Upset with The Parade Company

I love going to the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, so this year, I decided to buy tickets for seating so I wouldn't have to search for a spot to sit. Well, I had tickets in the "tv zone" section DD. When I got there, there was no room whatsoever! I paid $100 dollars for 4 tickets and there was not a spare inch to be found! They then sent us over to the next section and, of course, they were full, too! They then sent us across the street to the grandstand seats and the girl refused to let us in. So, we had to go all the way back to our original seats and have the girl from there escort us back to the grandstand seats to explain our situation. They did let us in after that, but the seats we ended up with were $5 less than what I paid for. I don't mind supporting the parade by buying seats, but I should get what I paid for. Now that's $20 wasted. Do you think I have a chance of getting refunded the difference. I already had to send them an email before the parade because I had ordered 2 hats online, along with the tickets, and was charged for them. Well, the tickets came...but the hats never did. I gave it a week and sent an email. 3 days later I get an email back saying that they are sorry and that the hats were now out of stock. Well, they were in stock when I ordered them...and I was also charged for them. Anyways, I just asked them to refund the money for my hats. [[I've yet to see the refund) Hopefully, they take care of business properly and refund my money. I wasn't the only one complaining about the seating. It was ridiculous!

Sounds like mismanagement, greed and overbooking was a play here. Re. the hats your ordered, having worked on the "fulfillment" end of such ventures as a temp, doing kit packing for events, there's suppose to be tracking of inventory vs. orders received. And the cut-off has be enforced on the "order" side before the inventory [[product ordered) runs out!! I hope you get your money back. Email, email and snail mail if needed, to get your refund.

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Originally Posted by moash76

I love going to the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, so this year, I decided to buy tickets for seating so I wouldn't have to search for a spot to sit. Well, I had tickets in the "tv zone" section DD. When I got there, there was no room whatsoever! I paid $100 dollars for 4 tickets and there was not a spare inch to be found! They then sent us over to the next section and, of course, they were full, too! They then sent us across the street to the grandstand seats and the girl refused to let us in. So, we had to go all the way back to our original seats and have the girl from there escort us back to the grandstand seats to explain our situation. They did let us in after that, but the seats we ended up with were $5 less than what I paid for. I don't mind supporting the parade by buying seats, but I should get what I paid for. Now that's $20 wasted. Do you think I have a chance of getting refunded the difference. I already had to send them an email before the parade because I had ordered 2 hats online, along with the tickets, and was charged for them. Well, the tickets came...but the hats never did. I gave it a week and sent an email. 3 days later I get an email back saying that they are sorry and that the hats were now out of stock. Well, they were in stock when I ordered them...and I was also charged for them. Anyways, I just asked them to refund the money for my hats. [[I've yet to see the refund) Hopefully, they take care of business properly and refund my money. I wasn't the only one complaining about the seating. It was ridiculous!

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Originally Posted by detroitchef

sounds like you're a jackass. Just write the difference off as a'donation' and be thankful they bother having the parade at all. People like you always have something to complain about.

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Why the sarcastic remark...this person had every right to get what he/she paid for, and if they didn't get what they paid for they are entitled to the refund for the hats and some money off for the inconvenience of the runaround.
$100 for 4 seats is quite a lot of money and. though it goes to a good cause, the seats should have been available. More than likely, some pushy politician sat down and that was that...did anyone look for Conyers, Reeves or Watson who may have felt "entitled" to those seats?
"People like you"....exactly what does that mean?

I think he means "people like you" are jackasses who complain when they feel slighted by a non-profit organization if they don't get exactly what they thought they were going to get because "they should get what they pay for." Indeed, you should get what you paid for. You donated to a non-profit. Temper your expectations and just be glad they can afford to put the damn parade on in the first place.

Dude. Believe it or not, the logistics of getting tens of thousands of people down to Woodward, sitting them somewhere, then marching balloons and bands a mile and a half are a little difficult. Didn't you read the paper? Last year's grandstands were empty. The management actually made a smart business move and oversold your "TV Zone" seats because really, do you want your "TV Zone" bare-assed empty when the cameras start panning?

