Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Penn Station
Hello,
I am writing to let you know of a poor experience I had at the Mason Penn Station last week. I do not go out to eat very often but on this particular day I was hungry for Penn Station so I went over with a friend.
I had a question about a program that I had heard about. It turned out that the program was not valid, but the manager explained that to me in a somewhat rude manner. It wasn't a big deal - but the tone of his voice was just odd - perhaps he was just frustrated with many people asking about this particular program.
I ordered a Pizza sub, with no mushrooms, onions or peppers, to go. Had I been dining in, I would have checked the sandwich but it was not till I got back to work that I realized that the sandwich had peppers and mushrooms put on it. I don't know if it was just a mistake, or if it was some sort of hidden retribution for my talking about this program, but it was frustrating since I do not go out to Penn Station very often, that I got a sandwich that I did not enjoy.
Thank you for your time
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
TireDiscounters oil change fees
I was very disappointed with my recent trip to the TireDiscounters on Kenwood Road. I had heard the ads on the radio for the $19.95 oil change special, so we stopped in.
I knew that some places charge extra "hidden" fees, but given that most of your advertising mocks other places for these hidden fees, I did not expect it from you.
But sure enough, in addition to the $19.95 oil change charge, there was an additional $1.20 for "Miscellaneous Shop fees".
I realize this is only a little over a dollar, but compared to a $20 bill, that's 6% of the total.
Very disappointed and this experience makes it unlikely that I will frequent TireDiscounters for oil changes in the future.
I knew that some places charge extra "hidden" fees, but given that most of your advertising mocks other places for these hidden fees, I did not expect it from you.
But sure enough, in addition to the $19.95 oil change charge, there was an additional $1.20 for "Miscellaneous Shop fees".
I realize this is only a little over a dollar, but compared to a $20 bill, that's 6% of the total.
Very disappointed and this experience makes it unlikely that I will frequent TireDiscounters for oil changes in the future.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Quizno's complaint
Another guest complaint
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To whom it may concern:
I have enjoyed visiting the Quiznos restaurant near my place of work for over three years now. At my peak I visited the restaurant 3-4 times per week. I enjoy Quiznos primarily for the level of quality in your toasted subs. Even though there are closer and cheaper dining options to my workplace I felt visiting Quiznos was worth the time and expense. That is until my visit on Tuesday, August 30th.
I'd first like to say that this franchise used to be one of the best run counter-service restaurants I had ever visited. A man and his son ran the dinner and lunch shift, respectively, and were excellent hands-on managers. I don't know if the owners sold the store or simply stopped running things day to day, but quality and service have gone drastically down hill.
In general, there have been three large areas of regression. First customer service is simply less friendly, less fast, and less welcoming than before. I used to be recognized when entering and wished a good day when leaving, no longer. The trash cans now overflow forcing trash onto the ground, which was previously unthinkable. The employees, perhaps suffering from high turnover, don't know the menu well. I often have to correct them about what sauces or toppings go on a certain sub, even featured items being advertised in the restaurant!
Despite these issues I continued to frequent my local store, partially though nostalgia, and partially because despite the service the subs themselves were still delicious. Sadly my most recent sub order was far from what I expected...
I entered the store as the only customer, and ordered my usual Bourbon Grilled Steak sub (I know the sub as a the Black Angus Steak and the old staff would prepare it when that name was requested). The sandwich maker grabbed the steak packets, but rather than placing them in boiling broth to heat them she walked them out of site into the back of the restaurant. I noticed the water/hot plate area was missing and assumed it was being refilled or similar, something that I've encountered once or twice, and while I don't terribly enjoy my sub being partially made out of site, I did not think it was worth a comment. What did provoke a comment and a sudden exit was when the employee returned, placed my meat in a small soup container, and placed both IN THE MICROWAVE. I asked her if she was microwaving my sub filling and she confirmed she was. I told her I wasn't interested in a microwaved sub and departed.
