draws on a sheet of paper what our measurements are, and I'm getting ready for the quote. Lay it on me.

"First let me tell you about our product." My heart sinks. Here we go. This guy pulls out two HUGE binders.&nbsp;&nbsp;He opens the first one to the first page.&nbsp;&nbsp;He basically reads the page to us. "Let me tell you about mold," he says.&nbsp;&nbsp;Turns out this entire binder is on mold. We spend a good 45 minutes "learning" about mold and the effects it good have on our house, all the while thinking how I can teach this guy about my fist and the effects it could have on his face.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Allright, first binder done. I know mold better than I know myself. But it's baby's bath time.&nbsp;&nbsp;I agree to give baby a bath and put her to bed so my wife can continue on with the "presentation."&nbsp;&nbsp;Dude will not go on without both of us there. My wife calmly explained that he can finish the presentation because she's pretty much the decision maker anyway (which is true), but he refuses. He tries to make her watch a video! Are we in preschool?!

30 minutes later, I'm back after baby is sleeping and we continue on with the madness. The second binder comes out. Kill me now. Blah Blah Blah...Owens Corning this and that and the best basement ever and you're stupid if you don't pick this basement. 45 more minutes.&nbsp;&nbsp;Want to know anything about Owens Corning or mold? I'm your man.&nbsp;&nbsp; Then he gets out a sample of what the basement would look like. It actually is a decent product (well, from what I can tell anyway) and it comes in a wide variety of colors. How many colors? 2. That's right. 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;And they're like off-white and cubicle-gray.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ridiculous.&nbsp;&nbsp;I see enough gray walls at work. 

Ok, so I've endured 90 minutes of torture...er....learning about the product, you've measured my basement, treated my wife like a toddler, so do it already. Give me the quote. 

"If you guys have about an hour and 15 minutes, I can right up a quote for you." WTF!!!!?????&nbsp;&nbsp;Are you freaking kidding me? You just wasted my whole night talking about nothing and you need an hour and 15 minutes to write up a quote? Is it because of the crazy dimensions in our basement. It must be awful to finish a SQUARE ROOM.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Well, we tell, politely (can you believe it?) that no, we don't have an hour and 15 minutes, and that he'll need to come back. Now we tell him this knowing full well that we'll call and cancel that @&#36;&* the next day.&nbsp;&nbsp;Well he has to call his "manager" and make sure that's ok. What? Is he gonna get in trouble if he doesn't give us a quote? Am I buying a car where he has to in the back to ask if he can take &#36;100 off?&nbsp;&nbsp;Am I gonna hear "What will it take to get into this basement tonight?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Thinking back, I do remember hearing something along those lines, but I can't remember what and when in the story - oh well. 

Well, thankfully, his manager gives him approval to leave and we reschedule for another night.&nbsp;&nbsp;Then comes this little gem: "Do you mind helping me out to my car with this stuff?" GET THE *&%&#36; OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!! "Sure, no problem."&nbsp;&nbsp;I need to work on being more mean, I guess. 

Well, we did call and cancel. They tried to set up another time but we said we'd call back. So they called back. Every other day. For weeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Man, they just never quit.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you like the experience of buying a car, including haggling the price, and you want to get your basement finished, give Owens Corning a call. If not, STAY AWAY!]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[Proof of residency]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=3</link>
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:01:34 -0400</pubDate>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=3</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[So my son is starting Kindergarten... if only I can prove he lives in the area of the school:

The school calls and tells me to stop by with some sort of government mail or something to prove that we live in our house.&nbsp;&nbsp;I stop by with junk mail from the American Red Cross, a pay stub from my job, mail from the State MVA, official mail from the IRS, and my current valid drivers license.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can you believe that none of these are valid proof of residency?&nbsp;&nbsp;They want a monthly mortgage statement or County tax bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school secretary even showed me the paper listing "valid proofs of residency."&nbsp;&nbsp;While she showing me this, I point to "Official Federal/State Mail."&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes a pen and crosses that off and says, "We can't accept that any more.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school board just changed the rules."

So I'm driving away and I'm thinking, "why would they pick two items that can be mailed to any address?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Think about it... I can mail my county tax bill and mortgage statements to anywhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;PO Box, accountant's home or office, lawyers office, ...anywhere!&nbsp;&nbsp;Then it's obvious; the county school system is collecting home value and property tax information.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is most amazing is that they can get this info on line... tap in the home address and up comes all the info.

