BP
Americas Business Service Center - Customer Service
Re: Driver Rewards
28301 Ferry Road
Warrenville, Illinois 60555
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Dear BP,
I filled out something online in order to get a BP Driver Rewards card. The website informed me that once I received the card in the mail, I would be able to go to a BP gas station and get gas for a certain number of cents off of the regular price. I can’t remember what the specific denomination was. This was to be a one-time bonus for having signed up for the card, whereafter I could continue to use the card normally and accumulate points by buying things and whatnot.
Well, I am writing to inform you that when I stopped by a BP last Saturday in Wexford, Pennsylvania and attempted to use my Driver Rewards card, I was informed by the machine at the pump that there were no Rewards on my card whatsoever, or no cents off per gallon. I was disappointed by this, since this was the reason I decided to try a BP station to begin with. I typically fuel up at GetGo or Sunoco.
In any event, I wanted to know if there was any way you could look into this. The number on the back of my card is ########################################################################################################################################################. Perhaps this particular card is defective. Again, I am very interested in trying out BP as my new go-to gas station. They recently remodeled a BP station very close to me, and I look forward to checking it out. I was very disappointed that the Rewards card did not work and would greatly appreciate any assistance in this matter.
Thanks a million.
Sincerely,
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Cafe Press
Dear Cafe Press,
I am writing because you have a big labor day weekend sale banner at the top of your website. One might suspect that this means you can use the coupon code over labor day weekend - not the case. Apparently labor day weekend is only Saturday in Cafe Press's opinion. I spent a half hour creating a shirt and then at the end I had to buy it for what I thought was not a good price because I didn't want all my hard work to go to waste. It should have been six dollars cheaper (shipping). You deceived me with the banner. If the sale is over, take it down. I feel this is an unscrupulous business practice and that I am entitled to the shipping discount since I was lured into creating a shirt under false pretenses and didn't read the legalese fine print which says that labor day weekend isn't actually labor day weekend on Cafe Press. Come on, Cafe Press. Your prices are too high to begin with. These scams are not needed. I have bought shirts here in the past and there used to be a $9.99 white t-shirt option. Now the cheapest order with shipping is $27. Outrageous!
Sincerely,
I am writing because you have a big labor day weekend sale banner at the top of your website. One might suspect that this means you can use the coupon code over labor day weekend - not the case. Apparently labor day weekend is only Saturday in Cafe Press's opinion. I spent a half hour creating a shirt and then at the end I had to buy it for what I thought was not a good price because I didn't want all my hard work to go to waste. It should have been six dollars cheaper (shipping). You deceived me with the banner. If the sale is over, take it down. I feel this is an unscrupulous business practice and that I am entitled to the shipping discount since I was lured into creating a shirt under false pretenses and didn't read the legalese fine print which says that labor day weekend isn't actually labor day weekend on Cafe Press. Come on, Cafe Press. Your prices are too high to begin with. These scams are not needed. I have bought shirts here in the past and there used to be a $9.99 white t-shirt option. Now the cheapest order with shipping is $27. Outrageous!
Sincerely,
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
Mr. Steve Ells, CEO
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
1401 Wynkoop St Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202
Dear Mr. Ells,
I am writing you in regard to your restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. I have visited your restaurant several times over the last year or so and, generally speaking, I enjoy the concept of buying and eating large burritos. However, my experiences with Chipotle have left me dissatisfied.
When my girlfriend and I began dating, we visited Chipotle quite frequently as it was one of her favorites. I soon began to notice swelling around my lips. It got so bad that I switched lip balms several times and eventually went to see a dermatologist and was put on medication for eczema. I started to notice that my lips felt like they were burning mostly after eating at Chipotle. Thankfully the lip issue has passed, since I no longer eat there frequently, but the source of the problem is still troublesome. The salsa which purports to be “mild” is still extremely spicy - so much so that everyone in my party last night remarked that their meal was just too spicy to enjoy. I don’t know if the chicken is already marinated in something spicy, but next time I will try it with no salsa to see if that makes a difference. Suffice it to say, I believe Chipotle needs a milder mild option, as I like the taste of salsa but do not want the excessive spiciness.
The restaurant seems to offer a very limited number of actual food options, which is a minus, even though you can choose toppings. Additionally, though this is less significant for me, the restaurants in this area are generally messy and the decor is bizarrely sparse and cold, resembling a warehouse or a morgue. The lines are frequently long which can be obnoxious, but the employees are always friendly and efficient.
Thank you for spending the time to review my concerns. I would love to be a more frequent patron but would like to see some more options and accommodations for those of us who don’t like four alarm spiciness. Honestly, I can eat banana peppers and things like that without issue. It is not as if I am unacclimated to spicy foods. This is just exceptionally, exceptionally spicy to the point of being unenjoyable.
Gracias,
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
1401 Wynkoop St Suite 500
Denver, CO 80202
Dear Mr. Ells,
I am writing you in regard to your restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. I have visited your restaurant several times over the last year or so and, generally speaking, I enjoy the concept of buying and eating large burritos. However, my experiences with Chipotle have left me dissatisfied.
