I have been going to Allpets for nearly twenty years, and I do very much like the Vets and most of the staff, but the business side has turned me off.
My rescue dog needed some expensive dental work, and with the Vet being unsure exactly what it would run until she was under anesthetic I did have some concern about the cost. I work in education and I make, like so many people, live closer to the bone then I would like. But I would never let my dog suffer so I merely inquired about payments, or splitting the bill.
"yeah, we have some financing options"
No problem, I went in and set up an appointment. Talk to the girl at the desk-
"Hey, I wanted to check, is it okay if I pay half the bill when I pick her up, and the other half two weeks later on my second monthly check."
"yeah, that is no problem."
Mind you, there is a big red sign next to the register that says "All payments are to be made at time services are rendered unless prior arrangements are made."
So I make my appointment. I take my dog in, all goes well, I go to pick her up.
300$
Cool. I got 200+ dollars in cash in my hand. I tell the woman at the desk I had arranged to split the bill, but I'll pay 200 now and the other 100 on the 15th.
"oh, I can't do that, did they have you sign something?"
"No, but I can do that." I prepare to wait for paperwork.
I have to call my boss, only she can do that.
Sigh. Cool, I'll wait.
And then I talk to the woman who has seen me come into this place for twenty years. And she tells me they don't do that anymore, and that she wants the name of who approved that.
"Well, whoever made the appointment. Why do you have a sign up then?"
"what sign?"
I read the sign verbatim to her, staring at it.
And she repeats "well we really don't do that anymore. I'm sorry."
And then It is suggested that maybe I pay something else later, or pay out of savings, or post-date a check...
I can't remember the last time I used a physical check.
So, I have them run my debit and take the 100$ and I explain to the lady at the register that I will be contacting to get my dog's records because I will not be returning after being so utterly insulted.
I get you have to run a business, but in a small town, you had better be good to the people who patron your business. read more