Bad Customer...a rant

[LizStreithorst]

She used to be a good customer and kept her dog up well.  I guess she has less money now, but as far as I'm concerned that is no excuse for theft of services.  She called me Wed. night and I told her that I could get her in the next day. She asked me "how much".  I never quote a for sure price so I told her that the normal price is $42.  The poor Shih Tzu was badly matted as it has been the last few times.  This time it was crawling in fleas which I didn't see until I put him on the table.  I gave the dog a Capstar which cost me $5.00 and I charge $5.00 for.

The owner came to pick up her dog and gave me $42.  I told her that the total was $47 because I had to give the flea pill.  She was irate.  She said that's why she asked the price beforehand and I told her that I didn't quote her an exact price.   She said that if that was the case she would go elsewhere for grooming.  I said, "fine" and let her walk out with the dog.  I never get customers like that.  I should have had the feeling about her because when I went up from $40 to $42. and she showed up with $40. I told her that she the could bring the two bucks later.  She never did  I figured that she's forgotten and let it slide.

I am kind.  Friday a good customer dropped off his dog before I opened.  I told him a while back where my key to the shop is hidden.  He has had pneumonia and wasn't able to work for many days.  He's a carpenter (not my personal carpenter) but he has kids and bills and he takes good care of his dog.  When he picked up I told him to take his money back.  He said "no, no, no".  I told him that I could afford it, that I'm getting Social Security now.  That he needs money more that I do right now.  This guy tips big when he has money.  How can I not be kind to him?

I'm generally good at separating the wheat from the chaff but I am not infallible.  This confrontation didn't bother me much at the time but the more I think about it the more it gripes my ass.  That woman will never darken my door again.

[Mugwump]

....occasionally it takes some folks a bit to tip off their true character......sad....

[wsantia1]

What an ungrateful being. She should have been thankful to the bottom of her heart that you were willing and able to take care of her dog in that condition.

[LizStreithorst]

....occasionally it takes some folks a bit to tip off their true character......sad....

Even you have been fooled by dishonest people, haven't we Mug?  It happens.  At least this time cost me a tiny bit of money and no hurt feelings (I'm hell on wheels when my feelings get hurt).

Willie, when people come to my shop with flea dogs I tell them what to buy at the vet's and how to do it for the least amount of money. They take my advice and I never see their dog with fleas again.  I have to send to them to the vets because the med (Nexgard) is RX only.  I wish I could sell the stuff myself.

[Mugwump]

....occasionally it takes some folks a bit to tip off their true character......sad....

Even you have been fooled by dishonest people, haven't we Mug?  It happens.  At least this time cost me a tiny bit of money and no hurt feelings (I'm hell on wheels when my feelings get hurt).

Willie, when people come to my shop with flea dogs I tell them what to buy at the vet's and how to do it for the least amount of money. They take my advice and I never see their dog with fleas again.  I have to send to them to the vets because the med (Nexgard) is RX only.  I wish I could sell the stuff myself.

Yep, ...and we've learned to trust again.....it's what honest folks do....albeit, we get a little smarter too...

[LizStreithorst]

I always set myself up for being disappointed in people.  There is no other way to judge a person's character but to invite them to betray my trust. And yes, we learn from it when they betray us. 

[Barb]

Sorry Liz.  I have our daughter to deal with, especially awful today.  I know pain.  If I  or  I would be doing them today.  We shall hang in there, us ladies, right?
Barb

[Ron Sower]

I always set myself up for being disappointed in people.  There is no other way to judge a person's character but to invite them to betray my trust. And yes, we learn from it when they betray us.

I tell people that I don't meet strangers, they're just friends I haven't met yet. I guess my Mother was instrumental in teaching me there is good in all people. Therefore, I decided many years ago that I would trust people I meet until they prove they aren't worthy of it. So I trust.. and verify!  I also try not to let the first meeting with a person set the first impression. Anyone can have a bad day.