Upset with The Parade Company

**moash76** · November-28-09, 04:44 AM

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!

**Zacha341** · November-28-09, 05:21 AM

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.

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!

Buy American · November-28-09, 08:12 AM

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.

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?

rugbyman · November-28-09, 08:34 AM

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.

**sumas** · November-28-09, 08:35 AM

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.

Buy American · November-28-09, 09:14 AM

"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?

**Zacha341** · November-28-09, 10:15 AM

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.

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.

**eriedearie** · November-28-09, 10:34 AM

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?

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.

**elganned** · November-28-09, 10:45 AM

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.

**Wykkidx** · November-28-09, 11:03 AM

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.

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.

rugbyman · November-28-09, 11:15 AM

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.

**izzyindetroit** · November-28-09, 12:16 PM

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

hmm, we had no idea.

**Meddle** · November-28-09, 01:51 PM

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.

**1KielsonDrive** · November-28-09, 02:05 PM

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.

Thank you Sumas!

**1KielsonDrive** · November-28-09, 02:06 PM

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.

Right on elganned !

**moash76** · November-28-09, 02:25 PM

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.

Oh Rugbyboy... you took time out of your day to harass me. I'm touched.

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.

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.

**Jimaz** · November-28-09, 03:54 PM

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

Bust a deal, face the wheel!

**eno** · November-28-09, 06:32 PM

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.

Stosh · November-28-09, 07:07 PM

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.

**thefishwrap** · November-28-09, 08:44 PM

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.

MichMatters · November-28-09, 09:04 PM

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.

**Crystal** · November-28-09, 10:19 PM

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!

**moash76** · November-29-09, 04:04 AM

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!

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!

**sumas** · November-29-09, 07:31 AM

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.

**Zacha341** · November-29-09, 09:45 AM

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

Originally Posted by moash76

Oh Rugbyboy... you took time out of your day to harass me. I'm touched.

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.

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.