When my girlfriend and I began dating, we visited Chipotle quite frequently as it was one of her favorites. I soon began to notice swelling around my lips. It got so bad that I switched lip balms several times and eventually went to see a dermatologist and was put on medication for eczema. I started to notice that my lips felt like they were burning mostly after eating at Chipotle. Thankfully the lip issue has passed, since I no longer eat there frequently, but the source of the problem is still troublesome. The salsa which purports to be “mild” is still extremely spicy - so much so that everyone in my party last night remarked that their meal was just too spicy to enjoy. I don’t know if the chicken is already marinated in something spicy, but next time I will try it with no salsa to see if that makes a difference. Suffice it to say, I believe Chipotle needs a milder mild option, as I like the taste of salsa but do not want the excessive spiciness.
The restaurant seems to offer a very limited number of actual food options, which is a minus, even though you can choose toppings. Additionally, though this is less significant for me, the restaurants in this area are generally messy and the decor is bizarrely sparse and cold, resembling a warehouse or a morgue. The lines are frequently long which can be obnoxious, but the employees are always friendly and efficient.
Thank you for spending the time to review my concerns. I would love to be a more frequent patron but would like to see some more options and accommodations for those of us who don’t like four alarm spiciness. Honestly, I can eat banana peppers and things like that without issue. It is not as if I am unacclimated to spicy foods. This is just exceptionally, exceptionally spicy to the point of being unenjoyable.
Gracias,
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Stouffer’s
Stouffer’s / Nestlé USA Consumer Services Center
P.O. Box 2178
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Dear Nestle,
I am writing to you in regard to Stouffer’s stuffed peppers.
Generally, I think the product is very good. The sauce is very tasty, and the beef and rice mixture is adequate if not good. However, there is one major issue with this product. When cooked (at least in the microwave), the skin of the pepper becomes an inedibe almost plastic-like substance. It is impossible to separate the rest of the pepper from the outer skin without causing an absolute mess, and I am frequently left to discard the entire pepper portion of the dinner without eating it. One time I even pureed the entire dish in a food processor and still found the pieces of this layer of skin unpalatable, gag-inducing and difficult to swallow.
This is a shame for several reasons. First of all, I want to eat the pepper since I paid for it. Secondly, it is a shameful waste of food. Now, recently my girlfriend made a homemade stuffed pepper dinner from scratch and the result was quite different from this. Perhaps if cooked in a conventional oven, the product does not have this issue. I haven’t tried it, so I couldn’t say. But the product is advertised as being able to be cooked in the microwave. I must say, if the pepper is considered to be a portion of the meal rather than a decorative platter for the beef rice mixture, this is not the case.
I do not wish to be a naysayer about this product. I would love to have the experience Stouffer’s wants me to have. I would urge you to please look into this and find a way to improve this product. This was not an isolated incident. This is a persistent issue with the product. I hope you can find a way to resolve this issue (perhaps finding a way to remove the outer layer of skin entirely, cooking it less, or cooking it separately from the beef and rice mixture). Should you require any additional information, please contact me. Otherwise, best of luck in resolving this issue.
Sincerely,
P.O. Box 2178
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Dear Nestle,
I am writing to you in regard to Stouffer’s stuffed peppers.
Generally, I think the product is very good. The sauce is very tasty, and the beef and rice mixture is adequate if not good. However, there is one major issue with this product. When cooked (at least in the microwave), the skin of the pepper becomes an inedibe almost plastic-like substance. It is impossible to separate the rest of the pepper from the outer skin without causing an absolute mess, and I am frequently left to discard the entire pepper portion of the dinner without eating it. One time I even pureed the entire dish in a food processor and still found the pieces of this layer of skin unpalatable, gag-inducing and difficult to swallow.
This is a shame for several reasons. First of all, I want to eat the pepper since I paid for it. Secondly, it is a shameful waste of food. Now, recently my girlfriend made a homemade stuffed pepper dinner from scratch and the result was quite different from this. Perhaps if cooked in a conventional oven, the product does not have this issue. I haven’t tried it, so I couldn’t say. But the product is advertised as being able to be cooked in the microwave. I must say, if the pepper is considered to be a portion of the meal rather than a decorative platter for the beef rice mixture, this is not the case.
I do not wish to be a naysayer about this product. I would love to have the experience Stouffer’s wants me to have. I would urge you to please look into this and find a way to improve this product. This was not an isolated incident. This is a persistent issue with the product. I hope you can find a way to resolve this issue (perhaps finding a way to remove the outer layer of skin entirely, cooking it less, or cooking it separately from the beef and rice mixture). Should you require any additional information, please contact me. Otherwise, best of luck in resolving this issue.
Sincerely,
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Sundance Vacations, Inc.
Mr. John Dowd
Sundance Vacations, Inc.
Corporate Office
264 Highland Park Blvd.
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Dear Mr. Dowd and Sundance Vacations, Inc,
In the past week I have received several phone calls from your company alleging that I have won something. They have come from phone number 800-501-0100.
Please desist in calling immediately. My phone number is #####################. I am providing this number only so you can remove it from your system. Phone calls will not be answered or returned.