Next thing I have to drop off is my son's Social Security card.&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter what anyone says, there is no reason for the school system to need his social security card or number.&nbsp;&nbsp;They didn't need mine and I graduated just fine.&nbsp;&nbsp;They didn't need my dad's and he graduated without one (he got his card right before he got his first job).&nbsp;&nbsp;They probably didn't have yours either.&nbsp;&nbsp;A quick poll of other parents with kids starting school in this state has shown that other counties don't require the students or parents SSN.

What is the school system doing with all this information?&nbsp;&nbsp;I really can't see any good coming from it.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[So my son is starting Kindergarten... if only I can prove he lives in the area of the school:

The school calls and tells me to stop by with some sort of government mail or something to prove that we live in our house.&nbsp;&nbsp;I stop by with junk mail from the American Red Cross, a pay stub from my job, mail from the State MVA, official mail from the IRS, and my current valid drivers license.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can you believe that none of these are valid proof of residency?&nbsp;&nbsp;They want a monthly mortgage statement or County tax bill.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school secretary even showed me the paper listing "valid proofs of residency."&nbsp;&nbsp;While she showing me this, I point to "Official Federal/State Mail."&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes a pen and crosses that off and says, "We can't accept that any more.&nbsp;&nbsp;The school board just changed the rules."

So I'm driving away and I'm thinking, "why would they pick two items that can be mailed to any address?"&nbsp;&nbsp;Think about it... I can mail my county tax bill and mortgage statements to anywhere.&nbsp;&nbsp;PO Box, accountant's home or office, lawyers office, ...anywhere!&nbsp;&nbsp;Then it's obvious; the county school system is collecting home value and property tax information.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is most amazing is that they can get this info on line... tap in the home address and up comes all the info.

Next thing I have to drop off is my son's Social Security card.&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter what anyone says, there is no reason for the school system to need his social security card or number.&nbsp;&nbsp;They didn't need mine and I graduated just fine.&nbsp;&nbsp;They didn't need my dad's and he graduated without one (he got his card right before he got his first job).&nbsp;&nbsp;They probably didn't have yours either.&nbsp;&nbsp;A quick poll of other parents with kids starting school in this state has shown that other counties don't require the students or parents SSN.

What is the school system doing with all this information?&nbsp;&nbsp;I really can't see any good coming from it.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[You can’t “Have it your way”]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=2</link>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jun 2007 23:32:44 -0400</pubDate>
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			<description><![CDATA[My friend Jeff and I go into a BK in Panama City, FL to kill the oppressive 95 degree heat. He orders a cola/soda. I want something colder, so I say I want a chocolate milkshake in one of the giant forty-some-odd ounce cola/soda cups. The lady holds up a 16ish ounce cup and says, “This is a large.” 

“Right, but I want one bigger than that, so can you just fill one of the 40+ ounce cups and just charge me the difference.”

“No, I can’t do that. This is the largest we have,” she shows me the cup again, in case I didn’t catch it the first time.

“Okay, but I’m willing to pay whatever it costs to fill one of those huge cups.”

“I can’t.”

“You can’t sell me multiple milkshakes and put them in a single cup?”

“No. This is the largest I can give you.” Shows me the cup again.

“You’re kidding?”

She rings up a milkshake. “Anything else?”

“You’re telling me you can’t sell me 2 milkshakes and pour them both into one cup? That’s ridiculous.”

“Do you want anything else, sir?”

There’s no one else in line, so I decide I’m not finished with this, yet. “Are you the manager?”

She turns and yells, “Stan! Someone wants to talk to you!”

The manager comes out of the back room looking pretty unhappy. “What?!”

She points at me and walks away.

Stan steps up to the counter and sizes me up. “Yeah?”

“Hi. I just want to buy a couple milkshakes, but I want to have them put in one of those 40 ounce cups.”

Stan holds up a cup. “This is the largest we have.” Cool. I forgot what it looked like.

“Yeah, I want to buy 2 of those, but instead of putting them in two cups like that, put them in the bigger cup.”

