April 8, 2008

LETTERS2theEDITOR

Allowing business owners to advertise

Editor,
Saturday's Bunnies and Bonnet's Parade was a great community event, but I was dismayed that some stores were unable to display their products outside their storefronts because they had received some "prudent" letters from the city of Campbell.

The budget situation is dire and such signs of favoritism by the city sending out such letters prohibit the future success of Campbell, especially given the opportunity for future tax revenue (for every $1 in taxable sales, the city gets one cent) and much needed development. It would be more prudent for the city to empower small business owners to do what comes naturally, advertise their products on their storefront so customers can find them.

I look forward to the success of Campbell and promote the city working on a middle ground for business which brings in a major chunk of revenue to the city coffers.

Patricia Appelquist
Campbell 

Amazed at lack of customer service

Editor,
Since Le Spa is noted as Voted "Best Spa" in Campbell Times 2007-2008 I thought you might want to know how they are treating their customers now.

My story starts on Thursday, March 27, and the business is called Le Spa at 18 N. Central Ave. This place has deceptive advertising and a lack of customer service. They advertise a Happy Hour special on a manicure/pedicure combo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. that saves you $10.

My friends and I decided to give Le Spa a try and booked our appointments. When I booked the appointment I said I wanted the Happy Hour special and I was offered two times: 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. as their availability. I set my appointment for 1 p.m.

After my service was completed, I was charged the full rate. I said I signed up for the Happy Hour special. I was told my appointment did not qualify for their Happy Hour special so I was to pay the full rate. I was then told my appointment had to end at 1 p.m.

I asked to speak with the manager or owner and was told she, Tiffany, was with a client and could not speak with me. I needed to get back to work, so I asked the desk person to have her call me. Since I did not get a call by 5 p.m., I called and again was told Tiffany was busy, again I left a message. I heard nothing that day.

I waited the next day for a call back. It did not come, so I called at 4 p.m. and had to leave a message again. I finally received a call from one of the owners, a gentleman.

He told me the same thing the front desk did, my appointment did not qualify and he was sorry I misinterpreted their ad, but they would not refund me the $10 difference and it was my fault for misinterpreting their ad.

I was blown away. I could not believe my ears:  he was telling me, a customer, that it was my fault, I got a service, so no refund, too bad. What kind of business are they running, what kind of customer service is that!

I really believe in supporting the small businesses, two of my family members have had their own business, so I understand how hard it can be so I support the little business and try to keep my money in my local Campbell community.

In my 40-plus years I've never been so shocked and dismayed at this kind of treatment, to tell a customer, sorry you misinterpreted our ad but we're not doing anything about it, is incredible to me.

Because I'm so shocked at Le Spa's behavior I feel folks need to know this is how this business feels about its customers. They want your money and if you don't like something, it's your problem. My friends of course canceled their appointments, and I'm sure will tell everyone this story. Have you ever seen such disregard for customer feedback and such lack of respect for customers?

I wished I had visited yelp.com before I made my appointment, I would have saved myself a lot of grief because the ratings and stories line up with my experience.

Just thought you might want to hear what's happening in Campbell with a local business.

Julie
Campbell 

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