What Can You Do About Poor Service and Lodging
Do you know what your options are when you don’t receive fair value?
I conduct trainings and presentations . Also, like many Americans of my generation, I do not live and work in the region where I grew up. As a result I do quite a bit of domestic and some international travel.
I differ from many of my ilk in the respect that I try and bring my wife, two daughters and dog along on as much of my weekend travel as possible. That means the places I lodge and dine are family focused. Basically, the lower end of a moderate budget.
By and large, I would have to say that the service and accommodations I encounter are adequate. Not stellar, not abysmal, simply adequate. Basically, you get what you pay for.
But, what if you don’t?
I am a member of a travel club (AAA). I make as much use of the benefits of that membership as I can. Travel planning in regards to route mapping is very important to me. But, I also rely on my travel club to provide an accurate evaluation of the accommodations and services which they endorse. Sometimes, a stinker slips through that rating system.
When that happens you really do have options other than “shut up and take it.”
Phase 1
- Be prepared to take some pictures.
- Be prepared to explain to the service provider exactly what is unacceptable.
- Be prepared to explain to the service provider what would be acceptable in its place.
- Be prepared to be initially rebuffed.
- Be prepared to politely ask to speak with a supervisor.
- Be prepared to restate you position.
What if you still don’t get satisfaction?
Phase 2
- Write out your complaint and your desired remedy.
- USE the comment forms most services provide.
- AND submit an online feedback if possible.
- Be patient, bureaucracy takes time.
Phase 3
- If you use a travel club let them know about your experience and request they update their data.
Don’t feel like you are whining when you ask for the value you pay for. I Think about it this way; I provide training, counseling and coaching on a lot of different fronts. If I ever don’t provide the value my clients feel they deserve, I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. It is only fair to provide those who provide services to me with the same courtesy.