To be perfectly frank Quiznos subs are supposed to deliver premium quality, and they charge a usually justifiable premium price. I am shocked and appalled Quiznos has a policy to ever microwave meat, especially without giving the customer the option to pick a different sub instead. If your Arlington, VA based store wishes to maintain its premium image I recommend it not engage in practices more fitting for the local McDonalds.
Thank you for reading my feedback.
======
To whom it may concern:
I have enjoyed visiting the Quiznos restaurant near my place of work for over three years now. At my peak I visited the restaurant 3-4 times per week. I enjoy Quiznos primarily for the level of quality in your toasted subs. Even though there are closer and cheaper dining options to my workplace I felt visiting Quiznos was worth the time and expense. That is until my visit on Tuesday, August 30th.
I'd first like to say that this franchise used to be one of the best run counter-service restaurants I had ever visited. A man and his son ran the dinner and lunch shift, respectively, and were excellent hands-on managers. I don't know if the owners sold the store or simply stopped running things day to day, but quality and service have gone drastically down hill.
In general, there have been three large areas of regression. First customer service is simply less friendly, less fast, and less welcoming than before. I used to be recognized when entering and wished a good day when leaving, no longer. The trash cans now overflow forcing trash onto the ground, which was previously unthinkable. The employees, perhaps suffering from high turnover, don't know the menu well. I often have to correct them about what sauces or toppings go on a certain sub, even featured items being advertised in the restaurant!
Despite these issues I continued to frequent my local store, partially though nostalgia, and partially because despite the service the subs themselves were still delicious. Sadly my most recent sub order was far from what I expected...
I entered the store as the only customer, and ordered my usual Bourbon Grilled Steak sub (I know the sub as a the Black Angus Steak and the old staff would prepare it when that name was requested). The sandwich maker grabbed the steak packets, but rather than placing them in boiling broth to heat them she walked them out of site into the back of the restaurant. I noticed the water/hot plate area was missing and assumed it was being refilled or similar, something that I've encountered once or twice, and while I don't terribly enjoy my sub being partially made out of site, I did not think it was worth a comment. What did provoke a comment and a sudden exit was when the employee returned, placed my meat in a small soup container, and placed both IN THE MICROWAVE. I asked her if she was microwaving my sub filling and she confirmed she was. I told her I wasn't interested in a microwaved sub and departed.
To be perfectly frank Quiznos subs are supposed to deliver premium quality, and they charge a usually justifiable premium price. I am shocked and appalled Quiznos has a policy to ever microwave meat, especially without giving the customer the option to pick a different sub instead. If your Arlington, VA based store wishes to maintain its premium image I recommend it not engage in practices more fitting for the local McDonalds.
Thank you for reading my feedback.
Popeye's Chicken
Guest Complaint!!
====
To whom it may concern:
I enjoy visiting Popeye's restaurants for the combination of good food and convenient hours even when I have to work or attend class late. Even though there are closer and cheaper dining options to my home I felt visiting Popeye's was worth the time and expense. That is until my visit on Sunday, August 28th.
Two positive points: the person on phone when I called to check hours was nice enough, and mash potatoes were tasty and fresh. Everything else went badly wrong, and I will not be returning.
Upon entering at 10:20pm nearly half the tables were occupied with employee papers, books, and laptops. Customer service was not friendly and I was generally served in silence. My chicken was cold. Not "not hot enough," but literally room temperature. I actually held a piece to my cheek and verified it was no warmer than the air and much colder than my own hand. Finally, upon trying to leave I had to unlock the door after being locked inside the restaurant...at 10:40pm, 20 full minutes before scheduled closing. Needless to say I didn't get a refill of iced tea, as the container was long gone.
If your store has no interest in keeping to their posted hours nor cooking fresh food a full 40 minutes before closing I suggest they alter their hours accordingly.
Thank you for reading my feedback.
Best,
====
To whom it may concern:
I enjoy visiting Popeye's restaurants for the combination of good food and convenient hours even when I have to work or attend class late. Even though there are closer and cheaper dining options to my home I felt visiting Popeye's was worth the time and expense. That is until my visit on Sunday, August 28th.
