So yesterday I had a fight with one of the LG dealers in Aba. I visited a big LG electronics store to buy a TV-set . I saw this nice LED High Definition telly with great picture quality. I negotiated and agreed on a price with the owner of the store.
He handed me to his 'cashier' to make payment and then he left. I dipped my hand into my pocket handed over my ATM card to the cashier - a lady. She used their POS and deducted the agreed amount, confirmed the payment and then issued me a receipt.
I studied the receipt carefully and discovered that she made a mistake. She signed her signature where I was supposed to sign mine and expected I signed where she was supposed to sign hers. I informed her about the error and she apologized.
"Issue me another receipt ma" I said to her. Then she wrote another receipt and made the same mistake again. That is, she signed where I was supposed to sign. Oops! "Issue me another receipt ma," I said the second time.
While she was about writing another receipt, her boss showed up and asked what the matter was. She explained to him. The boss started shouting at her, insulting her. Then he said in Igbo language: "You shouldn't have told him. You should have pretended like nothing happened and just issue him the receipt and let him go. Then you can reveal it."
He probably thought I wasn't an Igbo guy or I didn't understand the language he was speaking. I was mad! Immediately, I bounced on him._ "Just imagine the nonsense you are teaching your staff?"_I said to him straight up. "My friend go and sit down," he voiced at me. "Do you know how much I print one receipt? You don't know that's why you are talking." "I don't give a damn what it costs you to print a receipt," I retorted. "What is the cost of a receipt compared to your name? Oga, do the right thing, teach your staff to do the right thing, and be honourable at it." "My friend go and sit down!" he said again . We started engaging words. He said whatever he does doesn't concern me.
"It concerns me sir," I stated. "What I am teaching you now is what you are supposed to be teaching your staff and even kids at home." "Be honourable, oga. You owe your customers the duty to do the right thing."
While all this was happening, some of his staff were giggling. Eventually, the lady issued me the correct receipt and I left.
Guys, I would like to ask us an open question.
As entrepreneurs dealing with customers, what can we make out of this whole particular episode?
Is it necessary to protect the customer when they are not aware of how unprotected they are?
Was my decision to bluntly confront him wrong?
Was his argument of the cost of receipts right or justifiable to his position?
Have you ever had to deal with someone or something like this? How did you handle it?
Let's share.
Wow that is some story. To be honest after such insident I'd consider well enough if I would like to use the same shop services ever again. You had a full right to request the correct receipt. However, owner did the worst thing he could - started solwing internal issues (which obviously exist since cashiel lady seems to be very absent minded and does not perform assigned work well) in front of the customer in very impolite manner.
i use it, thanks for sharing
thanks for sharing
People are different and you cant change people... Bad example by the LG shop owner. I would had rejected the TV and asked for a refund. Its your right. In Nigeria, Changes begins from you the CLIENT.
Sneaky Ninja Attack! You have been defended with a 9.08% vote... I was summoned by @gmfcompany! I have done their bidding and now I will vanish...Whoosh