Seeking completely objective opinions...
Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 12:15 am
Hi Gang! I recently had a minor spat with someone, and I'd like to trouble you all for your input. First, I'll give the background, and then the e-mail log in it's entirety. Then please tell me if either side has a valid point(s).
Background: The relevant portion of the item description in question reads: "Comes with everything you see in the picture." The part in question is approximately 2cm, and the picture in question is a standard picture (i.e not grainy, of sufficient quality, etc).
X: "I can't tell... is the "radar drum" there or not? Also, what's that green piece in the bottom left?"
X: "Sorry, the purple piece in the bottom left, obviously."
Y: "The picture clearly shows everything this toy comes with."
X: "That's the most cop out answer I've heard, lol. The part I'm asking about is very small. But I'll assume its not there, and not purchase it. And I'll just have to wonder what that extra piece is. Thanks for the *wonderful* customer service. Funny, since you seemed much nicer in person."
Y: "Yeah, sure.... The piece is nearly the same size as the radar dish. If it was included you would see it since the picture is crystal clear and shows everything that is included with great detail.
So unless you are blind you were just wasting my time with that question. Something I don't appreciate and definitely will not encourage with ass kissing *wonderful* customer service."
X: "Guess what? I don't own this figure! So I didn't know how big the bloody piece was. I imagined it was a small little connector that the radar dish sat on. Sue me. And you ignored my other question in your haste to be rude.
Y: "Buddy, if you came into my store then you know I have zero tolerance for people who waste my time. So if you think I care that you won't be coming back and bothering me then you are very mistaken."
X: "I don't expect ass-kissing, but I DO expect common courtesy. But don't worry, I won't waste your time anymore. And I certainly won't waste any more of my time in your shop in (physical store location) either. You had me fooled."
X: "The simple fact is, it was an innocent (albeit perhaps slightly uninformed question). And instead of being a decent person and providing a decent response, you got snarky. See you at (TFrelated)Con."
Y: "Wow, you are a cry baby.
There was nothing "snarky" about my answer at all.
It was simple, to the point and reiterated what the auction listing already stated.
If you can't handle that then maybe you should think twice and actually read an auction listing before you waste a seller's time asking a question that has already been answered."
X: "Simple and to the point would've been "No, the part's not there." That would've been FAR more effective (and wasted far less of your time, even), and not alienated a customer.
(Name), whether you realize it or not, you've came across very poorly in this exchange. I've purchased things from you in the past, and have referred MANY people to you.
Don't bother replying again. You've wasted enough of your precious time already."
Y: "No, the answer you wanted would have missed the point and just encouraged you to continue writing emails without bothering to read auction listings.
That kind of lazy, inconsiderate behaviour is not something I wish to encourage. Nor does that make you the type of customer I want to deal with.
Trust me I don't need your money or referrals but I do know that there are very few places to buy collectibles in this area. So you will need me long before I will ever need you."
Background: The relevant portion of the item description in question reads: "Comes with everything you see in the picture." The part in question is approximately 2cm, and the picture in question is a standard picture (i.e not grainy, of sufficient quality, etc).
X: "I can't tell... is the "radar drum" there or not? Also, what's that green piece in the bottom left?"
X: "Sorry, the purple piece in the bottom left, obviously."
Y: "The picture clearly shows everything this toy comes with."
X: "That's the most cop out answer I've heard, lol. The part I'm asking about is very small. But I'll assume its not there, and not purchase it. And I'll just have to wonder what that extra piece is. Thanks for the *wonderful* customer service. Funny, since you seemed much nicer in person."
Y: "Yeah, sure.... The piece is nearly the same size as the radar dish. If it was included you would see it since the picture is crystal clear and shows everything that is included with great detail.
So unless you are blind you were just wasting my time with that question. Something I don't appreciate and definitely will not encourage with ass kissing *wonderful* customer service."
X: "Guess what? I don't own this figure! So I didn't know how big the bloody piece was. I imagined it was a small little connector that the radar dish sat on. Sue me. And you ignored my other question in your haste to be rude.
Y: "Buddy, if you came into my store then you know I have zero tolerance for people who waste my time. So if you think I care that you won't be coming back and bothering me then you are very mistaken."
X: "I don't expect ass-kissing, but I DO expect common courtesy. But don't worry, I won't waste your time anymore. And I certainly won't waste any more of my time in your shop in (physical store location) either. You had me fooled."
X: "The simple fact is, it was an innocent (albeit perhaps slightly uninformed question). And instead of being a decent person and providing a decent response, you got snarky. See you at (TFrelated)Con."
Y: "Wow, you are a cry baby.
There was nothing "snarky" about my answer at all.
It was simple, to the point and reiterated what the auction listing already stated.
If you can't handle that then maybe you should think twice and actually read an auction listing before you waste a seller's time asking a question that has already been answered."
X: "Simple and to the point would've been "No, the part's not there." That would've been FAR more effective (and wasted far less of your time, even), and not alienated a customer.
(Name), whether you realize it or not, you've came across very poorly in this exchange. I've purchased things from you in the past, and have referred MANY people to you.
Don't bother replying again. You've wasted enough of your precious time already."
Y: "No, the answer you wanted would have missed the point and just encouraged you to continue writing emails without bothering to read auction listings.
That kind of lazy, inconsiderate behaviour is not something I wish to encourage. Nor does that make you the type of customer I want to deal with.
Trust me I don't need your money or referrals but I do know that there are very few places to buy collectibles in this area. So you will need me long before I will ever need you."