I took 47 blankets to have a company logo embroidered on them. I provide a print out of the logo with specific directions. I even brought a similar blanket that we did years back so the owner (Timothy) can see how the end product should look like. He said that the font will not be identical but the logo shouldn't be a problem. So I agreed and gave him the job. When I picked up the blankets a few days later, the nightmare began:
(1) POOR QUALITY - The logo has 3 words. 2 were OK at best but 1 is completely UNREADABLE (see pic). I asked why it turned out this way. Timothy said it's because of the material.
A quick search online turns up tons of results (and even videos) how to embroider on fluffy blankets. Clearly this shop is not using the same techniques, is using inferior equipment, don't have the in-house skills to do the job right and/or don't care. After all, I did bring a sample of a near identical blanket and the logo on it was clean and crisp so obviously it's not the material.
(2) DISHONEST - I gave Timothy my credit card but specifically asked that he not run it until I finish doing a random check on the blankets. Upon doing so, I quickly realized that there was no way we can send these to clients so I asked Timothy what else can be done. He said the stitches can't be taken off so he offered a discount. Ordinarily, that would be great but being that we'd have to eat the cost of all 47 blankets and buy a new set (costing over $1k) - a small discount simply made no sense.
So not only was he not offering a solution for the 47 blankets that he ruined but he wanted me to pay for his services when I'm clearly dissatisfied with the result. To make matters worse, I find out that he ran the credit card without my consent. Who does this?
(3) NASTY DUDE - This section I don't even know what to call. After telling Timothy that I think he's running a dishonest business, he charges outside to my truck, opens the tailgate and takes one of the boxes and carries it back into his shop. Timothy was raging so I grab my phone and turn on the video. With it pointing at him, I calmly go inside the store and asked why he took one of the boxes. Yelling, he says that if I'm not paying for his service then those blankets are his. Unbelievable. This is like a Jerry Springer episode so with a smirk (in disbelief), I said please send me the invoice and I'm going to grab my box now.
Timothy then stands in front of the box, yells profanity at me then of all things, gets up on my face and makes contact with me with his forearm. As calmly as I could, I then asked that he please not touch me again and reminded him that all this was on video. The camera after all was pointed towards him the entire time. His wife did her best to stop and calm him down. This obviously wasn't the first time he's had a tantrum like this. He kept yelling at her (not winning Husband of the Year Award)! At one point, I even asked her to call the police because I didn't know what Timothy would do next. For an encore, he mentions a racial epithet. Again, it's on video.
Needless to say, I walk out shaking my head. We had already agreed that we would see each other in court to get a ruling on the service rendered (albeit poorly done). This sh*t show however, may quicken that further.
As business owners ourselves, my wife and I make a huge effort to support fellow local entrepreneurs. My wife sits on the board of multiple organizations promoting local businesses. More than ever, it's tough to survive especially for mom and pop establishments. Even those doing everything right struggle let alone businesses who treats customers this way. I am not a fan of dishing out 1 stars (zero if I could on this matter). You can see that on my history of reviews but Timothy's actions were so blatantly wrong on every level. It not only bypass normal customer service protocols but it borders criminality: taking a box from my vehicle without my permission (breaking & entering), intimidating me to sign the credit card receipt (harassment) and making contact with me (battery) while in his store. The racial slur may not be illegal but it sure is just as troubling.
To be fair, we had chosen this shop because they were local, fairly priced, had good reviews and sounded pleasant on the phone. Unfortunately, we didn't know it also comes with anger issues. At the end, I feel that Timothy was given many chances to make this right but he failed on all accounts. He's obviously done good work in the past (based on his reviews) but he definitely had an off day. I mean there's nothing wrong with a business screwing up an order. It happens. Sometimes you lose money but better that than losing customers and ultimately, the trust of the community that you serve. If nothing else, I hope this serves as a reminder that owning a business is a great privilege and should never be taken for granted.
As for the blankets, they will be donated to a charity that we support. read more