Going complaint-free just got complicated.
So I stop at my local Office Depot. We’re nearly out of copy paper, which i knew last week and failed to appreciate. Or, at least, didn’t address by ordering more. I got the paper, $43 smackeroos for a 10-ream case, and sundry other items, and swiped the old office debit card.
Feeling good, I cruised to work. I conned a strong person into carrying the paper, grabbed coffee, and sat down at my desk to read e-mail.
Arggh! First item: A notice that at Office Depot ON-LINE, from which I typically order, I can get a case of copy paper for $29.99!
The next e-mail to enter my in-box is a “survey” from Office Depot about my in-store experience.
Now, get this. Other than the after-the-fact discovery that I could have gotten one of the items for $14.00 online, my shopping experience at the store had been just marvelous. A nice gentleman carried the copy paper to my cart, then to my car, and everybody I saw was pleasant. And — a big AND — I’m trying to live complaint-free!
I answered the survey, down-grading my state of satisfaction from “extremely” to one step below. I explained my reasoning in civil tones — or the typed equivalent. I sent it, feeling only vaguely queasy. Was that a complaint or not? My queasiness intensified when I got a very cordial, contrite email from the store manager, offering me a 15% discount on my next in-store visit!
Sooooo. Did I complain? Well, yes, I think I did. Strike 2! How many innings are there? Ah, 12. If I make it through January without any more slips, I get a fresh start on February 1st. Let’s see….31 days hath January…..
But that is a very valid complaint and one worth making! complain away!!!