Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Tale of two Ubuntudeals


I have a tendancy to buy coupons and not necessarily get to using them in time so I've been holding back on buying any unless they're really worth it..

A friends inspired suggestion prompted me to check my Groupon and Ubuntudeals and lo and behold, I had 1 expired coupon for an iphone cover, and 1 coupon that expires tomorrow for eyelashes.

I first phone the eyelash lady to see what she can do for me, and I apologise for phoning so late but is there anything she can do to arrange that I can use the coupon. After a lot of huffing and puffing, Laura tells me that she's fully booked up because of the special, it's not her fault that I left it so late and she can squeeze me inbetween two of her other clients from 3pm to 4pm tomorrow, but she might not finish and I'll have to make another full cost appointment to finish up. 

So now my back is up. I explained that I knew it was close to the end of the but I didnt buy it expecting to be squeezed inbetween other clients, nor did I expect to walk around with half completed eyelashes. I asked if she could possibly redeem the coupon but book me in later the week or next week or or.. She said to me that 'that's not how it works, there is an expiry date you know' and 'doesnt it say on there you have to book in advance'?

Her next question is: 'I don't know what you're trying to do, are you trying to get something out of me or something?' Of course my reply is that all I wanted was an appointment and I did expect decent service even though it was a coupon deal but I would contact Ubuntu directly and see if I can get a refund through them. Laura says that if that's the case, I must just let her know so she doesnt waste an appointment.

After phoning Ubuntudeal and giving them the story, Ondene was more than happy to credit the amount of the lashes and said that she was initially sorry she missed the deal but maybe it was better in the long run and now that she's got my details, she would let me personally know if there was another lash deal available. Not even 5 minutes after I follow up with my email request, my account is credited.

While I had Ondene on the line, I mention I have another expired coupon for an iphone 4 case from BuyCool and what can I do about it. She laughs and tells me that if I still want it, to contact BuyCool directly because they really are cool or if I don't then she'll give me a refund too. 

I contacted the BuyCool number and the switchboard lady wasnt too sure where the sales chap was but took my cell number and said he'd phone me. I received a call about an hour later from Wesley and I explained I bought the coupon and didnt get round to redeeming it and wanted to know what I could do. He said that it wasnt a problem cos it happens to every one. Then he asked if I still wanted it and when I said yes, he asked what option I wanted and that I should send him my address and I should have it tomorrow.....

At the end of the conversation Wesley says that he hopes I'd do business with them again, and with service like that, I've actually gone out of my way to browse their site now... just goes to show what a little customer service can do for a company's image and sales...