...into the Netherlands without paying any import taxes is very painful. It turns out that the Netherlands are even more bureaucratic than Germany in some respects...
The lady at the customs had humour and understanding surgically removed at birth, including the fact that if someone speaks funky Dutch it might be nice to not throw 75 big words at them in tax and customs lingo...Ok I think I got out of her that I need to go to Rotterdam Airport to get a form that frees me from paying taxes to get Betty into the Netherlands, then I have to get the car tested (one mandatory, the other one no clue what it does), and THEN I can come back to customs but not without an APPOINTMENT.
*Sigh*
Plus, on top of that: I got stuck in the attic today. One hour without socks on the attic is not that comfy. Ze boyfriend was out getting the dining table, the phone rang three times and I stared down 2.85m wondering whether I should jump or not... *sigh*
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
My first week at my new job
Yes! I finally scored a new job. After a few months without an income (yet working my butt off at the construction site), and hardly interesting jobs out there (unless you like to to work as a call center agent, insurance sales person or internet website sales person?) plus a mild work related midlife crisis, I finally found something I cared and felt passionate about.
The few jobs I applied before this job were mild disappointments - either I didn't get a reply at all (way to go, Greenpeace) or I was overqualified - which is such a stupid thing to give as a reason. Yes, maybe my experience is too deep/wide/vast for the job, but wouldn't it be better to have someone who's interested and smart enough to connect the dots without needing a manual WITH pictures to do it? I guess not. Also a nice thing to hear: why don't you go for a senior consultant role? Your experience is great and you'd be a perfect match for that? Um..because I might want to get out of that area? Out of the working my ass off, 60-80 hours on average per week, travelling at least three times per month area?
Well, yes, I'm sure there are other consultancies out there, but somehow, I don't have the faith in it anymore. Plus, I'm tired of working for some company that doesn't really care about their customers OR employees, who wants to just make profit, profit, profit. Yes, that might have to do with my experiences at my previous employer. But - I've decided that if I can't say anything good about someone/something, I'd rather say nothing at all.
Aaanyways. So I saw this ad at Lush, they are looking for an assistant manager at their shop in Den Haag. I've been addicted to Lush, their lovely products and very friendly staff since I first set foot into their shop in Guildford, UK, about 5 years ago. I love the concept of no animal testing, their absolute gorgeous products and always said: I'd love to work for them one day.
So, I sent an email (already in June) to apply, had an interview, liked it, had a trial day, liked it again, and then was told that unfortunately, someone from within the company had applied and they had gotten the job. Understandable, to be honest - that person had been tested already and obviously done a good job - so why 'risk' taking someone from outside the ocmpany? Ok, it was in June, JUST before we started the reconstruction. Lucky for us I didn't get the job, cause otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do so much on the apartment myself.
Anyways, just when we were about to finish, there was a new job opening at Lush Den Haag, again for Assistant Manager. I applied again, spoke to their retail manager again, was invited to the interview (6 people in a group interview in total, no real competition apart from one girl), did a trial day so the new manager (who was the previous assistant manager that got my job) could see me, too, and then was offered the position. Woohoo! I started last Monday with a Christmas Products training day.
So I was sitting with all these other 'Lushies' in a studio in Amsterdam, and with every minute of the training, I was more convinced that I did the right thing for me.
It started with a short intro into what Lush is, what the policies and ethics are that the company believes in and stands for, and how they ensure that these policies and ethics are followed and lived thoroughly throughout the company.
Like no animal testing, and not buying any of the ingredients from companies that test on animals. Like spending a proportionate share of the earnings/profits with charities, and not just 1% of the overall profit and then boasting about it. I also liked the people that came over from the Uk team to introduce us to the new christmas products, and tell us about how they started their life at Lush. Very down to earth, yet slightly crazy people - the kind I could identify myself with it. Plus, they were passionate about their job and the company they work for. Isn't it nice to meet people that believe in what they are working, and that enjoy getting up for work every day, instead of rather staying in bed?
So, after I learned more about the other side of the company - so far, I've loved Lush as a customer (never had a bad experience with the shop or the products, the people that worked there were always friendly and fun) and was a bit worried what the 'other side' would look like...but, so far, it sounded all very promising. I loved the other Lushies - mostly students, a lot of crazy styles, some boring people like me, but all fun and open. Relaxed people to work with - woohoo! Oh, Lush hires a lot of activists (former or still active) that are in line with the ethics and policies Lush represents, and supports activist groups that make people aware of what's actually going on (google plane stupid and Lush, as an example).
Aaaaaanyways, at the end of the day we all got a lovely box to take home - it had all the christmas products in it. Soo exciting. Even ze boyfriend got curious and is now testing all the bits and bobs with me. He loves the fact that I found a job I can be passionate about, and a company I can identify with.
Yes, yes, of course, being an assistant manager at Lush doesn't require the skills I've developped, or the education I've had. But it is a fun job, I won't kill myself doing it, and it will enable me to slowly grow and potentially get ahead in the company. I think it's a good opportunity for me. Until the, I'll sell soap, ballistics, shower gels and manage the team of the shop. They are all very lovely girls (and a boy) and love their job. It's so nice to work with people who enjoy what they are doing!