“Those are soft drink cups. We can’t serve them in those cups.”

“I’ll pay for the cup.”

“We have no way of knowing how much milkshake is going into the cup.”

At this point Jeff, who has been standing several feet behind me cracking up, leans around me and says, “So you’re saying he can’t ‘have it his way?’”

Then I say, “Yeah, don’t you watch the commercials?”

He just stands there looking at me. 

“You know what? Just give me two chocolate milkshakes.”

Stan lets his hand hover over the keyboard for minute, eying Jeff suspiciously. (Your guess is as good as mine) He types it in, I pay, and he gives me the milkshakes. 

Jeff and I walk out and get in the car. I pull into the drive-thru and order a chocolate milkshake and an extra large cup of water. At the window I pay for the milkshake, ask for a drink tray, take the drinks and park. As I get out of the car, I dump the water on the ground. I walk inside, go up to the counter, open all three milkshakes, pour them into the huge cup, and gulp down the ¼ cup left in the last one. I slide all three empty shake cups across the counter to the woman with her mouth hanging open, pick up my giant milkshake and have it MY way.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[My friend Jeff and I go into a BK in Panama City, FL to kill the oppressive 95 degree heat. He orders a cola/soda. I want something colder, so I say I want a chocolate milkshake in one of the giant forty-some-odd ounce cola/soda cups. The lady holds up a 16ish ounce cup and says, “This is a large.” 

“Right, but I want one bigger than that, so can you just fill one of the 40+ ounce cups and just charge me the difference.”

“No, I can’t do that. This is the largest we have,” she shows me the cup again, in case I didn’t catch it the first time.

“Okay, but I’m willing to pay whatever it costs to fill one of those huge cups.”

“I can’t.”

“You can’t sell me multiple milkshakes and put them in a single cup?”

“No. This is the largest I can give you.” Shows me the cup again.

“You’re kidding?”

She rings up a milkshake. “Anything else?”

“You’re telling me you can’t sell me 2 milkshakes and pour them both into one cup? That’s ridiculous.”

“Do you want anything else, sir?”

There’s no one else in line, so I decide I’m not finished with this, yet. “Are you the manager?”

She turns and yells, “Stan! Someone wants to talk to you!”

The manager comes out of the back room looking pretty unhappy. “What?!”

She points at me and walks away.

Stan steps up to the counter and sizes me up. “Yeah?”

“Hi. I just want to buy a couple milkshakes, but I want to have them put in one of those 40 ounce cups.”

Stan holds up a cup. “This is the largest we have.” Cool. I forgot what it looked like.

“Yeah, I want to buy 2 of those, but instead of putting them in two cups like that, put them in the bigger cup.”

“Those are soft drink cups. We can’t serve them in those cups.”

“I’ll pay for the cup.”

“We have no way of knowing how much milkshake is going into the cup.”

At this point Jeff, who has been standing several feet behind me cracking up, leans around me and says, “So you’re saying he can’t ‘have it his way?’”

Then I say, “Yeah, don’t you watch the commercials?”

He just stands there looking at me. 

“You know what? Just give me two chocolate milkshakes.”

Stan lets his hand hover over the keyboard for minute, eying Jeff suspiciously. (Your guess is as good as mine) He types it in, I pay, and he gives me the milkshakes. 

Jeff and I walk out and get in the car. I pull into the drive-thru and order a chocolate milkshake and an extra large cup of water. At the window I pay for the milkshake, ask for a drink tray, take the drinks and park. As I get out of the car, I dump the water on the ground. I walk inside, go up to the counter, open all three milkshakes, pour them into the huge cup, and gulp down the ¼ cup left in the last one. I slide all three empty shake cups across the counter to the woman with her mouth hanging open, pick up my giant milkshake and have it MY way.]]></content:encoded>
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			<title><![CDATA[My first transient vendor's license...]]></title>
			<link>http://www.customerdisservice.net/forums/showthread.php?tid=1</link>
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 May 2007 23:12:12 -0400</pubDate>
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			<description><![CDATA[I found out 4 days before a convention where I had a booth that to sell my www.sarcasticwear.com t-shirts and my www.alienheadgames.com games at the convention, we have to have a transient vendor's license. I went to the state website and search for it and it sent me to a page the conveniently had the form to print out and a phone number, also for my convenience. So I called the number, explained my situation and asked if this was something I could do online. The lady told me that I could indeed get the license thru their website, but not if I needed it before Friday. So she told me to bring cash or check into the office and they would conveniently have the transient vendor license in my hand when I walked out. I admit I had no disillusions about this being a fast process or a pleasant experience because I'm worked with city people before.

