# Bah Humbug, Safeway Grocery Stores!!! You Lost Me As A Customer Forever!!! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 24, 2002, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766 "2002-12-24T21:05:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/21 "2002-12-24T22:54:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weirddave \* > \*\*A lifetime of substandard health care. :rolleyes: > > Grind your axes elsewhere, asswhipe. \*\* My cat’s breath smells like cat food. But not Safeway cat food. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/22 "2002-12-24T22:57:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cazzle \* > **Again, the problem is not that you’ve “informed x hundred other people how bad your experience” was, it’s that you specifically named the SDMB. There was no reason to do that, you could have referred to internet communities or online message boards without specifically naming this one. You have drawn attention to this board, but without obtaining the backing of the people who run the board. What if Safeway decide to be jerks? Will the Chicago Reader be hearing from Safeway’s lawyers over your comments? Unlikely, but you involved the Straight Dope in your own dispute by naming this venue to Safeway.** My point exactly but it was **Duckster** who wrote the original letter, not **Darleth**. Haj ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/23 "2002-12-24T22:59:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by hajario \* > \*\*My point exactly but it was **Duckster** who wrote the original letter, not **Darleth**. > > Haj \*\* **Derleth** didn’t write no letter, neither. ---
**Author:** ![deathawk](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ed8c4c/32.png) [@deathawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deathawk)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/24 "2002-12-24T23:02:16Z")
I think the problem here is that **Duckster** has two seperate problems. One is the rude employee, the other is the card. Dragging the message board in for the first is overkill, especially as it appears this letter is the first chance the corporation has to respond. Dragging the board in by name into the second does seem inappropriate to me as well. The complaints have foundation. The desire to tell others seems reasonable to me. Dragging the board in, in this way and at this time, does not. ---
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/25 "2002-12-24T23:07:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weirddave \* > \*\*Dude, just make up all the info for their club cards, … \*\* Absolutely the right approach. Anyone’s who’s ever tried to gather data will tell you that bad data is much tougher to deal with than missing data, because you can’t tell how much of it is in your database. Whenever a store or website demands more information than you want to give them, make up some stuff, the crazier, the better. My ISP thinks that I make over $1 million a year, and that my hobbies include taxidermy and flower-arranging. ---
**Author:** ![reprise](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ea666f/32.png) [@reprise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reprise)\ **Post date:** [December 24, 2002, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/26 "2002-12-24T23:08:47Z")
If I was at Safeway HQ and I read the letter in the OP, my first thought would be that the customer didn’t even give my company a chance to address their complaint, let alone resolve it to their satisfaction. As the writer mentioned that they had published their criticisms of my company on a “world-wide messageboard”, I would contact the administrators of that messageboard and ask them to either remove the comments or grant my company the right of public response. On the whole, I wouldn’t be particularly sorry for my company to lose a customer a person whose response to the events outlined in the letter was so out of proportion to what actually occured. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/27 "2002-12-25T00:35:33Z")
Since the expressed purpose of the OP is to use the SDMB to harm Safeway’s business, I strongly recommend that this thread be deleted. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/28 "2002-12-25T00:58:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Derleth \* > \*\*My cat’s breath smells like cat food. > > But not Safeway cat food. \*\* Pretty quick on the uptake there, slick. And so witty and original too! I _AM_ impressed just all to little bitty pieces. ---
**Author:** ![anya\_marie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ebca7d/32.png) [@anya\_marie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/anya_marie)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/29 "2002-12-25T01:44:27Z")
How many more times is some putz going to post that damned, accursed, UNFUNNY line again!! It was not funny the first time, and it does not amuse after 50k. ---
**Author:** ![White\_Lightning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@White\_Lightning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/White_Lightning)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/30 "2002-12-25T02:07:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by \*\*reprise \*\*\* > If I was at Safeway HQ and I read the letter in the OP, my first thought would be that the customer didn’t even give my company a chance to address their complaint, let alone resolve it to their satisfaction. Exactly. Working in customer service, I see emails/hear voicemails/talk to people on the phone all day who are _so_ upset at their first contact with the company I work for that they’re “never shopping with us again.” Cool, says I. See how highly I prioritize your problem then. I’m sure Safeway doesn’t give two shits whether **Duckster** shops there again or not, particularly since we already know the letter is false based on its opening sentence (well actually I’d say the first statement proves either that the letter is false or that the letter-writer is a maniac). I don’t need to add to the chorus decrying the involvement of the SDMB and the Reader in the matter. ---
**Author:** ![whistlepig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/73ab20/32.png) [@whistlepig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/whistlepig)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/31 "2002-12-25T02:07:44Z")
The whole point of a complaint letter is to bring a problem to the attention of the company AND provide them with an opportunity to fix it/make you feel better/keep you as a customer. If I’d written to national and local Safeway, I’d have complained that: 1. I didn’t have a Safeway card and didn’t want to take the time to apply for it for just that one purchase. Were there other options available? 2. The cashier said something that could be construed as rude (including his or her name) and I know that’s not how they want to do customer service. 