this is why we can’t have nice things

Everyone knows I am notoriously impatient and intolerant of companies with shitty customer service. It’s called No Service for a reason.

These days, it’s considered “Karen” behaviour to ever demand better service, EVER, but I think demanding service has gotten a bad rap because of the Karens who just want SPECIAL service. There’s a difference between demanding to be treated as SPECIAL and demanding decent service in general.

I demand decent SERVICE. If I’m paying a company – any company – for a service, then I expect to be given decent service. It’s that simple. I deal with companies for a living. I’m an admin assistant aka office manager and I get to deal with vendors for everything from linens to internet service. I won’t tolerate bullshit – especially from a sales weasel – and I expect to get the best deal possible. YES, I want a detailed bill. NO I won’t accept your “bundle” just because. Lookin’ at YOU Combastard.

I run my house the same way. This is how I get 200mbs internet for $50/mo. I negotiate. I demand. And I usually get what I’m after because I’m persistent. Persistence is the key when dealing with vendors, especially large corporations.
Continue reading “Customer No Service”

So my Granny finally crossed over and the family was summoned. Everyone behaved and it was good. My Uncle Jack and Aunt Vera did a good job with the arrangements. They are the fixers and doers of the family; they take care of the elderly until they shuffle off this mortal coil. I’ve realised that they are also MUCH nicer to me than my immediate family. They don’t judge me and they are always warm and welcoming to me. Aunt Vera told me to “take anything you want” from my Gran’s home and I really appreciate that.

I got a couple of skillets, some trinkets, an occasional table, some books and the thing that I love the most: her iced tea pitcher. Crazy, I know, but it just resonated with me SO much. I remember that pitcher on the counter with tea bag tags hanging out of the spout when I was a kid. It’s magical! :) I’ve also got on hold an old 70s stereo in a cabinet, a curio cabinet and my Gran’s sewing machine that I watched her sew many a thing on. Continue reading “Family: new perspective”