Usually good, but unfortunately my recent experience hurt...
I use Red Dot because of the 45min time frame policy from when you call ready to go, to when you leave the airport. On my recent trip, I called at 7:17-7:18 and departed at 8:13 - let's say 10 minutes later than the 45min policy. Not a huge issue, but it was what happened after that's of concern:
When we were picked up, the other passenger had already been waiting for an hour. I asked driver what the company policy was regarding not making it in the 45 min time frame. His initial response was that the original vehicle had broken down - which was a blatant lie. He then said that he'd been caught in traffic - ok, possible, but traffic should be pretty predictable for a company that does this for a living. The driver continued to say that Red Dot isn't his main job (a lie later clarified by the company management), that he didn't know the company policy (again a lie clarified by the operator) and if we had an issue that we should take it up with management. To which I replied that I would call the operator.
After saying that I'd call the operator, the driver started getting heated and stated that if I didn't like the service, I could GET OUT. Until that time, the conversation wasn't heated and no one had raised their voices. He stepped on the breaks and started pulling over the van on a random stretch of road, yelling that he's "not going to take sh**t" from me."
I told him to continue driving and not start playing games with me. The other passenger can confirm that I never got mad or raised my voice to the driver.
Thereafter, I called the operator and reported the incident. The operator apologized and said that he'd make a note and that I could call back on Monday to file a complaint. I spoke in front of the driver, who then complained that he'd get a 1 week suspension. To be honest, I think that's pretty light for arriving late and threatening to kick me out of the car. Later, while driving, the driver called a friend or family member and started complaining about and criticizing me to them - as if to taunt me.
I filed a complaint with management the following week. They were basically supportive and apologetic, but never offered any reimbursement. When I raised getting a reimbursement for incident, the attitude changed. They basically said that stuff happens, but asked what I thought was a reasonable reimbursement. I responded that I too ran a service company and if one of my employees threaten to kick a customer out, I would reimburse the entire service. He responded that that was unreasonable and offered me $20 off.
In the end, I don't care about the money - it was a business expense - but rather their commitment to service. Money talks, and if $20 was their value, clearly such an incident wasn't a significant service problem for them.
To Red Dot: I sincerely recommend that you have clear policies for what happens if the time frame is missed. It will make everything more straight forward for you, your drivers, and the customers. Getting into petty discussions after the fact doesn't do any good for anyone's blood pressure. Back your words by something concrete and it will make you the premier shuttle company. read more