Disgruntled

Follow Up: I received a very nice and personable email from The Camera Exhange's president, Ed Gonzalez, apologizing for his sales staff. He went so far as to extend his personal attention the next time I am in his store and was very quick to reply to my correspondence. I might have to rethink things.

I made a trip to Camera Exchange this morning to purchase some equipment I needed for my photography gig. Let's just say, it didn't go so hot. As soon as I got home, I wrote them a letter:

To Whom It May Concern:

I just left your store after making an exchange and, as this is my second dealing with Camera Exchange in the past 72 hours, I am finding the customer service at your store, SORELY LACKING.

On Friday, I was in a rush to find a particular tripod and attachment. While the salesman wasn't outright rude, he was neither friendly nor made me feel like he wanted my $300 purchase that I made at your store. "How are you ma'am?" would have been a great start, but I did not so much as receive a friendly greeting from ANYONE when I entered your store.

Over the weekend, I realized I had purchased the wrong tripod and needed to come by this morning to make the exchange. When I mentioned this to the salesman this morning, I received a look that can be described as nothing but ANNOYANCE. Oh, excuse me, did I not just PURCHASE this tripod from your store on Friday? Are ya'll in a habit of treating your returning customers so poorly? I even spent an ADDITIONAL $30 to buy a more expensive tripod then the one I returned. Silly me!

THEN, if I hadn't annoyed your salesman enough with my 'request' I asked him if he could PLEASE attach the ball head (another item over $100 I purchased from your store) - not, a single "No problem" or a "Sure, ma'am, I'd be happy to" was uttered. Nothing. He only acted even more put out.

Then, when it was time to PAY UP. Another salesman came to check me out, asked for my receipt and then for my card. Take my money, but don't offer up a thank you or a have a nice day on the way out the door.

Needless to say, Camera Exchange, you have lost a customer. I am more than happy to give my money to online companies, who's outsourced customer service is almost 100% better than yours! Who cares for the wait time.

It's a shame, I would of like to support my local economy, especially in today's times. Alas, you've made me and my money feel unwanted. And that simply won't do.

Have a fantastic day. I hope you found everything you were looking for.

Sincerely,

Colleen Koenig