What time did you show up? Didn't it occur to you that even with your "assigned" seats that bundled up kids, parents, and thermoses take up a boatload of space? You weren't going to a Tigers game, amigo. Think Michigan Stadium.

Zacha- Greed? Really? That's what you see in this? Have you ever run a non-profit before? Survival is the concern, not lining pockets. Think before you talk.

Buy American- "More than likely, some pushy politician sat down and that was that." Right. "Entitlement" in Detroit is what cost this guy his seat. More than likely he didn't have the common sense to plan properly and now he's bitching that he didn't get his 5 seconds on WDIV.

Unbelievable.

I disagree with Detroitchef. I ran retail establishments for years and always appreciated polite complaints. It gives you an opportunity to correct problems.
I imagine the $20 is less significant then for the concern regarding having no seats at all.

A few possible explanations: intentional over booking assuming x amount of no shows or more likely Parade Co workers smuggling in friends. By all means ask for a refund. The hat one is simple, just bad inventory control.

If I had been a supervisor there I would have been horrified that you had not one but two bad experiences. I would have given you complimentary hats and seats for next year and deepest regrets. At the very least I would have arranged for a private tour of their warehouse.

I hope you did enjoy the parade itself, it was the best ever.

"Zacha- Greed? Really? That's what you see in this? Have you ever run a non-profit before? Survival is the concern, not lining pockets. Think before you talk."

I'm sure Moash will "think" before he contributes $100 to a non-profit parade again. I see a big problem with attitude here...."no big deal", "be glad there is even a parade", "you're a jackass", "logistics"....this person paid for seats to someone at the parade committee. Don't any of you think that he should have got those seats?

Actually, I have worked in non-profits before and greed does not escape those institutions within certain pockets. In this specific case probably "mismanagement" more than anything, and granted an event that big is an undertaking. So I did think - and gave a solution; one not to put down the whole parade institution, but to get the person money back. Period. The hats are probably a loss, but expensive seats? Sooo, since they "over-booked" they should have extra funds for the refunds.

As a "pre-damage control" measure they should have considered that those paying for said seats would be more likely go to the media or discuss among "friends" on a board like this their not getting what they paid for. Perhaps, less overbooking in the future may be advantageous, after all you can always just give those seats away if they seem too sparse, before the cameras pan them. That's better than bad publicity.

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Originally Posted by rugbyman

I think he means "people like you" are jackasses who complain when they feel slighted by a non-profit organization if they don't get exactly what they thought they were going to get because "they should get what they pay for." Indeed, you should get what you paid for. You donated to a non-profit. Temper your expectations and just be glad they can afford to put the damn parade on in the first place.

Dude. Believe it or not, the logistics of getting tens of thousands of people down to Woodward, sitting them somewhere, then marching balloons and bands a mile and a half are a little difficult. Didn't you read the paper? Last year's grandstands were empty. The management actually made a smart business move and oversold your "TV Zone" seats because really, do you want your "TV Zone" bare-assed empty when the cameras start panning?

What time did you show up? Didn't it occur to you that even with your "assigned" seats that bundled up kids, parents, and thermoses take up a boatload of space? You weren't going to a Tigers game, amigo. Think Michigan Stadium.

Zacha- Greed? Really? That's what you see in this? Have you ever run a non-profit before? Survival is the concern, not lining pockets. Think before you talk.

Buy American- "More than likely, some pushy politician sat down and that was that." Right. "Entitlement" in Detroit is what cost this guy his seat. More than likely he didn't have the common sense to plan properly and now he's bitching that he didn't get his 5 seconds on WDIV.

Unbelievable.

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Originally Posted by Buy American

I'm sure Moash will "think" before he contributes $100 to a non-profit parade again. I see a big problem with attitude here...."no big deal", "be glad there is even a parade", "you're a jackass", "logistics"....this person paid for seats to someone at the parade committee. Don't any of you think that he should have got those seats?

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I do. When someone buys something and it breaks, the words usually said are "you get what you pay for", right? Well, this person paid $100.00 for THOSE particular seats. He/she did not get what he paid for. They have every right to be refunded for what they clearly did not get. Non-profit or not - IMO - they deserve a refund.

