As we were the only people in the place - perhaps a sign we should have paid more attention to - we knew they couldn't blame their failure to get the basics right on being too busy.
I stepped up to the plate (boom, boom, unintentional cafe humour there) confident of sorting out the mess and perhaps securing a voucher or something by way of apology. I failed dismally. Our waitress merely shrugged her shoulders and wandered off to move a chair or something. In retaliation I went for a wee and didn't flush. That'll teach 'em!
We left in a huff and headed for the sanctuary of home where we knew retail outlets would treat us with some common decency. Or so we thought.
Well, maybe that's a little unfair. Upon arriving I went into three shops in town - one was good, one was very ordinary (in fact I think if I'd had a hangover I would've asked for the shop assistant's incessant chattering and attention to be "turned down" ) and the last was just plain rude.
That particular bit of rudeness stemmed from one of those damn earpiece cell phones which enables the wearer to carry on a conversation with hands totally free. Trouble is you have no idea who they are talking to which can lead to some confusing situations.
I mean as I casually stand there waiting to enquire about my particular purchase, I hear the shop assistant demand: "Why did you do that?"
Momentarily taken aback that somebody should be offended I have rested my arm on the counter I stammer an apology: "Sorry, just wondering where I can find ..."
"It's in the kitchen," she says before I have a chance to tell her exactly what I want.
"The kitchen?," I ask, becoming totally confused.
Then I realise she's not actually talking to me. On the other end of the line is hubby or one of the kids. And now she's upset that I've ruined her telephone conversation on her fancy ear piece.
"I've got to go, there's a customer," she says, shooting me a look that says 'I pay $19.95 a month for this call plan and no jerk like you is going to stop me getting my money's worth'.
I can't be bothered making my purchase and go elsewhere.
Behind me she starts making another call...
Now is it just me or am I right in thinking some of our customer service standards have slipped?
I recall not that long ago just about everybody and his dog had some sort of customer service certificate and while there was always the odd plonker having a bad day, in the main, service was pretty good.
Perhaps this is the new norm and good service just isn't regarded the way it used to be.
Or maybe I just shouldn't go shopping when I'm grumpy because I've had no breakfast.
