Seems that anytime I transact business anymore, there are "issues". Delayed service, errors, etc.
Is this a worsening problem in the United States, or, am I just noticing it more in my "old age"?
It's rare that we go to a restaurant and get good service. Just last night, we were at a nice restaurant, the waitress forgot our silverware and gave us the wrong check. This is just one example, but, I would say without exaggeration that over half of any of our purchases, transactions etc. result in errors or problems, and, we have to check behind almost everything ....
Wow, I thought it was just me. The past few months nothing has gone right wherever I shop. Places I could depend upon in the past...very poor customer service...mistakes rampant, service inadequate in many areas. Excuses, excuses. I shake my head at the "reasons" being offered.
Last week when I had my car mini-detailed by Honda, it was so nasty when I picked it up, I called the owner with whom I have enjoyed a very sweet and prideful relationship. He said I wasn't the only one who called to complain about the issue and just that day, had told the service department to stop offering mini-detailing. He said he can't find people to do it right. He said these days, few employees take pride in the job he is paying them to do.
It would take too long to go into the lousy situation at the deli at my once favorite store. "She didn't know....she is just covering for someone else while they are at lunch. " ( why wasn't she told? ) Instead they are complaining of their union wages being maxed out because they have reached "journeymen" status. NO raise in sight.
Horrible service at Rite-Aid. Forget "hello" and "thank you." I have begun, at the end of my service to those who have not said those things to say, "you're welcome." Then MAYBE a reluctant "thank you."
Even Amazon, with whom I have enjoyed a "love-fest" for many years: "Oh, that shipment will be delayed...sorry." Way too often these days. Also in spite of there being some wonderful private vendors on Amazon, there are of late, some awful ones. They won't even respond to your first inquiry. You have to write twice, then you get no decent attitude. I will only purchase something Amazon has in stock, these days.
I have purchased two new Honda automobiles in 6 years from our local Honda dealer who offers free car-washing in perpetuity, as a grateful incentive, just to be told by the owner the other day, "we are phasing out the free car-wash. "Can't find anyone to do it without complaints from customers." I said, but Mike, the reason I have my car
serviced here is to show gratitude for the free, 4 times a year, for me, car-wash. I questioned " what is going on here...is business bad"....he responded, "business is great." Just can't get anyone to work, in spite of decent compensation. ( for no-skill jobs )
I could go on. I was just thinking the other day, "is this all just happening to me, or is it prevalent?" I do live in a small ( non-college ) town and good workers are hard to come by, but in the past, I have had great service which includes great attitudes. No more. I find better service when dealing with kids in college towns and working to support their goals.
The owner of Honda told me he would continue free car-washing for me, and to call him in advance as he would find someone there to do it. This after I said Oil Can Henry's would be where I go for oil changes, etc. Right...I feel so much better. Actually I am dreading the experience. I do wish I had a garage as the sea salt here really eats into your car's paint-job when left out in the elements 24/7. I used to be so proud of the customer service at Honda but no longer. I have a dark feeling in the pit of my stomach when thinking of having to need our local Honda dealership now. Really makes me sad. My loyalty to Honda because of the owner, is something I no longer feel.
Bonzi...another great thread. Thank you so much.