Sincerely,
Sundance Vacations, Inc.
Corporate Office
264 Highland Park Blvd.
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
Dear Mr. Dowd and Sundance Vacations, Inc,
In the past week I have received several phone calls from your company alleging that I have won something. They have come from phone number 800-501-0100.
Please desist in calling immediately. My phone number is #####################. I am providing this number only so you can remove it from your system. Phone calls will not be answered or returned.
Sincerely,
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Froggy Radio
Dear Froggy,
I am a big fan. I was wondering if you could send me a sticker for my
car. My address is below.
Thanks a million.
Sincerely,
I am a big fan. I was wondering if you could send me a sticker for my
car. My address is below.
Thanks a million.
Sincerely,
Saturday, March 1, 2014
FedEx (2)
Mr. John Baratti, Executive Management Assistant
FedEx
3875 Airways Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
3/1/14
Dear Mr. Baratti,
Thank you for your explanation of the hub-and-spoke system, the effects of fog on air travel and delays in shipments due to terrorism. This is all very informative, despite its inapplicability to my situation. My package was already received at a FedEx location 30 minutes from my house and was simply not delivered due to some modest winter weather that we in the area deal with on a routine basis. I do not wish to rehash that point, however. What I wanted to tell you was that I found it in very poor taste that the letter did not even include a simple apology for the poor service. It merely seemed to laud the magnificence of FedEx’s process, which I’m sure works very well at times. However, you have missed the point. The letter did not seem conciliatory as much as apologistic (i.e. “You said we were bad, but we really aren’t!” rather than “Sorry, we messed up. We hope you’ll give us another chance.”) It seemed a rather ill-advised way to reply to someone who was already angry with the company.
Anecdotally, Shari’s Berries sent me a third package, this time by UPS, which was delivered on time under similar conditions. I don’t know if you’ve ordered from Shari’s yourself, but when they mess and you tell them, they really go out of their way to correct the problem. Perhaps FedEx could take a lesson from them.
Sincerely,
3875 Airways Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
3/1/14
Dear Mr. Baratti,
Thank you for your explanation of the hub-and-spoke system, the effects of fog on air travel and delays in shipments due to terrorism. This is all very informative, despite its inapplicability to my situation. My package was already received at a FedEx location 30 minutes from my house and was simply not delivered due to some modest winter weather that we in the area deal with on a routine basis. I do not wish to rehash that point, however. What I wanted to tell you was that I found it in very poor taste that the letter did not even include a simple apology for the poor service. It merely seemed to laud the magnificence of FedEx’s process, which I’m sure works very well at times. However, you have missed the point. The letter did not seem conciliatory as much as apologistic (i.e. “You said we were bad, but we really aren’t!” rather than “Sorry, we messed up. We hope you’ll give us another chance.”) It seemed a rather ill-advised way to reply to someone who was already angry with the company.
Anecdotally, Shari’s Berries sent me a third package, this time by UPS, which was delivered on time under similar conditions. I don’t know if you’ve ordered from Shari’s yourself, but when they mess and you tell them, they really go out of their way to correct the problem. Perhaps FedEx could take a lesson from them.
Sincerely,
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
FedEx
Frederick W. Smith, CEO
FedEx
3875 Airways, Module H3 Department 4634
Memphis, TN 38116
2/18/14
FedEx
3875 Airways, Module H3 Department 4634
Memphis, TN 38116
2/18/14
Dear Mr. Smith,
It is with regret that I write to you of my recent negative experiences with the company.
Last week I ordered a dozen chocolate covered strawberries to be delivered to my girlfriend on February 13th. This package was supposed to be delivered by 8pm. When I checked the tracking at 9pm that night, it had allegedly been on a truck for 12 hours.
Neither my girlfriend nor myself received a courtesy call. When the package was finally delivered, almost 24 hours late, she had been waiting at the apartment for two to make sure she could sign for it. The shipping on this item was very expensive. I think that courtesy call is the least that could have been done. This was a perishable item, and it became soggy soon after it was received.
I e-mailed FedEx and they told me I was in a region affected by inclement weather. I checked the list provided and my region was not listed as being affected by inclement weather on the FedEx website, which is humorous because it listed almost every single municipality in the state. It was to leave from a local site and be delivered here, not passing through any region listed as having been affected by these conditions.
Shari’s Berries thankfully sent a replacement package, which was to be delivered today. As one would expect with the tone of this story, FedEx did not deliver it. According to the website, delivered was NOT ATTEMPTED. Not even attempted? This service is not reliable, and for a second time I will be stuck with strawberries that have been sitting on a truck for days. I have e-mailed Shari's Berries and recommended that they seriously consider discontinuing use of FedEx as their delivery service. A little flurry of snow and FedEx does not leave the shop. Everyone else gets to work. The mail gets delivered. FedEx does not attempt. This is pitiful.
Sincerely,
Neither my girlfriend nor myself received a courtesy call. When the package was finally delivered, almost 24 hours late, she had been waiting at the apartment for two to make sure she could sign for it. The shipping on this item was very expensive. I think that courtesy call is the least that could have been done. This was a perishable item, and it became soggy soon after it was received.
