My parent's wedding anniversary was around the corner. In preparation of a surprise, i decided to go to ABC Travel Agents to get them a nice weekend holiday. The ABC happens to be the Walmart of travel agents in Singapore. Except that they are not as cheap as Walmart. (Which actually means that they cant be the Walmart of travel agents, but thats beside the point.).
I had a bit of a nasty experience.
One chirpy day was spent being put on hold by their really advanced telephone system for 50 minutes, being directed to the wrong branch (they have all these silly branches which serve you depending on the region of travel, the mode of travel, your race, ethnicity, mother's name, last name, time of birth. No seriously!), spending 1 hour in the queue system (again supah advanced) and talking to the officer and then being directed to the correct branch, only to find it closed.
I had a bit of a nasty experience.
One chirpy day was spent being put on hold by their really advanced telephone system for 50 minutes, being directed to the wrong branch (they have all these silly branches which serve you depending on the region of travel, the mode of travel, your race, ethnicity, mother's name, last name, time of birth. No seriously!), spending 1 hour in the queue system (again supah advanced) and talking to the officer and then being directed to the correct branch, only to find it closed.
The second day was a lot less painful. But, the prices quoted were..lets say, not Walmart cheap. In fact, M travels was doing a visa for $30 while these people quoted $58. The man called Jackson who was serving me wouldnt give me any packages other than those for just ONE hotel. Then AFTER paying the deposit, he says something suspicious "Your deposit is non refundable and we do not gurantee that you will be able to travel on these dates or gurantee a place in the said hotel". WTFudge???? I mean seriously, WTFudge????? Have you ever come across a travel agent saying, "you will have to travel on alternative dates as we dont gurantee these said dates AFTER taking a NON-REFUNDABLE deposit."
At this point, I stood up, snatched my money from him, l.i.t.e.r.a.l.l.y and stopped nearly short of swearing at him cuz I was brought up to be well mannered and polite to people who serve you. Then i told him how utterly stupid that statement was. He said I could take my business elsewhere.
Of course, after this, i took charge of this whole situation - entirely.
I gave him my money, agreed to his condition and walked out thanking him.
And 10 min ago, I see my Staff Club organising a trip to the same destination for a decidedly cheaper fare.
At this point, I stood up, snatched my money from him, l.i.t.e.r.a.l.l.y and stopped nearly short of swearing at him cuz I was brought up to be well mannered and polite to people who serve you. Then i told him how utterly stupid that statement was. He said I could take my business elsewhere.
Of course, after this, i took charge of this whole situation - entirely.
I gave him my money, agreed to his condition and walked out thanking him.
And 10 min ago, I see my Staff Club organising a trip to the same destination for a decidedly cheaper fare.
3 comments:
Eeeeeks! That SUCKS! (out LOUD) man! I can imagine, I had an experience when I tried to call a popular website for an Airline Reservation, the guy on the other end was a Desi, I am sure, it ain't tough to get that, not only did he spell my name with an "Accent" ( which he really didn't have to! ...Known For a Fact!), but he was also rude ( again in fake "Accent",) just because, I failed to put an accent calling from N.America. Perfect example of Indians just looking for a reason to screw other's happiness.. man, and someone said India is the next super power?!**Sniff!Sniff!** Jerks!
wow! thats such a sweet idea, your parents would really have loved it na? you are so absolutely thoughtful!!
Big Oops !
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