Seriously??

I just had the worst customer service experience ever...well...not really EVER, but it did tick me off.

I am so so so happy that I am not, repeat, AM NOT a Dish Network customer. If I was, and had experienced my story today, I would promptly discuss the matter with my sweet hubby and get us to switch to Direct TV. (which is our network of choice).

Ok, now realize my experience was actually work related and it included me calling Dish Network to figure out a charge on my customer's account. It isn't a "personal" matter, but after my experience...I'm taking it personally!!

DISH OPERATOR: Hello, this is Craig how may I help you today (in an extreme, totally over-caffeinated, happy tone)

ME: Yes, I have a mutual customer who has a charge on their account that we would like to research the origins to. (in a nice, friendly tone, but definitely not too pushy)

DISH OPERATOR: (almost interrupts my above statement) what's the customer's phone number?

ME: (giving the digits...) My customer wasn't aware of a fee for the set up.

DISH OPERATOR: Yes, it looks like that is our $49.99 processing fee. Let me check our recording to make sure that this fee was disclosed during the sales agreement with the customer...(again, just a wee bit TOO familiar with having to say those exact words)

ME:...ok

DISH IDIOT: Yes, we have it on recording that we disclosed this fee (rambling crap, blah blah blah)....he goes on and on about that the fee would stick and they would not refund it per his supervisor's advice etc.

ME: (interrupting his rambling) could you explain what the fee is for? (again, in a couteous tone)

DISH IDIOT: (speaking more quickly than should be humanly possible) Its a processing fee where we have to generate the account number and get the paperwork ready for the equipment to be installed....

ME: (thinking...you have got to be kidding...you charge $50 to generate an account number and make an appointment?????).....so, its basically a frivolous fee? (mind you, I didn't say this in a jerky tone AT ALL...my customer even said so)

DISH JERK: NOW NOW Ma'am, there is no need to use such harsh language. Those fees are necessary and were completely disclosed to the customer at the time of the set up and they will not be refunded so thank you and have a good day....click....

ME: (IN TOTAL SHOCK)....he just hung up on me.....and I never ONCE uttered the words, "can the fee be refunded?"

The customer was nice to me about the whole thing (well, of course since it wasn't my fault). I had to hide my anger and total disgust for the jerk who hung up on me so that my customer didn't think I was a complete loon....but seriously?? seriously?? That conversation caused me to get a dial tone?

DISH NETWORK STINKS!

Bankers can party?

Saturday night, Michael and I attended my work Winter Party. We aren't trying to be politically correct (we used to have a Christmas Party). Last year, the date was moved to January, and since it seems extremely silly to call it a Christmas Party in January, it is now deemed a Winter Party.

The past two years I've been on the planning committee. Basically, my main job duty is getting the table decorations in order. I get a little particular on the details, but my fellow committee members are wonderful about not getting their feelings hurt when I tell them that you can't have bright red streamers at an "elegant" styled event. It just won't fly.

The evening begins with a short social time for people to chit-chat with co-workers and spouses and locate a table to sit at for the evening. We then enjoy a buffet dinner with some sort of yummy dessert to follow. After dinner, the bank executives have a short program which includes announcing the Employee of Year. (no, I didn't win....so sad). Once the program is wrapped up, everyone grabs their free steaks (I think we get 8 of them) and gets ready for the DJ and Cash give-away time. Normally, this is the one time each year when you will see me out dancing away with no fear of judgment for looking stupid. (I often dance silly and totally own that fact - I can do a mean Q-tip dance).

I even won some cash too!! Sweet! Too bad its already spent, but hopefully our Wi-Fi connection will be a bit better on our desktop now. (I totally feel a little ADD with this post...oh look a kitty...)



The evening was a great success. Michael even seemed to enjoy it - I think he just enjoys watching bankers try to dance.

Please make my dream come true...

Dear Mr. President (or whomever else can make this happen),

I have a suggestion...a little request that would make my holiday season complete...

Could you change Black Friday into a Federal Holiday??? PLEASSSEEE?? Either that or make Thanksgiving on a Friday? I'll even give up Columbus Day if it means I can have Friday off!

You see, I just feel like my time would be better spent shopping for some great bargains and actually stimulating the economy instead of sitting at my desk and waiting on a small handful of customers. People don't think about doing banking business that day anyway. I know there is that silly Federal law that won't allow banks to be closed 4 days in a row, but really, is that even necessary now a days? With all the technology advancements in the world today, people are still able to access their money. I know they can't make deposits, but that's just a minor detail really. Think of all the money that would be saved/spent if bank employees could have that day off....its mind boggling really.

So anyway, I'm sending you this letter with a hopeful heart that you will hear my plea and change the law.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Julie Nephew, banker extraordinaire