Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 10:45:08 -0700
Reply-To: Ron 'Coyote' Lussier <coyote@MACROMEDIA.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ron 'Coyote' Lussier <coyote@MACROMEDIA.COM>
Subject: Re: Bashing vendors on the list
In-Reply-To: <20000413220244.13159.qmail@web302.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> Nothing personal, but as you said, you are not a list
> moderator, so don't try to be one. If you don't like
> it, fine. Tell someone. Or hit the delete key. If
> the real list moderators perceive a problem they
> aren't scared to jump in.
This is generally true, though the list moderators try to let the list tend
itself whenever possible. Personally, I ignore off-topic posts since the
list usually 'self-corrects' within a day or so.
> What exactly is wrong with discussing bad customer
> service on the list just because the object of the
> discussion happens to frequent the list? No one seems
> to have any qualms about bashing non-list vendors with
> impunity.
As a big believer in customer service, I tend to support people bringing bad
experiences to the fore. I expect that responsible vendors will rectify the
problem and post their solutions to the list.
On the other hand, I don't expect *personal disputes* such as billing
problems or wrong part shipments to be posted to the list unless the victim
has made a sincere effort to work these problems out. Errors do happen. A
good company will make every effort to fix them. A good customer will give
the company the chance to do right.
> The last time I called and got a phone operator, I
> asked for Ron. I told them it was because the last few
> times the person that answered the phone was
> absolutely no help. They told me Ron was too busy,
> and proceeded to be (once again) absolutely no help.
> Fine.
>
> Then I called Ken, and (assumption) his wife told me
> he was working on his van and couldn't be disturbed.
> Also fine.
I like Ron and am a (fairly satisfied) customer of Bus Depot. It pains me
to hear of people having problems with his service. I also like Ken and his
company. But these two people are just two. They cannot do everything, and
must be allowed to have personal lives. Unfortunately, that means that they
must trust their business to others. Anyone who's ever started a company
knows how hard that can be. And anyone who's ever started a business knows
that *NO ONE* does as good a job as you do. They don't have to... it's not
their company. Unfortunately, that's just the way things are.
> That's when I called the dealership in Denver, who was
> happy to thumb through the Bentley with me, and found
> the part on a back shelf for $5 cheaper than the list
> vendor.
It pays to shop around.
> It's nothing personal at all. The times I have called
> or emailed Ron he has been extremely helpful and
> pleasant. The same with Ken. He is an invaluable
> asset to the list. 75% of the time they have the best
> prices, and good service.
I agree. That's why I shop with them.
> It is business. Pure and simple. If you don't want
> my money, and aren't willing to give me the service I
> demand, then I can find someone who will. Hell,
> anymore I can find 10 people who will. With the
> advent of the web, it is a consumers market.
Excellent (and true) attitude.
> Go ahead and flame me - I have nothing better to do
> tonight than reply to rants :)
No flaming necessary ...
Coyote
-- /\_/\ ____
Ron 'Coyote' Lussier ( ) \ _/__
coyote@macromedia.com \ / \X / 1991 Syncro Westy 'Francis'
1.650.481.4847 \_/ \/ San Francisco, CA