I'm sure Moash will "be grateful" in future by not buying tickets or hats for the parade. And rightfully so.

Non-profit or not, when you sell a product you're expected to deliver that product when payment is received. If you don't or can't, that's just bad business.

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Originally Posted by detroitchef

sounds like you're a jackass. Just write the difference off as a'donation' and be thankful they bother having the parade at all. People like you always have something to complain about.

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It is people like you that make me wonder. It does not matter if it was a non-profit company or any other company, as a consumer you should get what you pay for. Companies in these economic times are fighting tooth and nail for every consumer and the very LAST thing any of them want is bad word of mouth. Not only should Moash get the refund but they should call and apologize to him for the mix up.When a company screws up if they handle it correctly it can work towards their advantage.

They're general admission tickets. He didn't buy a seat. He bought a ticket to sit somewhere in a certain grandstand, though it was full by the time he decided to mosey on downtown. It's not like the Parade Company took his money and ran; he ended up sitting somewhere in a grandstand along Woodward, though not where he thought he would.

If you're really that fired up about it, send them an email. Big kids address their problems to the people who caused them, not to anonymous boards full of whiners. No one here is going to give you your money back.

You know what would have been a better post? "When I called the parade company, they told me to get stuffed;" THAT would have been noteworthy. The "I sat in a different section and I don't know what to do sniff, sniff" just shows you're incapable of functioning like an adult. Maybe you could have titled this thread "They should take my driver's license away because I'm too infantile to solve problems like grown-ups do." Or how about "I'm posting this on DYes to magically solve my problem."

I'm positive if you get in touch with the Parade Company someone will feel like your concerns are valid and address them. They might even refund the whopping $20 difference in the price of your tickets and maybe throw in a T-shirt for the trouble. Stop whining.

"He should have gotten his seat." Sniff, sniff. 'Tis the season for mouthbreathers.

You need a ticket for to sit in the bleachers???

hmm, we had no idea.

If you used a credit card, file a dispute. You should at lest get credited for the hats you didn't get and they may even chargeback the tickets as well.

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Originally Posted by sumas

I disagree with Detroitchef. I ran retail establishments for years and always appreciated polite complaints. It gives you an opportunity to correct problems.
I imagine the $20 is less significant then for the concern regarding having no seats at all.

A few possible explanations: intentional over booking assuming x amount of no shows or more likely Parade Co workers smuggling in friends. By all means ask for a refund. The hat one is simple, just bad inventory control.

If I had been a supervisor there I would have been horrified that you had not one but two bad experiences. I would have given you complimentary hats and seats for next year and deepest regrets. At the very least I would have arranged for a private tour of their warehouse.

I hope you did enjoy the parade itself, it was the best ever.

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Thank you Sumas!

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Originally Posted by elganned

I'm sure Moash will "be grateful" in future by not buying tickets or hats for the parade. And rightfully so.

Non-profit or not, when you sell a product you're expected to deliver that product when payment is received. If you don't or can't, that's just bad business.

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Right on elganned !

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Originally Posted by rugbyman

They're general admission tickets. He didn't buy a seat. He bought a ticket to sit somewhere in a certain grandstand, though it was full by the time he decided to mosey on downtown. It's not like the Parade Company took his money and ran; he ended up sitting somewhere in a grandstand along Woodward, though not where he thought he would.

If you're really that fired up about it, send them an email. Big kids address their problems to the people who caused them, not to anonymous boards full of whiners. No one here is going to give you your money back.

You know what would have been a better post? "When I called the parade company, they told me to get stuffed;" THAT would have been noteworthy. The "I sat in a different section and I don't know what to do sniff, sniff" just shows you're incapable of functioning like an adult. Maybe you could have titled this thread "They should take my driver's license away because I'm too infantile to solve problems like grown-ups do." Or how about "I'm posting this on DYes to magically solve my problem."

I'm positive if you get in touch with the Parade Company someone will feel like your concerns are valid and address them. They might even refund the whopping $20 difference in the price of your tickets and maybe throw in a T-shirt for the trouble. Stop whining.

