I purchased a Groupon for a service I was genuinely excited about booking after reading many…read morepositive reviews about this spa, two Groupons actually, one intended as a gift. The number listed on Groupon was incorrect, so I had to hunt down the right contact number. I left a voicemail and received no response after waiting for days. I tried to book online, the website was faulty. I sent a detailed email, and again, no response. I finally messaged the spa through Facebook as my last attempt to open any line of communication.
When someone called me back shortly after I sent the Facebook message, I was ecstatic, thinking I was about to book my reflexology appointment. As soon as I heard the person on the other end, I noticed that her tone was off. Soon after she began speaking I got the impression that she was annoyed as she was a short with me. The moment she confirmed I had the Groupon, she immediately informed me she was no longer accepting Groupon clients. I believe she said she was "at capacity and only works one day at the location, and she already told Groupon this," then, she dismissed me by directing me to contact Groupon for a refund. I was at a loss for words and disappointed that after all my efforts, I wasn't going to get the service I was looking forward to, and this woman could not care less. I didn't argue, I wasn't rude. Fifty eight seconds, that's how long the call was, not even a full minute of her time. One might speculate I was collateral damage for her annoyance with Groupon.
This short interaction lacked professionalism, empathy, and kindness at the lowest level. She presented zero regard for the runaround and my time spent for trying to redeem a voucher I paid for. I was treated as though I was insignificant once she realized I was in the Groupon category of people.
Here is what makes this experience especially frustrating: this is someone whose services focus on positivity, balance, and helping others. Yet the energy projected on that call was negative and unkind. Opposite of helpful and healing. The irony is hard to ignore.
Every interaction should matter, especially when you are claiming to promote balance and well-being. Kindness, professionalism, and empathy should never be conditional. People rarely remember every word you say to them, but they always remember how you made them feel and how you treated them. It doesn't cost anything to be kind, especially if it's only for fifty eight seconds.