3. That I’d like to consider shopping Safeway in the future, but this encounter has me wondering if they really do want me as a customer. Then see what they do. Maybe they’d send you a coupon for a bag of chips. Maybe they’d tell you the secret code word to use (“ghost card”) if you don’t have an account. Maybe they would just ignore you and then you could do another rant. But telling them they suck and you never want to see them again? Round file for YOUR letter, buddy. Whistlepig In the last three years I’ve written various complaint letters and gotten the following: 1. a free case of beer 2. an upgrade from the lowest priced hotel room to the bridal suite. 3. A coupon for a first class Alaska Airlines upgrade 4. A coupon for $100 off my next flight on Delta. 5. A coupon for a free hotel room, with my “dog fee” paid. I also write “compliment letters” when someone has provided exceptional service and have gotten a first class updgrade on Alaska, meals comped, hotel rooms upgraded on my next stay and free video coupons. ---
**Author:** ![JeffB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jeffb/32/188_2.png) [@JeffB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JeffB)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/32 "2002-12-25T04:41:22Z")
I think this sentence: > [@](#): > > I do not shop at Safeway because the prices are inflated compared to Fred Meyers and Albertsons. is another reason for Safeway to ignore the email. You’re saying you’re not a customer, so why should Safeway be concerned about you not shopping there? ---
**Author:** ![Derleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/33 "2002-12-25T04:44:41Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weirddave \* > \*\*Pretty quick on the uptake there, slick. And so witty and original too! I _AM_ impressed just all to little bitty pieces. \*\* Wasn’t meant for your amusement, Potsie. It was meant for my amusement and to get you to explain your blather. Hell, it half-worked. ---
**Author:** ![Christina25](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8edcca/32.png) [@Christina25](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Christina25)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/34 "2002-12-25T05:11:18Z")
_sets down her Safeway groceries_ I was just soo damn inspired to do my grocery shopping there. And my Safeway name is Ms. Noneofyourfuckingbusiness and resides at 69 Allthetime St. _waves hi to Ginger and Potisie 😉_ ---
**Author:** ![Lissa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/85f322/32.png) [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/35 "2002-12-25T05:24:57Z")
> [@](#): > > Whenever a store or website demands more information than you want to give them, make up some stuff, the crazier, the better. My ISP thinks that I make over $1 million a year, and that my hobbies include taxidermy and flower-arranging. I bet you get some really entertaining jumk e-mail. ---
**Author:** ![Tuckerfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/eada6e/32.png) [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/36 "2002-12-25T05:58:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Muffin \* > \*\*Since the expressed purpose of the OP is to use the SDMB to harm Safeway’s business, I strongly recommend that this thread be deleted. \*\* I agree. Even if Safeway’s lawyers don’t have a leg to stand on, just the threat of a lawsuit is enough to get this place shut down. Not too long ago someone posted a link about a company that was suing folks because they’d complained about the company’s service on a message board. Most of the people who did the complaining chose to settle rather than risk the court fight, it being cheaper that way. If the board’s dark tomorrow, lemme just say it’s been nice knowing you guys. ---
**Author:** ![Audrey\_Levins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@Audrey\_Levins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Audrey_Levins)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/37 "2002-12-25T06:58:23Z")
The trick to complaining, as has been noted, is that you still have to sound like a reasonable human being. Anyone making wild and hysterical claims is going to be ignored, even if they had a valid complaint… And anyway, the Safeway check-out girl has probably been informed by her bosses that she is required to get a phone number for every new customer. And, reading between the lines, you were probably pointlessly rude to her for just trying to do her job. She wouldn’t have cared at all if you’d given her a fake number; she’s done her job, and you get away with potato chips _and_ your anonymity. Seriously. Have a little more Christmas spirit, dude. ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/38 "2002-12-25T08:57:48Z")
.Why should someone have to waist time to give out any phone numbers and other personal info (real or fake) to save on potato chips? I don’t think he put a lot of thought into the letter writing, but I think he’s right about the savings card. I usually ask if the person in line behind me had one that I can use… if the check-out person wont take it, then I would make a move in protest (not to checkout girl, who’s just doing what her boss told her to, but to other people). Usually the person behind me is willing because they get “points” on their card. I don’t know if Safeway does that ---
**Author:** ![MyFootsZZZ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/myfootszzz/32/12580_2.png) [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/39 "2002-12-25T08:57:48Z")
.Why should someone have to waist time to give out any phone numbers and other personal info (real or fake) to save on potato chips? I don’t think he put a lot of thought into the letter writing, but I think he’s right about the savings card. I usually ask if the person in line behind me had one that I can use… if the check-out person wont take it, then I would make a move in protest (not to checkout girl, who’s just doing what her boss told her to, but to other people). Usually the person behind me is willing because they get “points” on their card. I don’t know if Safeway does that ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766/40 "2002-12-25T09:07:17Z")
I’m not at all up with the libel laws over there in the United States, but **Duckster** , all due free speech aside, it looks like you’ve published, on an international messageboard, accessible from anywhere in the world where there are internet connection facilities, statements about a business which could involve court action if they’re seen to be detrimental to the reputation of that business. And you gave said business a link to where you’ve published the statements. This is _not_ a good thing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bah-humbug-safeway-grocery-stores-you-lost-me-as-a-customer-forever/144766.md?page=3)