"He should have gotten his seat." Sniff, sniff. 'Tis the season for mouthbreathers.

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Oh Rugbyboy... you took time out of your day to harass me. I'm touched. :p You took all of that time to post pictures for little ol' me and write all of those kind words!

For the record, I will be addressing these issues on Monday with a phonecall to the parade company. I am totally capable of handling my problems, I just thought I might be able to discuss them, also.

I see that you seem to think that $20 isn't such a grand amount. What if your supervisor were to deduct $20 from your hourly pay? Would it seem like a difference then?

I like the verbal attack you did on me. Maybe you should try some xanax to help control your anger issues. Why would my post create such anger in you? After the words you said..... I'm SO happy that it DID get to you....but why let it? I was just trying to discuss something that had to do with Detroit. Isn't that what these boards are for? I didn't let you or the other name calling posts get to me. :p It's just not worth it. I was just looking for some input on the situation. Thanks to all of you who could actually discuss this topic like civilized adults. Obviously rugbyboy and the one that called me a jackass [[I believe) aren't capable of such tasks.

I just want to add that it is also reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that this is wrong. I appreciated everyones input.

Profit or non, it can't be good PR to accept money for something then not deliver.

Bust a deal, face the wheel!

Moash 76, You were correct in expecting seating for the tickets you bought. It would be no different if you went to Comerica Park and found your seats occupied. I don't know if they had individual seat designation for the section you were in but they should have. If a charity is going to take people's money for their events then they should be held to the same standard as a business to deliver a service or product for the money they receive.

I'd think that for that kind of money, they should at the very least have a numbered seat system. I can't imagine that it is a good idea to disappoint cash donors, with what the economy is these days. I don't blame you for complaining. Sounds to me like someone crashed the zone you were in, or something.

Of course, it's always a good idea to come early to an event of this nature.

Have you been more proactive than firing off one e-mail about the hats and bitching about the seats on a message board?

I can understand the frustration, but it seems to me you really haven't given them a chance to correct the problems here. Some ticket person at the parade isn't going to be able to refund you money..

Give them a call, let them know what's up. If they have any sense of customer service, they'll make it right.

Moash is in the right, on this one, regardless of whether his/her tone is kind to your eyes and ears. Being a jerk or not being one absolves no company or organization of its responsibility to offer what has been paid for, period. Attitude is irrelevant. Moash paid money for something that he or she didn't receive.

I'm astounded by the posts attacking moash76 and his dissatisfaction with The Parade Company. The fact that The Parade Company is a non-profit organization does not excuse misconduct or mismanagement on its part.

moash76's first post was clear in describing the circumstances that left him [[or her, and three others as well) frustrated during a special, once a year event.

I'm with moash on this.

... and welcome to the forum!

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Originally Posted by Crystal

I'm astounded by the posts attacking moash76 and his dissatisfaction with The Parade Company. The fact that The Parade Company is a non-profit organization does not excuse misconduct or mismanagement on its part.

moash76's first post was clear in describing the circumstances that left him [[or her, and three others as well) frustrated during a special, once a year event.

I'm with moash on this.

... and welcome to the forum!

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Thanks, Crystal! I've been lurking on this board for about 2 years now. I don't know what took me so long to sign up, but I'm glad I did. I really enjoy reading about Detroit, and I LOVE seeing all of the pictures. I spent 21 years living in Warrendale. That was a great family neighborhood at the time. So many kids to play with! And because my screen name is a bit ambiguous [[I see a lot of he/she) I will settle the uncertainty. I'm a she. : )

And again, thanks to those of you that understand my reasoning. And thanks for letting me vent a little!

Glad you decided to join the forum. Welcome. It is always a little surprising to see the visciousness of some posters. Sometimes the verbage leaves me blank since the forum calls for no personal attacks and no name calling.

I have first hand knowledge of logistics for parade day. It's an insane day for those involved in the staging. This situation has nothing to do with production, this is an office problem.

You have every right to be upset. It's easy to surmise you were a party of 2 adults and two children. [[4 tickets, 2 hats)

I support my position that superior customer service is advisable. Your post has drawn 935 hits to date.