I e-mailed FedEx and they told me I was in a region affected by inclement weather. I checked the list provided and my region was not listed as being affected by inclement weather on the FedEx website, which is humorous because it listed almost every single municipality in the state. It was to leave from a local site and be delivered here, not passing through any region listed as having been affected by these conditions.
Shari’s Berries thankfully sent a replacement package, which was to be delivered today. As one would expect with the tone of this story, FedEx did not deliver it. According to the website, delivered was NOT ATTEMPTED. Not even attempted? This service is not reliable, and for a second time I will be stuck with strawberries that have been sitting on a truck for days. I have e-mailed Shari's Berries and recommended that they seriously consider discontinuing use of FedEx as their delivery service. A little flurry of snow and FedEx does not leave the shop. Everyone else gets to work. The mail gets delivered. FedEx does not attempt. This is pitiful.
Sincerely,
Monday, February 10, 2014
Photobucket
Dear Photobucket,
I have seen the attached photo multiple times upon visiting your website. I think it is disturbing, disgusting, and I would consider it a personal favor if it was removed. Please see image (attached).
I am relatively certain I cannot be the only one who feels this way.
Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated. I consider this a major detraction from the quality of Photobucket's web site. It looks like a joke an immature friend would post on Facebook.
Sincerely,
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
ChaCha Search Inc
Mr. Scott A. Jones, CEO
ChaCha Search, Inc.
14550 Clay Terrace Boulevard
Suite 130
Carmel, IN 46032
ChaCha Search, Inc.
14550 Clay Terrace Boulevard
Suite 130
Carmel, IN 46032
1/14/14
Dear Mr. Jones,
I am a long-time ChaCha user and fan. I have frequently used the service to answer questions while out and about and have been relatively pleased with the results. It is with regret that I must inform you I will be able to use the service no longer.
A few weeks ago, I attempted to text the ChaCha 242-242 number. I was presented with a reply indicating that ChaCha would be discontinuing its text-based service, and that I could continue using the service via the website only. Now, I do not have the Internet on my phone. If I did, I would not need ChaCha because I would have access to Google and a number of other resources.
It struck me as bizarre that ChaCha would choose to discontinue service to those who have no alternative but to use it, and to instead to cater to those who have a host of other options that are just as quick and easy to use, and are far more thorough. I find this circumstance very unfortunate. I am sure ChaCha’s leadership chose to go in this direction for a reason. I am sure it was a good one. However, for me, it has rendered ChaCha virtually useless.
At this point, I have no intention of upgrading to a smart phone, but should ChaCha choose to branch out into other areas, I will certainly remain open, as I have always been pleased with my past experiences with the company.
Regretfully,
Dear Mr. Jones,
I am a long-time ChaCha user and fan. I have frequently used the service to answer questions while out and about and have been relatively pleased with the results. It is with regret that I must inform you I will be able to use the service no longer.
A few weeks ago, I attempted to text the ChaCha 242-242 number. I was presented with a reply indicating that ChaCha would be discontinuing its text-based service, and that I could continue using the service via the website only. Now, I do not have the Internet on my phone. If I did, I would not need ChaCha because I would have access to Google and a number of other resources.
It struck me as bizarre that ChaCha would choose to discontinue service to those who have no alternative but to use it, and to instead to cater to those who have a host of other options that are just as quick and easy to use, and are far more thorough. I find this circumstance very unfortunate. I am sure ChaCha’s leadership chose to go in this direction for a reason. I am sure it was a good one. However, for me, it has rendered ChaCha virtually useless.
At this point, I have no intention of upgrading to a smart phone, but should ChaCha choose to branch out into other areas, I will certainly remain open, as I have always been pleased with my past experiences with the company.
Regretfully,
Apple
Mr. Timothy D. Cook, CEO
Apple Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
1/14/14
Dear Mr. Cook,
I am a long-time Apple product user and fan. I grew up using an Apple IIe and have more recently enjoyed products like my MacBook and iPod. I would consider myself a fan and supporter of Apple as a company, and of its products. It is with regret that I must inform you of my most recent experience with the company.
A few weeks ago, a colleague informed me that Apple had released its most recent operating system, OS X Mavericks, as a free upgrade. Excited by this news I immediately began to look into how I could go about upgrading to Mavericks and exploring its new features. I purchased and installed additional memory to meet the 2GB minimum, and I purchased the software package to upgrade to Snow Leopard.
Several weeks later, after everything was installed and upgraded, I set about to download Mavericks. To my dismay, the Mac App Store stopped me right there. My model number, you see, is MacBook3,1, and despite having the necessary system requirements, a 3,1 just is not good enough.
I find it bizarre and unfortunate that I am not allowed to use Mavericks because my MacBook is unfit in model name only. This is surprising because I have always heard that Apple is great about supporting older products. I see no reason why I cannot upgrade, except for the fact that Apple wants me to dish out a thousand dollars for a new computer because it has a different model name. I would love to oblige, however, I cannot afford it.
In retrospect, I spent $40+ on Apple products to upgrade this computer to Mavericks compatibility and am no better off than when I started. I am hoping that Apple can rectify this for me in some way. I have always had faith in the company and would hate to think that with the new leadership the company has abandoned its tradition of excellent customer service.
