Customer Service rant

Rob9874

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 1999
3,314
1
81
Sorry, I've just been fuming mad recently about poor customer service, and need a place to voice my opinions. What better place than ATOT? After reading about the waitress who demanded a 15% tip, I can't take it anymore. I need to write an editorial to the newspaper, because business owners need to hear this.

I recently rented a U-Haul, and was given a truck with no AC, when the side of the truck CLEARLY advertises "Air-Conditioned". It was 110 this week, so no AC is completely unacceptable. Also, they charged me for dollies and furniture pads, which I never used. And then, they said the tank was full, and I needed to fill it up. Well, when I filled up, the gauge went WAY pat the FULL line, and a 21 mile trip cost me $27 in gas. I went into the store, and the manager was very rude to me, and was not interested in settling the dispute. I wrote a LONG letter to U-Haul corporate customer service (via planetfeedback.com, a GREAT site), and was offered a measley $20 gift certificate.

Why do businesses think they can treat you this way? Why do they think they deserve your money? I can go elsewhere, but I choose to spend my money with them. I work hard for my money, and there's not alot to go around. Yet if someone's selling something, they think you need it and you'll pay anything, and endure anything to get it. The U-Haul thing is just one example of a long string of horrible experiences I've had over the past 6 months. And waitresses demanding 15% tip? Get real!

From now on, I need a good reason to give someone my money. And if they can't convince me, then they don't get it. I used to not bother with complaining about poor service, but now I'm complaining left and right at the slightest mishap. Call me a jerk, but if I'm giving you my money, I'd better damn well think it was worth it.

[Slightly shortened for nater]
 

Toasthead

Diamond Member
Aug 27, 2001
6,621
0
0
U Haul sucks @ss. I use Penske for my moves. They actually WANT and appreciate your business.

 

Derango

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2002
3,113
1
0
Originally posted by: nater
cliff notes version?

Here's the basic outline :)

Standard "I'm fuming mad" paragraph

ordered U-haul
side of truck said airconditioned but wasn't
charged him for using moving equipment when he didnt
told him to fill up the tank, was almost full when started, cost $27
wrote letter to U-haul HQ, got offered $20 gift certificate.

Standard "why do busniess think they can treat you this way" stuff

Now needs a good reason to give someone money
 

kranky

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
21,020
156
106
Unfortunately, U-Haul is well-known for being terrible in all aspects. They know you'll only use them rarely anyway, so they don't care. On the bright side, you got a truck when you wanted one. There are lots of times people go to pick up a truck they reserved, and are told there's no record of any reservation, sorry.
 

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
9,506
2
81
Originally posted by: kranky
Unfortunately, U-Haul is well-known for being terrible in all aspects. They know you'll only use them rarely anyway, so they don't care. On the bright side, you got a truck when you wanted one. There are lots of times people go to pick up a truck they reserved, and are told there's no record of any reservation, sorry.

Thats exactly what uhaul did when I was helping the old g/f move. A truck was reserved but they didn't have it and didn't seem to care.
 

Rob9874

Diamond Member
Nov 7, 1999
3,314
1
81
Yeah, that happened to me a few years ago with U-Haul. But this isn't about U-Haul, per se. That was just the most recent example. I get poor service everywhere I go. Businesses need to be reminded of the value of a customer. Show me that you appreciate my business.
 

Ladies Man

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,775
0
76
Most businesses do care... The problem is the workers that are hired... Hard to hire good, caring workers when the pay isn't that high.

"It's not that I'm lazy, it's that I just don't care."
 

Sundog

Lifer
Nov 20, 2000
12,342
1
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U-Haul is total SUCK!!! The only time I use them is when I need a trailer.

I second the Penske...they have much nicer up to date vehicles that are kept in good shape.
 

BigSmooth

Lifer
Aug 18, 2000
10,484
12
81
Originally posted by: Toasthead
U Haul sucks @ss. I use Penske for my moves. They actually WANT and appreciate your business.
I agree 100%. Penske is a far better value in every way.
 

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Mar 5, 2001
49,601
167
111
www.slatebrookfarm.com
I'll third or fourth that opinion... Penske

But, EXPECT to pay 15% if the service is adequate. If you don't, you're being cheap, and, believe it or not, businesses *don't* want customers like that.
Of course, if the service is terrible, not 15%. But, again.... adequate service = 15%. Anything less, and you deserve poor service the next time, like it or not, that's the way it is. The world doesn't follow your idea of reality.