So, we had a VIP Christmas Party this week (I was ruby red slippers, dressed in all red with sparkly Dorothy Shoes) and hit all our daily targets- and even exceeded them. It's going to be a good month for us, and hopefully we can continue that trend and kick some ass with great service and awesome products. I ordered all my christmas gifts already and also have a new favorite Shower gel - it's called The Olive Branch. Absolutely lovely!!
The first was was tiring (being on my feet all day), very fun (I learned so many new things), inspiring (met a ton of new people) and I am so looking forward to work again tomorrow.
I know, I know - we never know how long it will last, but it's a nice feeling to have found something I can relate to. I love it!
The few jobs I applied before this job were mild disappointments - either I didn't get a reply at all (way to go, Greenpeace) or I was overqualified - which is such a stupid thing to give as a reason. Yes, maybe my experience is too deep/wide/vast for the job, but wouldn't it be better to have someone who's interested and smart enough to connect the dots without needing a manual WITH pictures to do it? I guess not. Also a nice thing to hear: why don't you go for a senior consultant role? Your experience is great and you'd be a perfect match for that? Um..because I might want to get out of that area? Out of the working my ass off, 60-80 hours on average per week, travelling at least three times per month area?
Well, yes, I'm sure there are other consultancies out there, but somehow, I don't have the faith in it anymore. Plus, I'm tired of working for some company that doesn't really care about their customers OR employees, who wants to just make profit, profit, profit. Yes, that might have to do with my experiences at my previous employer. But - I've decided that if I can't say anything good about someone/something, I'd rather say nothing at all.
Aaanyways. So I saw this ad at Lush, they are looking for an assistant manager at their shop in Den Haag. I've been addicted to Lush, their lovely products and very friendly staff since I first set foot into their shop in Guildford, UK, about 5 years ago. I love the concept of no animal testing, their absolute gorgeous products and always said: I'd love to work for them one day.
So, I sent an email (already in June) to apply, had an interview, liked it, had a trial day, liked it again, and then was told that unfortunately, someone from within the company had applied and they had gotten the job. Understandable, to be honest - that person had been tested already and obviously done a good job - so why 'risk' taking someone from outside the ocmpany? Ok, it was in June, JUST before we started the reconstruction. Lucky for us I didn't get the job, cause otherwise I wouldn't have been able to do so much on the apartment myself.
Anyways, just when we were about to finish, there was a new job opening at Lush Den Haag, again for Assistant Manager. I applied again, spoke to their retail manager again, was invited to the interview (6 people in a group interview in total, no real competition apart from one girl), did a trial day so the new manager (who was the previous assistant manager that got my job) could see me, too, and then was offered the position. Woohoo! I started last Monday with a Christmas Products training day.
So I was sitting with all these other 'Lushies' in a studio in Amsterdam, and with every minute of the training, I was more convinced that I did the right thing for me.
It started with a short intro into what Lush is, what the policies and ethics are that the company believes in and stands for, and how they ensure that these policies and ethics are followed and lived thoroughly throughout the company.
Like no animal testing, and not buying any of the ingredients from companies that test on animals. Like spending a proportionate share of the earnings/profits with charities, and not just 1% of the overall profit and then boasting about it. I also liked the people that came over from the Uk team to introduce us to the new christmas products, and tell us about how they started their life at Lush. Very down to earth, yet slightly crazy people - the kind I could identify myself with it. Plus, they were passionate about their job and the company they work for. Isn't it nice to meet people that believe in what they are working, and that enjoy getting up for work every day, instead of rather staying in bed?
So, after I learned more about the other side of the company - so far, I've loved Lush as a customer (never had a bad experience with the shop or the products, the people that worked there were always friendly and fun) and was a bit worried what the 'other side' would look like...but, so far, it sounded all very promising. I loved the other Lushies - mostly students, a lot of crazy styles, some boring people like me, but all fun and open. Relaxed people to work with - woohoo! Oh, Lush hires a lot of activists (former or still active) that are in line with the ethics and policies Lush represents, and supports activist groups that make people aware of what's actually going on (google plane stupid and Lush, as an example).
Aaaaaanyways, at the end of the day we all got a lovely box to take home - it had all the christmas products in it. Soo exciting. Even ze boyfriend got curious and is now testing all the bits and bobs with me. He loves the fact that I found a job I can be passionate about, and a company I can identify with.
Yes, yes, of course, being an assistant manager at Lush doesn't require the skills I've developped, or the education I've had. But it is a fun job, I won't kill myself doing it, and it will enable me to slowly grow and potentially get ahead in the company. I think it's a good opportunity for me. Until the, I'll sell soap, ballistics, shower gels and manage the team of the shop. They are all very lovely girls (and a boy) and love their job. It's so nice to work with people who enjoy what they are doing!
So, we had a VIP Christmas Party this week (I was ruby red slippers, dressed in all red with sparkly Dorothy Shoes) and hit all our daily targets- and even exceeded them. It's going to be a good month for us, and hopefully we can continue that trend and kick some ass with great service and awesome products. I ordered all my christmas gifts already and also have a new favorite Shower gel - it's called The Olive Branch. Absolutely lovely!!
