What were your best and worst consumer experiences this week?

Which consumer happenings cheered you this week and which ones made you want to scream or weep?

Here are my best and worst consumer experiences this week:

My best consumer experience: Finding a new attorney to help me with my leaking roof problem

 

At a workshop, I met an attorney who emphasizes mediation and conciliation in resolving consumer problems. I’ve hired her to help me resolve my roof complaint with Custom-Bilt Metals.

I’ve written before about the problems I’m having with my Custom-Bilt vail metal shingle roof.

When the first roof was installed, it leaked due to a manufacturing defect. The replacement roof leaked in the same way. However, Custom-Bilt isn’t willing to stand behind its product.

I hope my new attorney can help me resolve this consumer complaint. It certainly has caused me a lot of stress.

My worst consumer experience: A rude cashier at Target

 

After the cashier at Target threw all the items into the bags for the customer ahead of me, I asked her not to throw my purchases as she bagged them.

Instead of replying politely or not replying at all, she was rude. She said, "Whadda you mean, throwing things?" Then she began making wise cracks about what I’d said to the girls in line behind me, who joined in and they all were laughing.

Maybe the cashier doesn’t like her job, maybe she’s mad at Target, or maybe she’s upset with her boyfriend. Whatever her problem is, she shouldn’t take out her frustrations on the purchases Target customers are making.

Target should take lessons from Apple Inc. The sales associates in the Apple stores always greet consumers in a friendly manner, like they’re glad to see them. Although I know that’s how they’re trained, it makes me feel welcome – not like the glowering, angry cashier I had to deal with at Target.

Copyright 2009, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist

Comments

[Commercial Roofing Contractors]

I've worked in retail before and I can tell you from experience that it can be aggravating. But you're right, there's no reason to take that out on customers.

[Richard Boles]

Get a good attorney. Also, next time, find a better roofing contractor. Having the roof repaired is a hassle, and it's problem enough without even mentioning the quality of some of the contractor's work.