Two positive points: the person on phone when I called to check hours was nice enough, and mash potatoes were tasty and fresh. Everything else went badly wrong, and I will not be returning.
Upon entering at 10:20pm nearly half the tables were occupied with employee papers, books, and laptops. Customer service was not friendly and I was generally served in silence. My chicken was cold. Not "not hot enough," but literally room temperature. I actually held a piece to my cheek and verified it was no warmer than the air and much colder than my own hand. Finally, upon trying to leave I had to unlock the door after being locked inside the restaurant...at 10:40pm, 20 full minutes before scheduled closing. Needless to say I didn't get a refill of iced tea, as the container was long gone.
If your store has no interest in keeping to their posted hours nor cooking fresh food a full 40 minutes before closing I suggest they alter their hours accordingly.
Thank you for reading my feedback.
Best,
Friday, July 15, 2011
McDonalds charging for water
I was at the McDonalds at 7916 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati OH last night, and with my food order, I requested a small cup of water for myself and my dining companion. I was informed that water costs 25 cents.
I was very disappointed. Not only is the assumption that water is generally free at restaurants, but there was no sign indicating water cost money, nor was it on the posted menu. Additionally, the previous two times I had been recently to this same McDonalds (both within the past week), I was not charged for water.
It is certainly your prerogative to charge whatever you want for water or anything else, but I would just ask that if you are going to charge for water (again, something that is generally free in most restaurants), that you a) put it on the menu or indicate what it costs with a sign of some sort and b) enforce it consistently
I was very disappointed. Not only is the assumption that water is generally free at restaurants, but there was no sign indicating water cost money, nor was it on the posted menu. Additionally, the previous two times I had been recently to this same McDonalds (both within the past week), I was not charged for water.
It is certainly your prerogative to charge whatever you want for water or anything else, but I would just ask that if you are going to charge for water (again, something that is generally free in most restaurants), that you a) put it on the menu or indicate what it costs with a sign of some sort and b) enforce it consistently
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Marriott
Guest complaint from my co-worker Jenny
====
I will be attending a conference in that is being held at the Doubletree in Nashville, TN beginning on September 21, 2011. Since I am a loyal Marriott customer, I intended to stay at a local Marriott brand instead of the Doubletree. However, when I called the Courtyard downtown and asked them to match the conference rate, I was told they couldn't and the lowest rate available was $180 per night. Considering that both hotels are comparable in diamond and other similar rating systems, I have a hard time with Courtyard not matching Doubletree's rate. We will be staying at the Doubletree for these 4 nights & I'm not quite so loyal to Marriott anymore.
====
Marriott's (underwhelming) response
====
Thank you for contacting Marriott. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with information.
Hotel pricing is based on a number of factors, including availability, demand, hotel location, and the amenities offered by a specific property. At Marriott, we strive to be competitive in the marketplace by providing our guests with the best value for their money. Marriott offers a wide variety of discount rates for senior citizens, government employees, and members of an association, such as AAA. Many of our hotels also offer special weekend rates, "Stay for Breakfast" rates, leisure packages, and advanced purchase rates. We encourage you to check Marriott.com for the latest packages and promotions at the following website:
http://www.marriott.com/specials/default.mi
We recommend using the Marriott.com reservation feature as a convenient way to check rates, availability, and room information for all of our hotels. On the following webpage you will find a guide to the online booking process:
https://www.marriott.com/suggest/faqs_reserve.mi#question1
If you need assistance, please feel free to reply to this email or contact an Internet Customer Care Associate by phone at 800-721-7033 (toll-free in the United States and Canada). We are available to help you 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
For our international guests, a listing of international reservation offices is available at the following site:
https://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi
If we can be of further assistance, we invite you to reply to this email.
Regards,
Steve P. McQuinn Jr.
