Customer service in San Antonio... (Howe: construction, roofing, estimates)

[LovingSAT]

What are your thoughts about SA and Customer Service. I remember back in the day, the customer was always right (for the most part).

Now it seems to be so different.

For example, email a local company - how long should it take for a reply, certainly not over a week.

Being put on hold when calling a company.... OMG 10 minutes or more is not acceptable! Take my number if its going to be that long and call me back!

The other day at the DPS office, I was called to the window only to wait while two employees finished their chat about what they did over the weekend!



If these are my feelings alone I will relax; I just wonder if others feel the same way.

[firstclassflyer]

Originally Posted by LovingSAT

What are your thoughts about SA and Customer Service. I remember back in the day, the customer was always right (for the most part).

Now it seems to be so different.

For example, email a local company - how long should it take for a reply, certainly not over a week.

Being put on hold when calling a company.... OMG 10 minutes or more is not acceptable! Take my number if its going to be that long and call me back!

The other day at the DPS office, I was called to the window only to wait while two employees finished their chat about what they did over the weekend!



If these are my feelings alone I will relax; I just wonder if others feel the same way.

You can relax. Don't sweat the small stuff.

[LindaGrace]

You want bad customer service? Call the IRS or Texas Workforce Commission. Either one will make you want to go postal.

I do think that customer service in general in SA bites. I've never been waited on by more sullen teenagers in my life! But whatever. Like fcf said, don't sweat the small stuff. It isn't worth it to let it get you down.

[heimerswt]

These things are not exclusive to San Antonio.

[merc11ty]

Originally Posted by LindaGrace

You want bad customer service? Call the IRS or Texas Workforce Commission. Either one will make you want to go postal.

I do think that customer service in general in SA bites. I've never been waited on by more sullen teenagers in my life! But whatever. Like fcf said, don't sweat the small stuff. It isn't worth it to let it get you down.

Untrue. Last I spoke to the IRS, the lady was VERY courteous and friendly.

Ever call USAA? Top notch customer service there...same with Rackspace.

[LovingSAT]

What is Rackspace?

[LindaGrace]

Originally Posted by merc11ty

Untrue. Last I spoke to the IRS, the lady was VERY courteous and friendly.

Ever call USAA? Top notch customer service there...same with Rackspace.

It was TRUE in my experience - the first time I had to call the IRS the rep was rude and unhelpful. Perhaps your experience was different, but that doesn't make my experience untrue.

The IRS people ARE nicer these days - I'd say in the past two years they've all been very helpful and courteous. But before that? Not so much. Plus there's the hours-long hold time, which is also poor customer service.

[merc11ty]

Originally Posted by LovingSAT

What is Rackspace?

Internet hosting company in San Antonio. They sell fanatical customer service.

[scuba steve]

When I chose a roofing company, only one was good about keeping their word about both showing up for estimates, and how long it'd take for them to get it to me. Betcha can't guess which one I went with...

The glass guy was within 24 hours of me learning how to refinish the door, and finding an outside source for the repair.

I have a timeline for the jobs I decide not to do myself. If nobody can do what they say they will and get back to me in time, I DIY.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by scuba steve

When I chose a roofing company, only one was good about keeping their word about both showing up for estimates, and how long it'd take for them to get it to me. Betcha can't guess which one I went with...

I've had similar issues. True for all contracting services, actually, and not specific to San Antonio. However the roofing was a doozy. The rep of one major company in SA was indeed very good about responding in a timely manner, showing up when he said he would, but was a misogynist jerk. Having spent a few years restoring this place (and having grown up working in the construction business) I am not shocked or terribly offended by the type, but I was shocked by not only how blatant he was but that, after clearly seeing that *I* was the one with whom he needed to do business, he still refused to deal with me. He would only speak to my husband. Most are a bit incredulous at first but then come around when they see who's making the decision and writing the check. Not this guy.

Different kind of customer service problem, but definitely a service issue!

Customer Service problems abound in every area, and are not specific to San Antonio. I haven't noticed them any worse here than anywhere else.