Sincerely,
Apple Inc.
1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
1/14/14
Dear Mr. Cook,
I am a long-time Apple product user and fan. I grew up using an Apple IIe and have more recently enjoyed products like my MacBook and iPod. I would consider myself a fan and supporter of Apple as a company, and of its products. It is with regret that I must inform you of my most recent experience with the company.
A few weeks ago, a colleague informed me that Apple had released its most recent operating system, OS X Mavericks, as a free upgrade. Excited by this news I immediately began to look into how I could go about upgrading to Mavericks and exploring its new features. I purchased and installed additional memory to meet the 2GB minimum, and I purchased the software package to upgrade to Snow Leopard.
Several weeks later, after everything was installed and upgraded, I set about to download Mavericks. To my dismay, the Mac App Store stopped me right there. My model number, you see, is MacBook3,1, and despite having the necessary system requirements, a 3,1 just is not good enough.
I find it bizarre and unfortunate that I am not allowed to use Mavericks because my MacBook is unfit in model name only. This is surprising because I have always heard that Apple is great about supporting older products. I see no reason why I cannot upgrade, except for the fact that Apple wants me to dish out a thousand dollars for a new computer because it has a different model name. I would love to oblige, however, I cannot afford it.
In retrospect, I spent $40+ on Apple products to upgrade this computer to Mavericks compatibility and am no better off than when I started. I am hoping that Apple can rectify this for me in some way. I have always had faith in the company and would hate to think that with the new leadership the company has abandoned its tradition of excellent customer service.
Sincerely,
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Outback Steakhouse
Ms. Elizabeth Smith, CEO
Bloomin' Brands, Inc
2202 N. West Shore Blvd. Suite 500
Tampa, FL 33607
1/22/14
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to you in regard to my recent experience at your Outback Steakhouse location at 25 McMurray Rd in Pittsburgh. My girlfriend received a $50 gift card to the Outback from her sister on Christmas and she was very excited to go, seeing as she had never dined in the Outback before. It is with regret that I report that she had a less than pleasant experience.
Everything started out well. We had an artichoke dip appetizer, which we were pleased with. However, after finishing the appetizer, my girlfriend accidentally knocked over a glass, covering ourselves and the entire table with water and ice. The waitress promised she’d be right over to help, but basically just threw some towels on the floor and we had to clean it up ourselves. It was another 20 minutes before we saw another server, and we had to specifically request new napkins, silverware and another glass of water. The wait staff all seemed to be fussing over a table of 10 or so, and seemed to ignore the rest of the restaurant.
Furthermore, when we received our meals, my girlfriend’s $14 shrimp and steak dinner appeared to be a few tiny scraps of meat on a large, empty plate. (See attached image.) Her garlic mashed potatoes were not brought out and we needed to, again, make a specific request to get them.
We did enjoy the food despite the small portions, but the service left much to be desired. I would have liked to visit the Outback again someday, but at this point it unfortunately looks like it is off of our list.
Sincerely,
Bloomin' Brands, Inc
2202 N. West Shore Blvd. Suite 500
Tampa, FL 33607
1/22/14
Dear Ms. Smith,
I am writing to you in regard to my recent experience at your Outback Steakhouse location at 25 McMurray Rd in Pittsburgh. My girlfriend received a $50 gift card to the Outback from her sister on Christmas and she was very excited to go, seeing as she had never dined in the Outback before. It is with regret that I report that she had a less than pleasant experience.
Everything started out well. We had an artichoke dip appetizer, which we were pleased with. However, after finishing the appetizer, my girlfriend accidentally knocked over a glass, covering ourselves and the entire table with water and ice. The waitress promised she’d be right over to help, but basically just threw some towels on the floor and we had to clean it up ourselves. It was another 20 minutes before we saw another server, and we had to specifically request new napkins, silverware and another glass of water. The wait staff all seemed to be fussing over a table of 10 or so, and seemed to ignore the rest of the restaurant.
Furthermore, when we received our meals, my girlfriend’s $14 shrimp and steak dinner appeared to be a few tiny scraps of meat on a large, empty plate. (See attached image.) Her garlic mashed potatoes were not brought out and we needed to, again, make a specific request to get them.
We did enjoy the food despite the small portions, but the service left much to be desired. I would have liked to visit the Outback again someday, but at this point it unfortunately looks like it is off of our list.
Sincerely,
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Amazon.com (2)
CEO: Jeffrey P. Bezos
Amazon.com, Inc.
1200 12th Ave. South, Ste. 1200
Seattle, WA 98144-2734
Dear Mr. Bezos,
My name is ###### and I am a long time user of Amazon.com. Recently I have encountered the phenomenon where, when switching between credit cards, this box (below) comes up.
I have used Amazon.com for years with relative ease, but now I find that I frequently have to get up and re-input the security code from my credit card. I object to the fact that I have to enter the security code to begin with, but that is beside the point. I shouldn’t have to put it in there every day. I believe that it also comes up when I change the RECIPIENT. The reason people like Amazon.com is because it is convenient. This security feature is not. Maybe next time I get up to get my wallet I’ll just hop in the car and drive straight to Best Buy. Please express my distaste to your colleagues.
