I just want to start this off by saying I did not want to feel the anger I do towards Brant's Clothing, but it was not my choice. I did not want to stoop to this level. But here I am.
I had to write a paper about a business for a journalism class, so I went online to find a local place that looked interesting. When I came across the Brant's Clothing mention on the City of Liberty website, my interested was caught. Like most people, I am a sports fan, so naturally I thought Brant's Clothing would be something worth considering. It is not.
I called Brant's Clothing's number and was greeted by a man's voice: "Brant's Clothing" was all he said. I suppose the pleasantry of a "hello" is a luxury reserved only for those foolish enough to spend their hard-earned income at the store in person.
"Brant's Clothing," he said. I responded by saying hello, giving my name, and stating my simple business of being in school and having to write a paper. I asked the man if I could speak to a manager about an interview for my paper, and the voice on the phone bluntly and rudely stated, "No, I'm not interested in an interview. Thanks for calling."
Of course, I was surprised by the harsh verbal roadblock this man laid out in front of me, so I asked "I'm sorry?" But clarification or explanation was not was I was given. Instead I was given an impolite and rushed repetition of the statement. "No. I'm not interested in an interview."
The thing is, I believe very strongly in the freedom of commerce; for businesses to have the right to conduct themselves how they see fit. But, what I am not in support of is customer service of the nature that I experienced today.
An owner of a business certainly has every right to deny an interview, and who's to say that "can't" be rude while doing it? But that interaction left me feeling completely ignored, undervalued, and disrespected.
That man can live his life however he wants, but today it was my path he crossed. It was my mood he disturbed and my project he gave me no help with. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow it will be your child that goes into Brant's Clothing, searching the racks for that number 15 Chiefs t-shirt. I have no idea how this man would address or treat other customers, but I certainly hope the treatment I received today is not an indication of how he conducts himself on a daily basis.
No, actually. You know what? I do hope he goes around speaking to people the way he spoke to me today. I hope he carries that ignorant and dismissive attitude into an interaction with someone who can actually tell him off to his face. That's all I can say on the matter. Any more would make me as bad as him.
I will pray for whomever that man is, and hopefully he turns himself around. read more