I hope you will be able to report back in the near future that your situation was handled properly. While I doubt your issues will deter future parade goers [[it shouldn't), it certainly is good advice for future parade goers to buy early [[hats) and arrive early.

For people who think of twenty dollars as a mere pittance, feel free to donate to my non profit organization. The rest of us need to budget our money.

You're welcome. I hope everything works out - keep us posted. And welcome to DetroitYes!

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Originally Posted by moash76

Oh Rugbyboy... you took time out of your day to harass me. I'm touched. :p You took all of that time to post pictures for little ol' me and write all of those kind words!

For the record, I will be addressing these issues on Monday with a phonecall to the parade company. I am totally capable of handling my problems, I just thought I might be able to discuss them, also.

I see that you seem to think that $20 isn't such a grand amount. What if your supervisor were to deduct $20 from your hourly pay? Would it seem like a difference then?

I like the verbal attack you did on me. Maybe you should try some xanax to help control your anger issues. Why would my post create such anger in you? After the words you said..... I'm SO happy that it DID get to you....but why let it? I was just trying to discuss something that had to do with Detroit. Isn't that what these boards are for? I didn't let you or the other name calling posts get to me. :p It's just not worth it. I was just looking for some input on the situation. Thanks to all of you who could actually discuss this topic like civilized adults. Obviously rugbyboy and the one that called me a jackass [[I believe) aren't capable of such tasks.

I just want to add that it is also reassuring to know that I'm not the only one who thinks that this is wrong. I appreciated everyones input.

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Perhaps Lowell should put,

**********ABSOLUTLY NO NAME CALLING*************

At the top of the Detroit Forum and just not on the Non-Detroit issues Forum.

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Originally Posted by moash76

Thanks, Crystal! I've been lurking on this board for about 2 years now. I don't know what took me so long to sign up, but I'm glad I did. I really enjoy reading about Detroit, and I LOVE seeing all of the pictures. I spent 21 years living in Warrendale. That was a great family neighborhood at the time. So many kids to play with! And because my screen name is a bit ambiguous [[I see a lot of he/she) I will settle the uncertainty. I'm a she. : )

And again, thanks to those of you that understand my reasoning. And thanks for letting me vent a little!

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It's good you posted and vented. Nothing wrong with asking for a little feedback. When some people get bent out of shape, you respond properly. If they're way out there, tell 'em to FO. If they're reasonable, have a dialogue. I don't understand all the cries to ban name calling and stop this and that. It happens and we get by it. The next time around, the perpetrator this time may be asking for help and advice.

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Originally Posted by 1KielsonDrive

It's good you posted and vented. Nothing wrong with asking for a little feedback. When some people get bent out of shape, you respond properly. If they're way out there, tell 'em to FO. If they're reasonable, have a dialogue. I don't understand all the cries to ban name calling and stop this and that. It happens and we get by it. The next time around, the perpetrator this time may be asking for help and advice.

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I think when people start name calling, we lose perspective on what the initial discussion was all about. Keep it on target. Discuss the issues, debate them, argue for your point of view, and maybe agree to disagree but we also know how people can take things personally here. Not that I want to speak for Lowell or anyone else here but I like the no name calling here because it helps to keep a focus on topics here.

I have no problem with people venting such as moash76 did here. I think he/she was actively looking for some perspective, advice and maybe a sound rationale for recourse. And quite honestly there are some pretty bright folks here on the boards that can help.

One of the best things about this forum is the multiple points of view and the information being distributed. I don't exactly have to agree with all of it or subscribe to everyone's opinion but I surely shouldn't be subject to being called a crass name if I disagree with someone's point of view either.

I, for one, am looking forward to what kind of follow up the Parade people give you.
Customer service seems to be a lost art for a lot of businesses these days. Non-profits should be especially
sensitive to bad publicity and unhappy donators.
Did anyone have a good time at the parade?:confused:

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Originally Posted by daddeeo

I, for one, am looking forward to what kind of follow up the Parade people give you.
Customer service seems to be a lost art for a lot of businesses these days. Non-profits should be especially
sensitive to bad publicity and unhappy donators.
Did anyone have a good time at the parade?:confused:

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We were in the south end of Campus Martius, in front of the Chase building. It was a great place to watch an incredible event.