Marriott Internet Customer Care
===
====
I will be attending a conference in that is being held at the Doubletree in Nashville, TN beginning on September 21, 2011. Since I am a loyal Marriott customer, I intended to stay at a local Marriott brand instead of the Doubletree. However, when I called the Courtyard downtown and asked them to match the conference rate, I was told they couldn't and the lowest rate available was $180 per night. Considering that both hotels are comparable in diamond and other similar rating systems, I have a hard time with Courtyard not matching Doubletree's rate. We will be staying at the Doubletree for these 4 nights & I'm not quite so loyal to Marriott anymore.
====
Marriott's (underwhelming) response
====
Thank you for contacting Marriott. We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with information.
Hotel pricing is based on a number of factors, including availability, demand, hotel location, and the amenities offered by a specific property. At Marriott, we strive to be competitive in the marketplace by providing our guests with the best value for their money. Marriott offers a wide variety of discount rates for senior citizens, government employees, and members of an association, such as AAA. Many of our hotels also offer special weekend rates, "Stay for Breakfast" rates, leisure packages, and advanced purchase rates. We encourage you to check Marriott.com for the latest packages and promotions at the following website:
http://www.marriott.com/specials/default.mi
We recommend using the Marriott.com reservation feature as a convenient way to check rates, availability, and room information for all of our hotels. On the following webpage you will find a guide to the online booking process:
https://www.marriott.com/suggest/faqs_reserve.mi#question1
If you need assistance, please feel free to reply to this email or contact an Internet Customer Care Associate by phone at 800-721-7033 (toll-free in the United States and Canada). We are available to help you 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
For our international guests, a listing of international reservation offices is available at the following site:
https://www.marriott.com/reservation/worldnum.mi
If we can be of further assistance, we invite you to reply to this email.
Regards,
Steve P. McQuinn Jr.
Marriott Internet Customer Care
===
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Transformer that doesn't transform
A letter from my son to Hasbro
====
Hello,
My name is. I went to the store to buy a toy for my birthday. I was very careful and took a long time to choose toy I wanted.
Finally, I picked out a Transformer. But when I got home, I realized that the transformer didn't transform. That made me feel very frustrated and sad. I went to my room for 10 minutes.
Then we went back to the store and exchanged that transformer for another transformer.
I think that you should not build transformers that don't transform.
Thank you for reading my email.
Age 9.
====
Hello,
My name is
Finally, I picked out a Transformer. But when I got home, I realized that the transformer didn't transform. That made me feel very frustrated and sad. I went to my room for 10 minutes.
Then we went back to the store and exchanged that transformer for another transformer.
I think that you should not build transformers that don't transform.
Thank you for reading my email.
Age 9.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Silverton Midas
I am writing to express my displeasure with recent service at the Silverton Midas on Montgomery Road. I've been going to this Midas for several years now. I really enjoyed the work of one of the previous general managers, Don Saul. But unfortunately it seems that Midas likes to keep moving their folks around, as he left, then came back, then left again.
I took my van in for an oil change recently. When I came to pick it up, the manager showed me some things that he wanted to repair, costing over $1000. That in and of itself is not a problem - I expect that and it's fine. But when I explained that I did not have time to have him do those right now, I got "the look". If you've spent much time with folks who don't know much about cars, you know "the look" I'm talking about. The one that says "you are a complete idiot".
Then when I showed the things to one of my more car-knowledgeable friends, he scoffed at the recommendations of the Midas man, saying that while there might be a small leak of oil, a much better solution is to just put a quart of oil in again occasionally, and it would be fine. Let's see, a couple of bucks every month or two, or over $1000? The choice was obvious to me.
Ever since Mr. Saul left, I had been meaning to explore other car care centers, and this incident pushed me over the edge. Although this incident happened a few weeks ago, I only now remembered to write you about it, on my way from getting my other car's oil changed (at Meineke)
Thank you for your time
I took my van in for an oil change recently. When I came to pick it up, the manager showed me some things that he wanted to repair, costing over $1000. That in and of itself is not a problem - I expect that and it's fine. But when I explained that I did not have time to have him do those right now, I got "the look". If you've spent much time with folks who don't know much about cars, you know "the look" I'm talking about. The one that says "you are a complete idiot".