Sincerely,
Monday, November 18, 2013
Farr Scale Co
Thomas Farr, Owner
Farr Scale Co
417 W Main St
Hummelstown, PA 17036
Dear Mr. Farr,
I recently tried to use your penny-smashing machine at the visitor’s center for the Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour. The penny was supposed to say “I Love You.” Instead, all I got was a flat penny and a disappointed girlfriend. I believe this machine is malfunctioning. Please send a refund of 51 cents or a penny stamped “I Love You” to the address below.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
Masao Yoshida, CEO
Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
1 Astellas Way
Northbrook, IL 60062
Dear Mr. Yoshida,
In regard to your Protopic ointment, I have just been informed that, if I did not have insurance, I would have to pay $800 for one prescription. Once my insurance was verified, the amount was reduced to $10. Please do not misunderstand: I have no love for insurance companies. In fact, I actively despise the entire industry. However, I think you and I both know that the amount you are charging them is obscene. Is the secret ingredient mined on one of the moons of Jupiter? $800 could feed a family of four for a year in a third world country, which is ironic because if I couldn’t afford this cream I’d look like I have leprosy. “Look like” is the operative phrase here, though, because you produce an ointment that removes minor blemishes from the skin. God help us if you found the cure to a serious condition. A person might have to sell an organ in order to get it.
Best regards,
Monday, October 21, 2013
Comcast (2)
10/21/2013
Customer Support
Comcast Cable
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Comcast,
The modem I have is getting progressively sketchier and is always on the fritz. Please send me a new one and a pre-paid envelope to mail the other one back in. I will have no problem doing the self install and do not need a technician to come out. I also request that you please do not call me via telephone. My account # is ######################################################################.
Comcast Cable
1500 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Dear Comcast,
The modem I have is getting progressively sketchier and is always on the fritz. Please send me a new one and a pre-paid envelope to mail the other one back in. I will have no problem doing the self install and do not need a technician to come out. I also request that you please do not call me via telephone. My account # is ######################################################################.
Sincerely,
Friday, September 27, 2013
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Dr. Barbara Baker, President and CEO
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
1 Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
7/27/13
I am writing to you in regard to my recent attempt to visit your
facilities. In my childhood, I have had many fond memories of the
Pittsburgh Zoo, and have always genuinely enjoyed its many fine
attributes. Among these, in particular, are the monkey exhibits and
the aquarium. I consider myself a fan and a life-long patron. However,
yesterday afternoon when my girlfriend and I tried to visit, we had
quite a different experience than we were expecting.
My girlfriend and I lead very busy lives and rarely have time off
together, so organizing outings of this sort are sometimes an ordeal.
We have, in the past, driven some distance to visit attractions
(Laurel Caverns), only to find them closed. As a result, we now
typically check the websites ahead of time to make sure we arrive
during operating hours. Yesterday, we checked the website and
determined that the Pittsburgh Zoo would admit patrons up until 4:30
p.m. and would then remain open until 6:00 p.m. Satisfied we had
enough time, she got changed and we hopped in the car to drive the 12
miles down to 1 Wild Place, anticipating a very, very good time.
When we arrived shortly before 4:00, we encountered a line of cars and
a teenager in Zoo attire who appeared to be having long, complicated
discussions with each person driving through. When it was our turn to
find out what instruction he was passing along, he told us the Zoo was
closed. My girlfriend, Adrian, unsurprisingly remarked, “But the
website says it is open until 6:00.” The gentleman replied, “It is,
every day but today.” We looked at each other, stupefied, waited in
line for about 20 minutes to exit the Zoo and drove the 12 miles back
home, unsatisfied.
Now, I am sure it is never a business's intention to turn away
patrons, but to unsuspectingly close in the middle of operating hours
is shocking and disappointing. I don't know what was going on in the
Zoo that day, but I certainly hope everyone who was allowed in had a
good time. I hope someday we, too, will have the opportunity to take
part in the fun at 1 Wild.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
1 Wild Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
7/27/13
I am writing to you in regard to my recent attempt to visit your
facilities. In my childhood, I have had many fond memories of the
Pittsburgh Zoo, and have always genuinely enjoyed its many fine
attributes. Among these, in particular, are the monkey exhibits and
the aquarium. I consider myself a fan and a life-long patron. However,
yesterday afternoon when my girlfriend and I tried to visit, we had
quite a different experience than we were expecting.
My girlfriend and I lead very busy lives and rarely have time off
together, so organizing outings of this sort are sometimes an ordeal.
We have, in the past, driven some distance to visit attractions
(Laurel Caverns), only to find them closed. As a result, we now
typically check the websites ahead of time to make sure we arrive
during operating hours. Yesterday, we checked the website and
determined that the Pittsburgh Zoo would admit patrons up until 4:30
p.m. and would then remain open until 6:00 p.m. Satisfied we had
enough time, she got changed and we hopped in the car to drive the 12
miles down to 1 Wild Place, anticipating a very, very good time.
