What a shame. There is much to be said about how people treat and respect others. Darnell Sanders, owner of NFL Tree Service, came to my home to give me an estimate on the trimming of three trees. I also asked for an estimate on removal of those trees for cost comparison. I was connected to his company through First Energy's Tree Service. I have been getting estimates from others, which is standard and good practice.
So, everything starting going south when I told him what I wanted and started asking him questions. He was very rude and condescending, telling me at one point that "I've been doing this for fifteen years; of course you wouldn't understand," when I asked him why it was easier to remove a tree rather than trim it. Really? Very disrespectful and unprofessional conduct. To dismiss a potential customer in that manner was completely uncalled for behavior. But it gets worst.
When I told him I wouldn't remove a tree if there was nothing wrong with it in the course of the conversation, he took out his phone and said, "Let me read the estimate to you." I told him, "I don't need you to read the estimate to me. I'm the one who asked for it."
He then said, "I'm not interested. Okay?" And walked away from me. I said, "Okay. You have a great day."
He then accused me of "fighting with him." What?! I asked him a question as any intelligent consumer should do when she is about to spend thousands of dollars. I said to him, "No one's fighting with you. I can't ask you a question?" I told him I asked for a comparison (between the cost of trimming vs. removal), and he said, "I gave it to you. I was just doing what I was asked to do."
No, Mr. Sanders, you were just being disrespectful, rude, and condescending. That you think you can talk to people in that manner and treat them in that way and still get business is very interesting. Until you learn how to treat people, no one should do business with you. See, I did not know who you were, and you did not know who I was. But that did not change the way I treated you. Every person I encounter, I treat with respect. I don't tell them what they don't know and how much I do, even if it's true. What purpose does that serve except to prop myself up and put them down? That's who you are, and your actions today betrayed you.
After you walked off and got in your car, you called me to tell me a tip about the oak tree. You wanted to tell me something after the fact that you could have said to me in my backyard, except you were being too nasty to do so. I told you how rude and unprofessional you were directly. So, you are aware of my feelings about this matter. But it is equally important that others know about your conduct if they value respect, dignity, and professionalism--none of which you showed. Had you taken a closer look, you would have recognized the importance of these values to me. But I guess you know that now. To those who embrace their humanity, never spend your money where you are not treated with respect. read more
