Does customer service and loyalty matter?
I ask that question because I've been going to Trailer Barn for 20 years now. I've tolerated their tardiness in the morning. I make my appointments for 8 a.m., I have a business to run and need to get my rigs in and out as efficiently and quickly as possible. But their rudeness is beginning to wear on me. I booked some service work for my trailer (of which I purchased from them) and hook ups for another one of my trucks. Yes, I was taught that your late if you're not early. My appointment was at 8:00, I arrived at 7:51. I drove my truck and trailer into their lot; I went to the office, and was told briskly that your early, "I don't even have my computer up". "We have a full truck with trailers on them". "We don't open till 8". I waited till the computer was up. Then I asked "do you think we should go outside so we can go over what needs to be done on the trailer and the truck". "No, I know exactly what needs to be done".... (bet your thinking ... "RIGHT" about now.... Oh sure you do). At 11:09 that same morning I got a call; "we can't work on your truck because we need the spare key to your tire". I had to leave a job site, and run over there to give them a key. I asked the mechanic when he thinks my job would be done; he said; "I don't know I am getting ready to go to lunch", he also asked where I wanted to have it mounted (the plug). See, you were right; they didn't know exactly what needs to be done, and it was past 11 and they hadn't even started on my job. I got a call later in the day to come and pick up the truck and trailer; as they were ready. I was dropped off by my wife, and she waited to make sure that in fact it was ready. I checked out my truck and trailer on the side of the road, and noticed that the job wasn't complete. I walked in the office; and told the gentleman in the office that the main plug that supplies the power wasn't repaired (that was the most important repair). He simply said; "I wasn't here this morning", I guess that means, I'm not going to help you.... Then as is my practice when I can't remember someone's name (if they are a female; I say "hon". I am not being intentionally degrading, or demeaning (I am an old timer)), boy howdy, that was a mistake. "DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME HON"! The temperature in the room dropped 50 degrees. I started to explain, but don't think she was hearing anything anymore. I suggested my wife come in and explain; since I apparently wasn't going to be heard" The gentleman said; "we don't need any of that in here", I'm not really sure what that was supposed to mean. I don't believe my wife has ever offended anyone in her life. As far as I know, I don't believe they've ever met her. The gentlemen said; "No charge, we made a mistake". He asked if I wanted his mechanic to make the repairs now? I said; "No, I will have it done elsewhere". I told him that I would like to pay for the work that had been done. He said; "No charge", she turned away echoing the same in a brisk manner (a nice word isn't it). I walked out to the trailer and proceeded to hook up the chains, and the plug in and everything else. So even that part of the job wasn't done, had my wife picked it up; it could have been a mess, as she would have assumed it was ready to go.
The answer is "Yes, customer service and loyalty do matter." I also believe that it is a two-way street, there is "No loyalty nor customer service at Trailer Barn." There should be. This is a small town; we all try and support each other's business'. Her name is Susan by the way, she has more bad days then good, customer service isn't her strong point, timeliness either. read more