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Originally Posted by smogboy

I think when people start name calling, we lose perspective on what the initial discussion was all about. Keep it on target. Discuss the issues, debate them, argue for your point of view, and maybe agree to disagree but we also know how people can take things personally here. Not that I want to speak for Lowell or anyone else here but I like the no name calling here because it helps to keep a focus on topics here.

I have no problem with people venting such as moash76 did here. I think he/she was actively looking for some perspective, advice and maybe a sound rationale for recourse. And quite honestly there are some pretty bright folks here on the boards that can help.

One of the best things about this forum is the multiple points of view and the information being distributed. I don't exactly have to agree with all of it or subscribe to everyone's opinion but I surely shouldn't be subject to being called a crass name if I disagree with someone's point of view either.

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Yeah Smogboy, I agree with you .The difference is that you speak of the ideal situation and I'm speaking of reality. I'd love it if we just had good old discussions and debates. Not likely. Too many yellers here.

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Originally Posted by 1KielsonDrive

Yeah Smogboy, I agree with you .The difference is that you speak of the ideal situation and I'm speaking of reality. I'd love it if we just had good old discussions and debates. Not likely. Too many yellers here.

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If those people want to yell, I'm hoping they're not thinking clearly and rationally enough to have a solid argument. Idealistic? Maybe but one has to have hope. I've always considered that a trademark of anyone living in or around Detroit. It's sometimes all we have.

And yes, I'm also curious as to the outcome with regards to the Parade Company discussion.

What Crystal said. The posters attacking him are exhibiting an all-too-frequent attitude around this Metro -- that one ought to be happy to accept any kind of goods and any level of service without complaint, and even with abject rudeness on the part of those offering said goods and services.

And then we wonder why we're hemorrhaging people.

Moash, let us know what happens.

Well, I called last Monday and spoke with someone. Unfortunately, she wan't able to help me and her boss was not in. She took my name and number and said that she would have her boss call me back. I didn't recieve a phone call all week, so I am going to try to call back again tomorrow. To be continued...

Thanks for the update, such as it is. Hopefully, they'll do the right thing by you.

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Originally Posted by smogboy

If those people want to yell, I'm hoping they're not thinking clearly and rationally enough to have a solid argument. Idealistic? Maybe but one has to have hope. I've always considered that a trademark of anyone living in or around Detroit. It's sometimes all we have.

And yes, I'm also curious as to the outcome with regards to the Parade Company discussion.

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Idealism is a requisite for living in the Detroit area. Gotta have it, no doubt. Some people think I'm just curmudgeonly. Not true, I hold my optimism and idealism close. That's why I often say ; "Enjoy Detroit for what it is right now!" As bad as Detroit has it, there are still many great and cool things about the city to enjoy every day. I won't even get started on a list. I had a day at Eastern Market and the Johansen Charles Gallery a couple of weeks ago, followed by cruising the St. Aubin. Mt. Elliot, Chene Street corridors with an aged African-American friend of many years. We learn lots from each other. We then proceeded to Hamtown for a walk and more talking. Later it was a dive bar in northeast Detroit and burgers at the White Tower in Hamtown. I was totally rejuvenated after that. Try telling that to some of those A2'ers and Oakland County residents and you'll be laughed outta town.

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Originally Posted by English

What Crystal said. The posters attacking him are exhibiting an all-too-frequent attitude around this Metro -- that one ought to be happy to accept any kind of goods and any level of service without complaint, and even with abject rudeness on the part of those offering said goods and services.

And then we wonder why we're hemorrhaging people.

Moash, let us know what happens.

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Right on English!

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Originally Posted by moash76

Well, I called last Monday and spoke with someone. Unfortunately, she wan't able to help me and her boss was not in. She took my name and number and said that she would have her boss call me back. I didn't recieve a phone call all week, so I am going to try to call back again tomorrow. To be continued...

