you can not please all of the people all of the time, much as we try.
some folks are just jerks, and nothing you can do will change that.
can you write a rebuttal to a complaint on Angie's List?
can you refund the $20, and say to the customer, "I'm sorry it has come to this. Please accept this with our apology. We do not wish to serve you anymore". It could be the best $20 ever spent. Think of how much more headaches he will cause, and how much that hassle is worth to *not* have.
What omnis said. I am a small biz owner and each time my gut tells me that a customer should be 'fired' because they are crazy/unreasonable/evil it has always been the best plan to say goodbye as quickly as possible. $20 or $200 or $2000 is not worth dealing with people that cannot be pleased. After the first couple of issues it was not going to be likely that he could be pleased anyway.
I think Connie's rewording is nigh perfect, as are omnis's and LeN's "Here's your $20, now please never come back."
Thanks so much, everyone. I really appreciate your suggestions.
I explained the third incident more fully and used Connie's language. (thanks!)
We did not refund the $20, and went ahead with including his threat in the reply because, basically, he was blackmailing us.
By the time he posted his remarks, it was too late for any additional negotiation.
In the overall scheme of things, I allowed myself to get way too upset about this because, on balance, our 'scorecard is running at 98% positive in a business that is highly emotional.
I figure we're doing okay.
I was just floored by this guy's gall.
Gotta run to a super scary doc appt.
I really should have gone into advertising, I'm good at written BS.
The hematologist office called. My doctor does not think my current iron levels are a problem, so I will see him again in three months. I know it is weird to wish something to be bad, but I am so frustrated right now.
I really should have gone into advertising, I'm good at written BS.
Advertising? Pfft. If you truly are gifted at BS, then you need to go into politics!
t /snark
Nillybaby (held by Nilly)! [link]
look at all that hair! thank you so much for sharing, Shir. Please extend my congratulations along with the legions of others. I needed some good news this week and this child did the trick.
Yay NillyBaby!
I totally would say in the future give him his money back and tell him you can't provide service anymore. Otherwise, the shorter response is way better for Angie's List.