When we arrived shortly before 4:00, we encountered a line of cars and
a teenager in Zoo attire who appeared to be having long, complicated
discussions with each person driving through. When it was our turn to
find out what instruction he was passing along, he told us the Zoo was
closed. My girlfriend, Adrian, unsurprisingly remarked, “But the
website says it is open until 6:00.” The gentleman replied, “It is,
every day but today.” We looked at each other, stupefied, waited in
line for about 20 minutes to exit the Zoo and drove the 12 miles back
home, unsatisfied.
Now, I am sure it is never a business's intention to turn away
patrons, but to unsuspectingly close in the middle of operating hours
is shocking and disappointing. I don't know what was going on in the
Zoo that day, but I certainly hope everyone who was allowed in had a
good time. I hope someday we, too, will have the opportunity to take
part in the fun at 1 Wild.
Sincerely,
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Comcast
Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO
One Comcast Center
Philadelphia, PA 19103
One Comcast Center
Philadelphia, PA 19103
8/11/13
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I am writing to you regarding my recent experience with Comcast's online webchat. First of all, I greatly enjoyed being able to do it this way rather than via the phone. The service representative I spoke with, Nirbhay Narayan, did an excellent job, and I am very grateful for this positive experience with Comcast.
However, the purpose of my web chat was to move service to a new address, since I am moving. At first, Nirbhay wanted to send out a technician. I have had bad experiences with technicians in the past and, since I only have Internet service, Nirbhay was able to waive this and allow me to just plug the modem into the wall, which is all that needs to be done. Again, I am grateful for this.
What I don't understand is that there is a $10.00 fee for me to a modem into the wall myself. I feel I am being charged for work I am doing myself, which is ridiculous. Nirbhay said he was unable to waive this fee, and I told him I would follow up with a letter. I don't blame the representative for this, because he is unable to waive the fee. However, I think Comcast can waive this one time fee for me, and I would find it most appropriate considering I am the one doing the installation. “Installation” being connecting the modem into the wall, a two second process.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter,
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I am writing to you regarding my recent experience with Comcast's online webchat. First of all, I greatly enjoyed being able to do it this way rather than via the phone. The service representative I spoke with, Nirbhay Narayan, did an excellent job, and I am very grateful for this positive experience with Comcast.
However, the purpose of my web chat was to move service to a new address, since I am moving. At first, Nirbhay wanted to send out a technician. I have had bad experiences with technicians in the past and, since I only have Internet service, Nirbhay was able to waive this and allow me to just plug the modem into the wall, which is all that needs to be done. Again, I am grateful for this.
What I don't understand is that there is a $10.00 fee for me to a modem into the wall myself. I feel I am being charged for work I am doing myself, which is ridiculous. Nirbhay said he was unable to waive this fee, and I told him I would follow up with a letter. I don't blame the representative for this, because he is unable to waive the fee. However, I think Comcast can waive this one time fee for me, and I would find it most appropriate considering I am the one doing the installation. “Installation” being connecting the modem into the wall, a two second process.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter,
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Target
Gregg W. Steinhafel, CEO
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall #2950
Minneapolis, MN 55403
6/9/13
Dear Mr. Steinhafel,
It is with dismay that I write to you about my recent visit to your store at 360 Waterfront Dr E in Homestead, PA. I am typically a big proponent of Target stores and have shopped at them for most of my life with my family. However, upon my recent visit, I can't help but feel that the chain has a sense of inherent disdain and disrespect for its customers.
My girlfriend and I were shopping at Francesca's earlier that day, and she bought a new dress. Francesca's didn't have a nice sweater/top that matched it, so we went over to Target to try to find one. Upon selecting a few things to try on, we took them back towards the dressing rooms. The woman manning the dressing area documented every item before allowing us in as if we were a couple of vagrants or teenagers.
This alone I found disrespectful, but if it is the company's policy, I don't resent her for doing her job. However, when we walked back towards one of the dressing rooms, the woman barked out toward me in an aggressive tone, “You aren't allowed back here, sir!” Now, give me a break. I can't stand outside a dressing room and look at my girlfriend's outfits after she tries each one on? What kind of con job does Target think we are running here? Somehow my presence outside the room to help her select an outfit is going to interfere with the item count the store already documented?
I don't know what Target thinks I am – a thief, an ogler, a teenager? – but it sure has hell doesn't think of me as a paying customer. If it were me alone in the store being treated like this, I would have thrown down all of the items and left. Luckily for you, my girlfriend wanted the outfits, and I'll admit they are nice, but I can't stomach shopping at a place that doesn't respect its own clientèle. I thought you were running a department store, not a bail bond agency. We are your livelihood. We deserve to be treated with respect. I hope for your sake that this is an isolated case of a store having to resort to these tactics because it's located in a relatively bad area. If this is an undercurrent running through the whole chain, I can't believe people continue to shop there.
With regret,
Target Corporation
1000 Nicollet Mall #2950
Minneapolis, MN 55403
6/9/13
Dear Mr. Steinhafel,
It is with dismay that I write to you about my recent visit to your store at 360 Waterfront Dr E in Homestead, PA. I am typically a big proponent of Target stores and have shopped at them for most of my life with my family. However, upon my recent visit, I can't help but feel that the chain has a sense of inherent disdain and disrespect for its customers.