Then when I showed the things to one of my more car-knowledgeable friends, he scoffed at the recommendations of the Midas man, saying that while there might be a small leak of oil, a much better solution is to just put a quart of oil in again occasionally, and it would be fine. Let's see, a couple of bucks every month or two, or over $1000? The choice was obvious to me.
Ever since Mr. Saul left, I had been meaning to explore other car care centers, and this incident pushed me over the edge. Although this incident happened a few weeks ago, I only now remembered to write you about it, on my way from getting my other car's oil changed (at Meineke)
Thank you for your time
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Clickinks.com
I have ordered several times in the past from Clickinks.com and went back this morning to try to order. I ordered 3 cartridges ($22) and used a coupon code that I have, which was for 10% Off and Free Shipping.
When I applied the coupon, your website alerted me that I had qualified for free shipping.
But when I went to the checkout page, it still charged shipping.
I called your 1-800 customer service number, and the lady told me that it was only if I spent $30 or more, which was not displayed or mentioned when I applied the coupon - in fact on the shopping cart page it showed Shipping: Free.
She said that there was an asterisk next to the free shipping, which would show me that it was only for orders of $30 or more. There was in fact an asterisk, but it did not mention anything about $30 - instead it just said * - Continental US orders only.
Several hours later, I went back to your website, which has apparently been updated in the meantime to now display the $30 minimum order required, which I find fairly deceptive to switch the website on me and not honor what your website said at the time of my order.
But all is not lost, for I was able to visit compandsave.com and buy the same ink for 50% less.
When I applied the coupon, your website alerted me that I had qualified for free shipping.
But when I went to the checkout page, it still charged shipping.
I called your 1-800 customer service number, and the lady told me that it was only if I spent $30 or more, which was not displayed or mentioned when I applied the coupon - in fact on the shopping cart page it showed Shipping: Free.
She said that there was an asterisk next to the free shipping, which would show me that it was only for orders of $30 or more. There was in fact an asterisk, but it did not mention anything about $30 - instead it just said * - Continental US orders only.
Several hours later, I went back to your website, which has apparently been updated in the meantime to now display the $30 minimum order required, which I find fairly deceptive to switch the website on me and not honor what your website said at the time of my order.
But all is not lost, for I was able to visit compandsave.com and buy the same ink for 50% less.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Middletown Library
I am writing to complain about the complex and completely unnecessary qualifications for selecting a library PIN.
Shouldn't *I*, the account holder, be responsible for what kind of PIN I want?
Do you REALLY think that there are tons of people out there that are just DYING to hack into someone's library account and reserve or checkout books on it??!?! Seriously?
Cmon people throw me a bone here! It is highly frustrating that not only do I have to request a PIN reset every time I want to do something at the library because I can't possibly even remember the overly complex PIN I was required to submit, but then it takes me 3 times to even put a new one in (which I have already forgotten and it's only been 10 minutes). First it's not long enough, then it's not "secure" enough. Sheesh.
=====
I probably shouldn't have written that while I was still angry about it but I sent it anyways :-). Note too the correct usage of PIN instead of PIN "number"
Shouldn't *I*, the account holder, be responsible for what kind of PIN I want?
Do you REALLY think that there are tons of people out there that are just DYING to hack into someone's library account and reserve or checkout books on it??!?! Seriously?
Cmon people throw me a bone here! It is highly frustrating that not only do I have to request a PIN reset every time I want to do something at the library because I can't possibly even remember the overly complex PIN I was required to submit, but then it takes me 3 times to even put a new one in (which I have already forgotten and it's only been 10 minutes). First it's not long enough, then it's not "secure" enough. Sheesh.
=====
I probably shouldn't have written that while I was still angry about it but I sent it anyways :-). Note too the correct usage of PIN instead of PIN "number"
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