On Sunday 16th July 2017, at around 2 p.m., I walked into the Bourke Street store to ask about what post-paid plans they had for a iPad. The woman at the service desk (who claims to be the manager) asked me for my name as she is about to type it into her own iPad. I tell her that I am inquiring for my wife, and it's not for me.
"Is your wife here?'
"No, I just need to see what plans you have."
"I can't do that without a name."
"Why do I need to give you my name when it's not even for me? I just want to see what plans you have and pass on the information to her."
"Sir, you're being aggressive." (I was perfectly calm and speaking in low voice).
"I'm sorry," I said, "but I am actually not aggressive, not shouting at you and speaking at normal volume. You are asking me for my name, and I told you it was not for me but my wife, and all I want is what plans you have."
No information. She keeps on arguing with me, after which I said," Can I speak to the manager?"
"I am the manager."
"I'm sorry, but do you actually have training in costumer service because you are incredibly rude."
"I am no rude."
"You are arguing with me instead of just providing the information I am asking or explaining why you can't provide me with the information."
We debate a little longer. I asked her for her name so I can put a formal complaint. She turns around and walks away from me.
I've dealt with Vodafone, the nice people at the Swanson Street Virgin Mobile store, and the Optus store on Chapel Street. All friendly and professional.
This so-called manager on Sundays at the Bourke Street store should never be the face of Telstra at the store. Millions of dollars on advertising, customer ready to do business, and we have to deal with rude and incompetent customer service of this nature - and from the Sunday store manager, not one of the service staff.
Let's just say for argument sake that I might have been a difficult customer - guess what, Ms Manager at Bourke Street Telstra store? You are supposed to be the PROFESSIONAL. It's your job. Handle customers with care and respect and you'll get the same in return. Give them information when they ask for prices and plans instead of arguing with them about giving away their names. Hello, privacy? If I am not a Telstra customer yet, I don't need to give you my name and contact details. I have no need to be bombarded by telemarketing calls. Just the information I asked would have been fine so I can pass it on to my wife, and she can make an educated decision.
Telstra is now off my list for me, my wife, and I will tell everyone I know to not bother. Telstra has one of the highest levels of complaints through the Telecommunication Ombudsman for nothing. I've just experienced it first-hand today. Wow! read more