On my lunch break today I go to the address I was given, drive around for 10 minutes to find a parking space, park 4 blocks away and walk to the building in the light rain. Of course, all of this was expected and not a problem.

I get to the building and they're having some sort of "fun day" for the employees…obviously NOT for the customers. The entire building (and what seemed like the content of about 4 others) are all playing corn hole in the lobby and no one will get out of the customers' way. One lady tries to push her way by and no one moves, then someone throws one of the corn bags too hard and almost hits her in the leg. No one apologizes. They just look at her like SHE was in the way. Awesome.

So I maneuver through the maze of 3 of the 4 corn hole games and finally find the "cheese" at the booth I need. The lady looks at my form, slides it back and said, "We do vendor's licenses here."

"Right," says I, "that's what I'm here for."

"No, you need a transient vendor's license."

"Right."

"That's not this building."

This is the part in most of my customer service experiences where I take that long exaggerated deep breath to keep from freaking out going off on whoever is supposed to customer servicing me. "What building is it, then?"

"40 4th street. Fifth floor," looks around me to watch corn hole.

"Okay, how do I get there from here?"

"Sharp exhale. "Go down to Main street, turn left and then back up 4th. It's on the next corner."

Main Street is a one way street turning right only. So I go to the next street, turn left, then go up two corners and park. I walk up another block and find 40 4th street, go in and go to the 5th floor. Nothing here even resembles it. Awesome. Back down in the lobby I ask the guy at the info desk if the taxation office is in this building. "No," he tells me, "it's next door."

"Thanks," I say. "And thanks for not playing cornhole."

"What?"

Next door is 14 4th street. I obviously misheard what she said, so maybe she's just a moderately ridiculous person instead of a totally ridiculous person. I go in and immediately go to the info desk. There are two security guards sitting there, allowing customers the blessed courtesy of interrupting their conversation when their conversation gets to a low point. I wait my turn. Then, "Is this where the taxation office is?"

"No," says Fatty McGaurdshack, shoving something on the end of a fork into his mouth. "But I'll tell you this…you're real close." Then he starts talking to his buddy again.

"Uh…what's that mean?"

"It's across the street." Talks to his buddy some more.

"There are three buildings across the street."

Sharp exhale. Looks at me nodding indignantly. "Yeah…it's the one over there." Points.

I run a binary randomizer real quick to decide whether to jam the fork in his eye or ask WHICH over there he's talking about. "WHICH over there?"

Really deep breath and really sharp exhale, then he snaps, "CENTRE CITY!"

"You're welcome!" and then I'm out the door.

None of these buildings are marked with what's inside them except this one. It's some cut and curl beauty shop or some such nonsense. 40 Main Street. Awe…wait for it…SOME! I get up to the 5th floor and walk into the Department of Taxation. They guy behind the desk takes off his iPod ear buds and says, "Hi." I explain to him that I've been sent to 4 different buildings, received horrible customer service from all involved, I'm 10 minutes late getting back from lunch already and that if he could help me out in even the smallest possible way it might very well keep me from slamming my Explorer into their lobby. I explain all this using different words than these that sounded slightly less threatening.

He says he certainly can help me, but it would take at least 10 minutes. "Right on! Let's do this thing," I say.

Then the fella starts typing and says, "Why didn't you just do this online?"

"Because it's for the convention this weekend and we just found out about it and the lady that answered my call said it would have to be mailed so if I need it before Friday I'd need to come into the office." I'm holding a twenty dollar bill and a five dollar bill now.

"Um…they give you your tax number right one the screen when you do it. That's all you need." Then he points to my hand. "If you don't have a check it's going to take a little longer because we don't handle cash and we have to do a form," he holds up a fancy envelope, "and seal it in one of these."

