I am writing this review about the store 680 - Costco store at Bunker Hill in Houston, specifically regarding the conduct of two managers, Tino and Soyoun, who were extremely rude and unprofessional, as well as the cashier who was extremely careless.
It is extremely disappointing that this store has continued decline in customer service with some new people on the management team. I have been a loyal customer and Executive Member at this store for over a decade, but my recent experiences have become increasingly negative.
During my most recent visit, a cashier mistakenly charged me three times for a single item priced at $108. Despite my repeated requests for her to double-check the transaction, she refunded only one of the extra charges, leaving me still double-charged. I then had to spend an additional 10 minutes reviewing my receipt and recounting my items, and finally went to the employee checking receipts at the door for confirmation (that person was very helpful). This level of carelessness from the cashier is unacceptable, especially for such a large and reputable retailer.
What made the situation worse was the response I received from the management team. When I asked for assistance from a manager named Tino, he processed the refund but became noticeably defensive when I explained that the burden of catching these errors should not fall on the customer. He never offered an apology. Instead, he insisted he had already apologized to the second person who came out. He spoke to me in an angry tone and repeatedly said, "It's already refunded. It's resolved, OK? Everyone makes mistakes." His tone and attitude were both rude and unprofessional. It was not only what he said, but how he said it--he rolled his eyes dramatically, as if trying to intimidate me.
I then requested to speak with the store manager, and someone named Soyoun came out. This individual also responded defensively when I explained what had happened, even after I noted that an appropriate response would have been something like, "I'm sorry--this should not have happened, and I will address it with the staff." Instead, Soyoun repeated herself, " we resolved it; the issue is resolved; now you're just talking down to me." This person's tone was equally rude, dismissive, and unprofessional." Individuals with this mentality are entirely unsuited for the retail industry, where customer satisfaction is key to success. The truth is, the issue was NOT resolved by them. I had to personally investigate and identify the error. Had I not been vigilant, I would have been charged twice for the same item. I expect the management to take full responsibility for this oversight rather than responding defensively or offensively."
I am genuinely at a loss for why both managers reacted so defensively when I was the one who was triple-charged for an expensive item and had just spent an significant amount in the store. Rather than receiving support or even a basic acknowledgment of the inconvenience, I was met with hostility. I tried to speak with the General Manager, but he was not available, so I am reaching out directly to the corporate for assistance.
It is clear that this store would benefit greatly from improved customer service training at all levels. No customer should be made to feel dismissed or disrespected--especially when raising a legitimate concern about errors caused by staff carelessness and mishandled by management. Moreover, they obviously forgot that their job security depends on customers' satisfaction which leads to a steady store revenue... It is especially concerning given that the management team is the very group that benefits the most when the store meets its quarterly sales targets.
I recommend double-checking your purchase records, given that the store's behavior raises concerns about accountability and customer service." read more