What happened to Customer Service?

What has happened to the customer service that use to exist in the service industry? It seems that ever since jobs have become scarce and unemployment is up that people just do not care how they treat customers.

I went through the McDonald's drive-thru this last week and noted the long lines. Our local McDonald's has two drive-through order speakers. As I was in line, I noticed them jumping out of order and taking multiple cars as I waited. Finally, without saying sorry for the wait they took my order. When I get around to the window, they told me the amount and I paid. There was no "thank you" or even a "pull forward for your order." When I finally get to the window to pick up my food, they hand it to me while talking with another employee. What, no thank you and come back again?

The Dollar Tree had the same type of customer service. I got in line behind a man who was paying for cards (thank you, get-well, birthday) and she rang up a total of 8 cards. He stated he only wanted 5 cards, so she had to get the manager, who by the way, was getting a phone number for 2 local high-school girls. She never looked at me or the 3 people behind me. When both came back, she finished giving the number to the 2 girls from high-school .I found out it was for their school yearbook. She looked at the gentleman and asked what the problem was. He finally said I will take all 8 cards. Why did he not do this in the first place? The manager then walked off to get a cash register and within a minute came back and put it in the other register. By this time the man had finally finished paying and the manager told the woman to take the other register. At last, the manager was going to check me out. Instead of saying sorry, she looked at me and cracked some joke about being busy for the 5 o'clock rush. I did not find it amusing.

The point of my rant in this blog is that with the economy so tight, I want to know why companies are not pushing their employees to care about the customer. I truly dread going anywhere to shop because of the lack of concern the employees show. I would like to know if this reason is that employees are mad because they cannot get those high paying jobs. Are they truly emotionally uncaring? Do they think it is only temporary and they will be hired on soon for a desk job with no customer contact? No matter what the reason is, employers should convey that the customers come first. This age old tradition seems to be quickly dissipating into nothing but a memory. What happened to the customer is always tight mentality?

Please, treat people with respect. Act like you appreciate their business and the opportunity they give you to be employed by utilizing your services or purchasing from your company. Remember, how you treat someone should be the way you want to be treated.

Robertson County Tax Increase Pending

The economy is spiraling downward, unemployment is up, the President is on vacation and Robertson County wants to raise taxes. What is this world coming to?

From what I understand, Robertson County was proposing about a 40 cent tax increase raising current property taxes from $2.61 to $3.01 per $100 of assessed value. Wrong time to do this! With unemployment up, businesses laying off, consumable product prices rising, we do not need more taxes. I am sorry that the County needs to give charitable contributions, spend more on schools that are inadequate and keep jobs in the county, but raising taxes is the wrong thing to do.

Our school system in Springfield is horrible, that is why my wife and I sacrifice to pay for private school. Yeah we have little money left, but at least we know the type of education the kids are getting is far superior to Springfield public schools. Now do not take me wrong, I went to Springfield public schools all my life. I think they have seriously eroded in the education they provide. We do not need to spend anymore money on the schools, possibly even cut some of the funding since they are still faltering. We also do not need to provide anything to the new college (Highland Crest) at this time. The college was a mistake in the current economy. They need to be self sufficient and not require any money from the county until the economy rebounds.

I say this because I am sick and tired of my pay staying the same and everyone wanting more money for products and taxes. Enough already! I hope the people of Robertson County fight any tax increase. I live at home and have a budget. If things I want get to pricey I cannot just go to my employer and vote myself a raise. I demand the County make every cut necessary to keep from any raises in taxes. I am sorry, but tough times call for tough decisions. So what if we do not get a new school bus or computer. Live with it, I do!!!

Publi School Supplies - Socialism in our School System

Am I hearing this right? Public schools are sending home supply lists. These lists include extra amounts of glue, crayons, tissues, etc. Why?

In today's society those that cannot afford to pay for supplies are taken care of by everyone else. What a bunch of baloney! Parents should not stand to pay for 24 glues sticks or 4 cases of crayola crayons. Teachers even go as far as to suggest only name brand supplies be brought and sent to school. They say that they do not want to embarrass anyone.

I say that each student brings what he/she needs for the year and if they run out, then the parents can send more at that point. But is does not stop there. Parents are sending pens and dry erase markers for the teachers. Seriously? I understand teachers can deduct supplies from their taxes for that they used in the classroom. If the teachers are getting parents to send in the supplies, what are they deducting?

Many parents I am hearing from are refusing to buy the entire list. They are sending only what their student will need. Many of these parents who cannot afford supplies can still afford alcohol and cigarettes. What a tragedy! We need to stand up and say take ownership of your children and put their education ahead of your addiction. Maybe this is why my wife and I sacrifice to send our kids to private school. I am willing to put my kids education ahead of my needs. When my children ask why we do not do certain things, I let them know it is for them and not my own selfish reasons.

A very disappointed father in out public school system and the SSS - Socialist School Supplies...