[barbo]

I just returned from a new optical shop that is offering tremendous bargains - ie. two pairs of glasses for the price of one. I stood at the counter for 15 minutes and though the place was a madhouse NO ONE told me it would be a little bit or asked if they could help me. I then wandered around a bit looking at pairs of glasses on shelves. I then told Alffe (who was waiting patiently in a chair) that I wanted to leave - the customer service was grossly inadequate.

After I got home I called the store and after a 15 minute hold I got the manager. I told him what had happened and asked why he advertised for business he couldn't satisfy. He apologized and said he was two people short today and said that's not how he wanted his employees to perform. He then offered to GIVE me a pair of glasses If I'd come back. I told him I was afraid to go back because it was such a madhouse. He offfered the free glasses again.

My question is should I do it? Should I go back and get a pair of free glasses?

[Alffe]

Hooray!! You made a thread, all by yourself! *grin And I am still at a loss about what you should do. Maybe curious could make a poll..

It's very tempting! Can't wait to see what others think!

[Doody]

HELL YEAH! get the free glasses!

[BlueMajo]

Get them ! they are free !! if they dont work at the end, or they are ugly, etc, you can give them away for some homeless people that might need them.

At least try, if you arrive and they dont help you again, just leave the place and forget it

[Curious]

Barb,

Call ahead and find out a quieter time for you to go. Let them know what time you will be there. Get your free glasses.

It was a nice gesture from the manager. I'm very sure he greatly appriciated your call. Most won't do that. That silent voice is a killer to a business. Now he knows where to improve. Priceless.

Worth more than the one pair of glasses. You deserve them.

You will get good service. They want you as a repeat customer. If they treat you well, you will tell people. Good advertising for them.

[who moi]

yeah, what they all say...

I also look at it this way. IF you follow through, he'll really improve. If you don't go. Things might not change THAT much. You know what I mean?

It's easy to offer free stuff, it's harder to follow through. I've seen that happening when managers would offer free stuff as a numbers game. They are betting that most don't come back thus they just offer it vs really improve services.

This happens especially in restaurants...

go for it barb, you'll also be doing a lot of good for others, trust me.

[Koala77]

I agree with what Curious said. Call ahead and see if there's a time where the store is usually quieter than the time you were there, then go back and get your self a nice new pair of glasses........ for free!

It's all about PR, and the manager will make sure you're treated promptly and with curtesy.

[gardengrl]

I say Go for it! Seems like you earned them!

[barbo]

Originally Posted by gardengrl

I say Go for it! Seems like you earned them!

Thanks for your opinions - they helped. I think I'll call and go back tomorrow!

[Lara]

Definitely. I agree. Do phone before you go.