I looked at this company website after finding them on Yelp this week and noticed they were in Baltimore no big deal these days most transactions can be done over the phone or package shipping no issues. I called and left a voicemail message then went to website and clicked online quote.
I requested a cartoon airbrush design of a picture without the original background and requested what I wanted in the background figured it would be freestyle to create what I was looking for.
In return I was asked when I needed I stated Saturday then told their establishment would be closed until next Wednesday and design would take the artist two weeks. Ok no worries I thought. I asked how much so we can get the show on the road.
Then I got another email stated if I'll bring the garments still their inventory was low and had only T-shirt since I live an hour away I was fine with the shirts they have or would be able to order no problem I thought since their would be no need for me to drive there until it's time to pick up order.
Then another email stating "I can do heat transfer photos with airbrush words around this but not for this weekened.. maybe next weekend"
I requested a cartoon like airbrush of the pic (sent in a email) to be airbrushed. The full picture without the brick background.
Then another email stating "I can do heat transfer photos with airbrush words around.
Nope I didn't like that idea since I wanted the picture I sent as a cartoon airbrush design. As the customer that's what I wanted and that was the purpose of the quote. Right so I thought.
Then I was emailed this "hmmm let me see if my artist could do a "cartoon" of this image.. just of his face and shoulders?
Nope the whole person head to toe just like the picture I sent.
I stated again "I'd like a full body cartoon with full details.
Then I was told in email "What are you expecting to pay for this? Budget? I will not get into this if your price is too low.. I won't even send to artists to consider.
So my response was "I'm applaud...wow
I've sent a photo and made a request for a quote. That was the purpose of sending per your request, now being asked what's the budget typical an establishment would set the price and customer pays....simple!
Thanks for wasting my time with poor customer service.
Since I'm a Yelp professional reviewer I'll be sure to take screen shots of these emails for other customers to see and NOT WASTE TIME!!!!!!
Then I got this back via email "Miss Lovely.
I have recently invested a ton of time with clients whose expectations that were unreasonable. So it think it's best to get an idea of what the customer's budget is before getting too many people involved. I find that saves everyone time.
If you find that offensive, then I'm sorry. I try to accomodate and give people great service and have been known for that.
I hope you find what you need.
All the best,
Myrta
Then I responded:
Words of advice....make it clear to customers to add that you require them to state a budget.
This is not my area of expertise with airbrushing, the cost was not an issue at all. My issue is the layers of trying to minimize my request and then being rude and stating I need to provide a budget.
I walked into this with requesting a quote that's the purpose of a quote.
Remember this is on your establishment website.
It's that simple!
I'm the customer requesting a service I'll deal with the cost you deal with the service request! Again just that simple.
Customer service is not your best attribute!
And this:
Actually if you knew me better and my email had been better phrased (now that I reread it, it does sound rude and I apologize for that... caught me at a stressed moment and I should have waited to reply), I think you would find that opinion would change. But I can't undue it now, I do wish you the best again.
Well intended words of advice are always welcomed.
And this email:
Do what you feel is just. Everybody has bad days...
It was a bad moment for me. : (
My response via Yelp since e I'm sure Myrta Byrum will read this.
I was a willing customer to pay for air work. I'm seeking from northern Virginia and cost wasn't a concern getting what I requested was my priority...like the saying you get what you pay for....As a customer I know what I want and requested just that for a reason.
Lost willing to pay customer.....I believe in art and a true supporter of time and attention to detail.
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