My girlfriend and I were shopping at Francesca's earlier that day, and she bought a new dress. Francesca's didn't have a nice sweater/top that matched it, so we went over to Target to try to find one. Upon selecting a few things to try on, we took them back towards the dressing rooms. The woman manning the dressing area documented every item before allowing us in as if we were a couple of vagrants or teenagers.
This alone I found disrespectful, but if it is the company's policy, I don't resent her for doing her job. However, when we walked back towards one of the dressing rooms, the woman barked out toward me in an aggressive tone, “You aren't allowed back here, sir!” Now, give me a break. I can't stand outside a dressing room and look at my girlfriend's outfits after she tries each one on? What kind of con job does Target think we are running here? Somehow my presence outside the room to help her select an outfit is going to interfere with the item count the store already documented?
I don't know what Target thinks I am – a thief, an ogler, a teenager? – but it sure has hell doesn't think of me as a paying customer. If it were me alone in the store being treated like this, I would have thrown down all of the items and left. Luckily for you, my girlfriend wanted the outfits, and I'll admit they are nice, but I can't stomach shopping at a place that doesn't respect its own clientèle. I thought you were running a department store, not a bail bond agency. We are your livelihood. We deserve to be treated with respect. I hope for your sake that this is an isolated case of a store having to resort to these tactics because it's located in a relatively bad area. If this is an undercurrent running through the whole chain, I can't believe people continue to shop there.
With regret,
Walmart
Mike Duke, CEO
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
702 SW 8th St
Bentonville, AR 72716
6/9/13
Dear Mr. Duke,
It is with incredulity that I write to you about my recent visit to your store at 2351 Century Dr in West Mifflin, PA. I am typically a big fan of shopping at Walmart stores, but every now and then I am completely baffled by the bizarre way they are managed. I went to this Walmart store on a Thursday night at 11:00 p.m. to pick up a few things. At this time there were two cash registered being manned. One cashier was completely occupied by a woman running some kind of extreme couponing scam who had enough stuff in her cart to stock a bunker for the end times. The other line was populated by Everyone Else. After standing in the Armageddon line for about ten minutes, I figured out that I wasn't going anywhere. Either the cashier was taking her good old time, or was just flat out baffled by how to process all of these coupons.
I took a glance at the other line, where the last (and probably 15th) person in line had a full cart of groceries. As much as I wanted hand soap and dish washing liquid for a very affordable price, I decided I wasn't willing to spend 45 minutes in line to get it, and I left my items on an end cap display. I went over to CVS where I purchased the same thing in about two or three minutes, though for several more dollars.
Now, the ridiculousness of this scenario is accentuated by the fact that there were about a hundred employees in the store stocking shelves, some making jokes and dawdling around, while 15 people stand idling in line waiting to give you money. In general, though I like the convenience of Walmart stores, when I picture them I imagine boxes and abandoned items strewn all over the place. Maybe this is part of the reason why.
Incidentally, this is not the first time I have had to abandon my items and go elsewhere, as I have done so several times at the North Versailles Walmart. This West Mifflin store is usually better, but I hope you agree that one shopper with a large quantity of items shouldn't be enough to blow out the capacity of a store to function, even if it is at an odd hour of the night.
Sincerely,
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
702 SW 8th St
Bentonville, AR 72716
6/9/13
Dear Mr. Duke,
It is with incredulity that I write to you about my recent visit to your store at 2351 Century Dr in West Mifflin, PA. I am typically a big fan of shopping at Walmart stores, but every now and then I am completely baffled by the bizarre way they are managed. I went to this Walmart store on a Thursday night at 11:00 p.m. to pick up a few things. At this time there were two cash registered being manned. One cashier was completely occupied by a woman running some kind of extreme couponing scam who had enough stuff in her cart to stock a bunker for the end times. The other line was populated by Everyone Else. After standing in the Armageddon line for about ten minutes, I figured out that I wasn't going anywhere. Either the cashier was taking her good old time, or was just flat out baffled by how to process all of these coupons.
I took a glance at the other line, where the last (and probably 15th) person in line had a full cart of groceries. As much as I wanted hand soap and dish washing liquid for a very affordable price, I decided I wasn't willing to spend 45 minutes in line to get it, and I left my items on an end cap display. I went over to CVS where I purchased the same thing in about two or three minutes, though for several more dollars.
Now, the ridiculousness of this scenario is accentuated by the fact that there were about a hundred employees in the store stocking shelves, some making jokes and dawdling around, while 15 people stand idling in line waiting to give you money. In general, though I like the convenience of Walmart stores, when I picture them I imagine boxes and abandoned items strewn all over the place. Maybe this is part of the reason why.
Incidentally, this is not the first time I have had to abandon my items and go elsewhere, as I have done so several times at the North Versailles Walmart. This West Mifflin store is usually better, but I hope you agree that one shopper with a large quantity of items shouldn't be enough to blow out the capacity of a store to function, even if it is at an odd hour of the night.
Sincerely,
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