Would you write a letter?

[Fishbone†]

For Christmas I gave my mom a certificate to attend a cooking class at the local “Kitchen Shop” in town. She chose one of the classes, and I called to sign up. It was to be held January 5th, and we were excited…… I suppose we signed up about a week ahead of time. On January 4th, the store called to say they had to cancel the class due to a death in the chef’s family. They were rescheduling for February 22nd. I understand.

February 19th my Grandma passed away, and the visitation was set for the evening of this class. I called first thing Monday morning to let them know we wouldn’t be able to make the class, and why. They don’t give refunds for any reason, and I am just out the $120.

I guess I’d like to understand, but it bothers me that they can reschedule the class for the very same reason, but have no provisions for their customers in the same situation.

I want to write a letter stating my disappointment in this. I, of course, would not be unkind, but would just like to let them know that it really put a bad taste in my mouth – particularly since the class I signed up for was to be held January 5th in the first place.

What do you guys think? Am I being unfair, or are they? I’m not a business owner, so I only see things from my perspective, and from my perspective it feels a bit unfair.

 

[lulugirl]

This seems VERY unfair to me. They rescheduled, you should be able to reschedule as well. I would follow up.

 

[Beth76]

It does seem very unfair. I would write a letter. While it might be their policy, exceptions can always be made. They would have to understand that if they let you reschedule, you will probably return for another class. But, if they don't, you probably won't be giving them any more business.

 

[floridafam]

You bet I would write a letter.

They should have understood after having to cancel themselves. Maybe the chef is an independant contractor but still.

Goodl luck to you. Sorry about your Grandma

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I would have written that letter already. You should write it now.

 

[mickeyboat]

Definitely write the letter.

Did you pay by credit card? If so I might even try to file a dispute for the charge. That's really nice that they ask you to accomodate them re-scheduling, but not if you have to re-schedule.

Denae

 

[cstraub]

For Christmas I gave my mom a certificate to attend a cooking class at the local “Kitchen Shop” in town. She chose one of the classes, and I called to sign up. It was to be held January 5th, and we were excited…… I suppose we signed up about a week ahead of time. On January 4th, the store called to say they had to cancel the class due to a death in the chef’s family. They were rescheduling for February 22nd. I understand.

February 19th my Grandma passed away, and the visitation was set for the evening of this class. I called first thing Monday morning to let them know we wouldn’t be able to make the class, and why. They don’t give refunds for any reason, and I am just out the $120.

I guess I’d like to understand, but it bothers me that they can reschedule the class for the very same reason, but have no provisions for their customers in the same situation.

I want to write a letter stating my disappointment in this. I, of course, would not be unkind, but would just like to let them know that it really put a bad taste in my mouth – particularly since the class I signed up for was to be held January 5th in the first place.

What do you guys think? Am I being unfair, or are they? I’m not a business owner, so I only see things from my perspective, and from my perspective it feels a bit unfair.

I would write a letter or better yet call! Seems very unfair since they cancelled first.

 

[cats mom]

Absolutely incredible to me that they asked you to be understanding and change your schedule when they were unable to follow through with the class, but are unwilling to work with you given the circumstances.
You gave them more notice than they did you.

You can bet I'd write a letter and if I didn't get a satisfactory response I might even contact one of the TV stations that do the 'on your side' type consumer reports. Sounds like just the kind of thing they would love.

 

[rt2dz]

Absolutely incredible to me that they asked you to be understanding and change your schedule when they were unable to follow through with the class, but are unwilling to work with you given the circumstances.
You gave them more notice than they did you.

You can bet I'd write a letter and if I didn't get a satisfactory response I might even contact one of the TV stations that do the 'on your side' type consumer reports. Sounds like just the kind of thing they would love.

I agree. This just isn't right. Write the letter. Call the Better Business Bureau. Contact the TV stations. Write the local newspaper. This isn't right. It is exactly the same thing they did to you.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would definately write a letter, and explain how dissapointed I was in their customer no service. You were understanding when a death prevented them from offering a class that you had paid for and you expect that they would return the same good will to you.

My sympathy on the loss of your Grandmother. It is hard to deal with the loss of a beloved family member.

 

[disneymom3]

I would write a letter even if they hadn't cancelled the class for the very same reason. Since my own mom just died and the various things I had to cancel were incredibly understanding, I am just appalled that they were so difficult to deal with. NOT good business/customer service.

I would be writing a letter and following up with a phone call to the manager as well.