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Doesn't it continually amaze you what passes for customer service in the good ole' USA? Why would the Parade Company want to be lumped in with such clueless companies like Comcast, DTE, ATT and other such mega-bureaucracies. "Please hold [[for hours). Our customer satisfaction[[say what?) agents will be with you in a moment [[thirty or more). You're are number 23 [[132) in line. We will be with you momentarily. We are presently experiencing high phone call volume. We value your business, please hold. We can't take your phone call right now due to high volume, please try our website. Our website is down temporarily, please try our 800 number. Sorry, there's nothing we can do for you. Tough shit!"

Thanks Kielson... :)

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Originally Posted by 1KielsonDrive

Idealism is a requisite for living in the Detroit area. Gotta have it, no doubt. Some people think I'm just curmudgeonly. Not true, I hold my optimism and idealism close. That's why I often say ; "Enjoy Detroit for what it is right now!" As bad as Detroit has it, there are still many great and cool things about the city to enjoy every day. I won't even get started on a list. I had a day at Eastern Market and the Johansen Charles Gallery a couple of weeks ago, followed by cruising the St. Aubin. Mt. Elliot, Chene Street corridors with an aged African-American friend of many years. We learn lots from each other. We then proceeded to Hamtown for a walk and more talking. Later it was a dive bar in northeast Detroit and burgers at the White Tower in Hamtown. I was totally rejuvenated after that. Try telling that to some of those A2'ers and Oakland County residents and you'll be laughed outta town.

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Yep, but they don't know what they're missing, do they? Whenever I start getting stressed out in my PhD program I know it's because I haven't been home in a while. The day before Thanksgiving, I came home to Detroit a day early just to shop at the Avalon Bakery and check out the parade floats before the fact. Visiting family, having lunch with friends, and going to my favorite places in the city helps to center me and realize where I've come from. It's kind of weird, but among the Michigan graduate students these days, sometimes those of us who come from right up the road are a bit more exotic than those who come from overseas, California, or are New England Brahmins. So I always encourage them to get out into the city and explore things.

I hope Moash gets a response from the Parade Company, and that he brings his family to future events. I am sure they want to have the positive PR.

Well, I called the parade company a few times and never got any return calls. The other night, I finally broke down and wrote another email. I explained the whole situation from beginning to end and am happy to report that they refunded my money. I didn't receive a personalized email in return, but they did correct the situation, so I can't complain. I guess I will try again next year and maybe they won't oversell their seats again.

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Originally Posted by moash76

Well, I called the parade company a few times and never got any return calls. The other night, I finally broke down and wrote another email. I explained the whole situation from beginning to end and am happy to report that they refunded my money. I didn't receive a personalized email in return, but they did correct the situation, so I can't complain. I guess I will try again next year and maybe they won't oversell their seats again.

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I wouldn't waste my time.

I wouldn't have paid for seats the first time. Ain't no way I'd do it again after that.

Any business entity gets one, maybe two, opportunities to get my dollars. After that, it's all about me. Screw loyalty, screw you. What passes for customer service in our culture is a recorded phone message, "we value your business, please hold for another 15 minutes or until we lay off and ship out a few more phone reps". In doing business with DTE recently, I truly spent the better part of about 5 different days on the phone, on hold and waiting for their various departments to figure out what the left hand was doing. They DO NOT return phone calls or allow you to speak to one person to resolve your issues. It was infuriating. Do we have a choice? Is this the free market? Who do you go to after you've been screwed by a monopoly? Now I have to face doing business with Comcast, the cable monopoly that provides services I need for a new business venture. I think of poor and aged people who have less ability, mobility and resources than I. What do they receive in return from these powerful monopolies, besides aggravation and a bill? I used to donate time and money to all of the local non-profits such as DET, TVS, etc. Once they ignored my every concern and began taking corporate dollars for 'sponsorhsips', [[those aren't commercials), I dropped them from my list of contributions. Besides, their execs make big money and bonuses and their staff have jobs and receive regular paychecks. Something that a lot of people out here don't get.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by English

...my PhD program...

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Ding, ding, ding...