Perhaps off topic, but this may help and protect some readers.
I ordered a CD through Amazon's systems whereby one can pre-order
material, and when one of their partner dealers locates the item,
it's billed and sent direct to the customer.
The CD had been wet, and arrived with the glossy-paper booklet stuck
together like one piece of cardboard. I can't get it open to read it.
The back page was stuck to the CD, so I can't read the CD label. The
"crystal box" was broken.
I complained to Amazon twice, with no response. The third time I used
some rather forceful language (not swear words, just clearly telling
them what I thought of them) which got a reply, but not really a
response: a lengthy form letter from "Customer Relations", which
basically said they had no control over their third parties. Read:
"Tough luck, Charley! Better luck next time!" 'Customer Relations',
hah! They clearly have no idea what the words and concept mean.
I've dealt with other similar situations on the Internet where the
go-between immediately contacted their errant dealer, solved the
problem, and had a refund sent to me within a day.
So there won't be a next time with Amazon. I'm canceling all existing
pre-orders with them, and told them clearly I will never deal with
Amazon again. I realize that won't phase them a bit, but even that
large industry gets its customers one order at a time. For not caring
about one lousy CD, they've lost a customer, and one who believes in
being vocal about such things. I commend people who go out of their
way, but also complain when the opposite occurs.
As the old business adage goes, "If you like our service, please tell
your friends. If you don't, please tell us". I live by that.
I report this to you all in the hope that it will save you good readers
from similar trashing at their hands. "Caveat Emptor", which means
"you're dealing with an empty cave instead of brains"!
I can add this one more example of what NOT to do dealing with one's
customers in business, to others I've used, doing and teaching in 30+
years of Marketing, Public Relations, and Customer Relations.
Lee Munsick
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