UPDATE!! I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

UPDATE!!!
The owner of the company just called me. He read my email this morning, and was sincerely appreciative of the constructive criticism! He said that they are building their company, and they realize that making their clients happy should be the #1 goal - he even offered to "reallllllllly take care of us" when it comes time to book bachelor and bachelorette parties.

I'm glad I sent it. I had a good feeling about this guy, and I'm glad I went with my gut. And even better news - they've all quit smoking!!!


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I dragged my parents and Rich to a very reputable limo company (LIW vendor) for an appt about a month and a half ago and it was a disaster. DISASTER. The place was FILTHY - like I could've written my name in the dust on the desk if i wanted to. the receptionist was smoking like a chimney the whole time we were there (despite obvious passive aggressive coughing on Mom's part ), and even carried on a cell phone conversation about how b*&%y another bride was!

I had a nice relationship with the man (part owner) that I originally spoke with on the phone, and he REALLY brought his price down a lot to match other quotes I was given. Since my appointment, I have received several calls from the company asking my status.

I'm sending an email response. I don't know how far to go with it. Please advise:

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Dear XXXXXXXXXXX,

Firstly, I wanted to thank you for taking the time out of your Saturday morning schedule to meet with me back in December. I would also like you to know that while I found you to be very good at what you do and very willing to work with me in terms of pricing, overall, I was greatly disappointed with my visit to xxxxx Limousines.

From the moment we entered the building until the time we left, we were uncomfortable. As asthmatics, my Mother and I considered turning around and leaving the building before even meeting you. The thick cloud of cigarette smoke that hit us as we ascended the stairs was an extreme deterrent and unfortunately, proved to foreshadow the condition of your vehicles. The receptionist did not even offer to put out her cigarette during our meeting. I found this behavior to be very inconsiderate and offensive.

Coincidentally, this was the same receptionist that told me that the vehicles I was interested in for my wedding would be in the garage at the time of our meeting. Imagine my surprise when I learned that they were not, in fact, in the garage at the time of our meeting, and we wasted an hour of our time driving to your office to see them.

The vehicles that you were able to show us (after our brisk, unexpected walk to a shared garage) were dinged up, chipping, and smelled of stale cigarettes. You admitted that your vehicles were not in the best condition, as they go in for work (including paint) at the end of the year, or “the slow season,” as you referred to it, and that the work hadn’t been done yet. Unfortunately, my wedding happens to be the same time of year that I visited you, meaning that if I booked with you, I would be paying for vehicles are admittedly not in their best condition. Why should I subject myself to that?

Like I mentioned earlier, you are good at what you do, and we appreciated your honesty and sincere congratulations. We hope that your business continues to grow, and with that growth comes improvement.

Sincerely,


Nicole xxxxxxx


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anyone? thanks!!!

Message edited 2/12/2007 11:08:19 AM.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

honestly, i would say thanks, but we are looking elsewhere. if they ask, then i would respond with the issues you mentioned. if they are a reputable company, they will address it with you and give you the best cars they have.
hth

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I think its nice that you are extending them the courtesy of that feedback.

Hopefully they take something away from it.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I honestly wouldn't even respond to them. I would ignore their calls until they finally get the message I'm not interested.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Since the person you spoke to on the phone was helpful, I think you are right to send some feedback. Who knows -- maybe the company will even learn something from your comments. I might keep the part of your message about the problems you experienced more concise, though -- maybe pick a few key points and then end on an upbeat ("you were great, though") note.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I think it's very nice of you to write them such a detailed response to explain why you are not going with them. I think most people would leave it at, "sorry, we're going with someone else." Hopefully, your feedback will be put to good use. I think it's a very well written letter.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I think it is a well, respectfully written letter. I would definatley send it.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I think its well written and you should definitely send it

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I think its well written, however if I wasn't using their services I wouldn't waste my time sending it. They probably don't really care what their customers think...they have already showed you that!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I agree with some of the above ladies. In my opinion, the companies want constructive criticism. To leave them in the dark is silly. You already wrote out the letter, send it!!!!

Then after you send the letter, send me an FM because I am dying to know who it is!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Thank you so much - I appreciate it!!!

The feeling that i got from the place was that the guy was too good to be affiliated with them. I hope they take something away from my letter, and I really hope they're not offended.

The office is in Nassau, and yes, I'm pretty sure they shouldn't be smoking in there!!!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

believe me, a letter like that isnt necessary at a place like that-I used to deal w/many limo companies when I used to work and 90% of them are totally unprofessional men and seedy offices like the one you described.

You can see from the way the receptionist was talking that they arent the most professional company and probably wouldnt even appreciate or understand an email like this!
I would just say thanks-but no thanks.
No need to go further. And as far as limo companies go, the best way to get a good one is thru recommendation!

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

thanks, but its already sent.

Re: I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

I think it was very tastefully stated, honest and constructive. I hope the owner can appreciate what you are getting across to him. Well worded.

Re: UPDATE!! I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

UPDATE!!!
The owner of the company just called me. He read my email this morning, and was sincerely appreciative of the constructive criticism! He said that they are building their company, and they realize that making their clients happy should be the #1 goal - he even offered to "reallllllllly take care of us" when it comes time to book bachelor and bachelorette parties.

I'm glad I sent it. I had a good feeling about this guy, and I'm glad I went with my gut. And even better news - they've all quit smoking!!!

Re: UPDATE!! I would like some help, constructive criticism, etc. please!

Constructive criticism and honest feedback are important - I'm really happy that you went ahead and sent it, and that they responded back in such a positive manner.