"Awesome!"]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[I found out 4 days before a convention where I had a booth that to sell my www.sarcasticwear.com t-shirts and my www.alienheadgames.com games at the convention, we have to have a transient vendor's license. I went to the state website and search for it and it sent me to a page the conveniently had the form to print out and a phone number, also for my convenience. So I called the number, explained my situation and asked if this was something I could do online. The lady told me that I could indeed get the license thru their website, but not if I needed it before Friday. So she told me to bring cash or check into the office and they would conveniently have the transient vendor license in my hand when I walked out. I admit I had no disillusions about this being a fast process or a pleasant experience because I'm worked with city people before.

On my lunch break today I go to the address I was given, drive around for 10 minutes to find a parking space, park 4 blocks away and walk to the building in the light rain. Of course, all of this was expected and not a problem.

I get to the building and they're having some sort of "fun day" for the employees…obviously NOT for the customers. The entire building (and what seemed like the content of about 4 others) are all playing corn hole in the lobby and no one will get out of the customers' way. One lady tries to push her way by and no one moves, then someone throws one of the corn bags too hard and almost hits her in the leg. No one apologizes. They just look at her like SHE was in the way. Awesome.

So I maneuver through the maze of 3 of the 4 corn hole games and finally find the "cheese" at the booth I need. The lady looks at my form, slides it back and said, "We do vendor's licenses here."

"Right," says I, "that's what I'm here for."

"No, you need a transient vendor's license."

"Right."

"That's not this building."

This is the part in most of my customer service experiences where I take that long exaggerated deep breath to keep from freaking out going off on whoever is supposed to customer servicing me. "What building is it, then?"

"40 4th street. Fifth floor," looks around me to watch corn hole.

"Okay, how do I get there from here?"

"Sharp exhale. "Go down to Main street, turn left and then back up 4th. It's on the next corner."

Main Street is a one way street turning right only. So I go to the next street, turn left, then go up two corners and park. I walk up another block and find 40 4th street, go in and go to the 5th floor. Nothing here even resembles it. Awesome. Back down in the lobby I ask the guy at the info desk if the taxation office is in this building. "No," he tells me, "it's next door."

"Thanks," I say. "And thanks for not playing cornhole."

"What?"

Next door is 14 4th street. I obviously misheard what she said, so maybe she's just a moderately ridiculous person instead of a totally ridiculous person. I go in and immediately go to the info desk. There are two security guards sitting there, allowing customers the blessed courtesy of interrupting their conversation when their conversation gets to a low point. I wait my turn. Then, "Is this where the taxation office is?"

"No," says Fatty McGaurdshack, shoving something on the end of a fork into his mouth. "But I'll tell you this…you're real close." Then he starts talking to his buddy again.

"Uh…what's that mean?"

"It's across the street." Talks to his buddy some more.

"There are three buildings across the street."

Sharp exhale. Looks at me nodding indignantly. "Yeah…it's the one over there." Points.

I run a binary randomizer real quick to decide whether to jam the fork in his eye or ask WHICH over there he's talking about. "WHICH over there?"

Really deep breath and really sharp exhale, then he snaps, "CENTRE CITY!"

"You're welcome!" and then I'm out the door.

None of these buildings are marked with what's inside them except this one. It's some cut and curl beauty shop or some such nonsense. 40 Main Street. Awe…wait for it…SOME! I get up to the 5th floor and walk into the Department of Taxation. They guy behind the desk takes off his iPod ear buds and says, "Hi." I explain to him that I've been sent to 4 different buildings, received horrible customer service from all involved, I'm 10 minutes late getting back from lunch already and that if he could help me out in even the smallest possible way it might very well keep me from slamming my Explorer into their lobby. I explain all this using different words than these that sounded slightly less threatening.

He says he certainly can help me, but it would take at least 10 minutes. "Right on! Let's do this thing," I say.

Then the fella starts typing and says, "Why didn't you just do this online?"

"Because it's for the convention this weekend and we just found out about it and the lady that answered my call said it would have to be mailed so if I need it before Friday I'd need to come into the office." I'm holding a twenty dollar bill and a five dollar bill now.

"Um…they give you your tax number right one the screen when you do it. That's all you need." Then he points to my hand. "If you don't have a check it's going to take a little longer because we don't handle cash and we have to do a form," he holds up a fancy envelope, "and seal it in one of these."

"Awesome!"]]></content:encoded>
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