The first was was tiring (being on my feet all day), very fun (I learned so many new things), inspiring (met a ton of new people) and I am so looking forward to work again tomorrow.
I know, I know - we never know how long it will last, but it's a nice feeling to have found something I can relate to. I love it!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Berlin and other heartaches
I actually got the chance to go back, actually home, to my favorite city in the world: Berlin, last weekend. Thursday evening through Sunday morning was spent in Berlin.
Friday I went to the hairdressers and had a bit of an emotional meltdown: I walked up and down the Ku'damm (big shopping street in West Berlin and one street back was my home for the last almost 2 years), reminiscing and sat down at the Starbucks, having a cup of coffee, watching the people walk, hurry, stroll, bike, drive, honk, laugh, duck away from the rain, on the phone, enjoying their lifes more or less. In Berlin. My favorite city in the world. I sat there, with the boyfriend by my side, and realized that yes, it was the right choice to move to be with him, to be with him for love and to take that step towards being...I don't know - a grown up? A committed loving girlfriend?
I hated my old job, or rather the company I worked for, in the end. But of course I had loads of money to spent, a carefree life to that extend. I like to shop, I like to pamper myself. In the Netherlands I chose a less glamorous job, but sane working hours, less stress and just a fun and ethical company to work for. As the job is just starting now, I don't have any money in the bank yet and therefore can't shop. Yes, it's not that important after all, and I've learned that being materialistic leads to unhealthy wedding marathons and other strange things, but...it's a matter of personal freedom, it's a matter of independence. And I've given a lot of that up to move. Of course, moving was my choice, not getting a highly paid consultant job is my choice, picking love over a career was my choice...it all were the right choices - it just takes time to sink in and overrule everything else...until then...
...I miss my old life. I miss Berlin.
I miss my girls, I miss my local bar that was more of a livingroom than a bar, with my favorite local bartender, Berlin with its shit weather 60% of the year, yet my paradise on earth, I miss the Goldelse, the Brandenburg Gate, the lovely differences between all the neighbourhoods, the cheap good food, the grumpy Berlin natives, the accent, the smell of the city. I miss the bathhouses in the Turkish part of Berlin that were the oasis of warmth and coziness in the nasty wintermonths (from September to May, basically), going to the Museum Island, walking from former East to former West, inhaling history, enjoying the amazing architecture of Berlin with its absolute ugliness of communist buildings (I would have NOT been able to live there, cause I could have not remembered which chicken battery stable to lay down in), the amazing lovely old apartments with the high ceilings...the many lakes around that welcome you to hang out outside, the parks and beergardens for the neverending summer nights...the atmosphere. The city. The small things, like the wine shop across the street with the amazing lunch food deals that were home cooked, good value for money and SO yummi. All the semi-famous and famous people that one bumps into when shopping, getting groceries or just sitting in a restaurant...the laughter, the tears, the dreams.
I miss my old life so so much.
It will take a while getting used to the new set up of my life, and everytime I'll go back to Berlin it will hurt again, and I will miss it. Yet I like the Netherlands, it's fun, friendly, close to the water. It's just not Berlin, plain and simple.
I've had the chance to live in the greatest city there is, cheap and sexy, creative, inspiring - just my home. Maybe I'll get a chance to go and live home again one day...but then with the man of my life on my side.
*sigh*
Friday I went to the hairdressers and had a bit of an emotional meltdown: I walked up and down the Ku'damm (big shopping street in West Berlin and one street back was my home for the last almost 2 years), reminiscing and sat down at the Starbucks, having a cup of coffee, watching the people walk, hurry, stroll, bike, drive, honk, laugh, duck away from the rain, on the phone, enjoying their lifes more or less. In Berlin. My favorite city in the world. I sat there, with the boyfriend by my side, and realized that yes, it was the right choice to move to be with him, to be with him for love and to take that step towards being...I don't know - a grown up? A committed loving girlfriend?
I hated my old job, or rather the company I worked for, in the end. But of course I had loads of money to spent, a carefree life to that extend. I like to shop, I like to pamper myself. In the Netherlands I chose a less glamorous job, but sane working hours, less stress and just a fun and ethical company to work for. As the job is just starting now, I don't have any money in the bank yet and therefore can't shop. Yes, it's not that important after all, and I've learned that being materialistic leads to unhealthy wedding marathons and other strange things, but...it's a matter of personal freedom, it's a matter of independence. And I've given a lot of that up to move. Of course, moving was my choice, not getting a highly paid consultant job is my choice, picking love over a career was my choice...it all were the right choices - it just takes time to sink in and overrule everything else...until then...
...I miss my old life. I miss Berlin.
I miss my girls, I miss my local bar that was more of a livingroom than a bar, with my favorite local bartender, Berlin with its shit weather 60% of the year, yet my paradise on earth, I miss the Goldelse, the Brandenburg Gate, the lovely differences between all the neighbourhoods, the cheap good food, the grumpy Berlin natives, the accent, the smell of the city. I miss the bathhouses in the Turkish part of Berlin that were the oasis of warmth and coziness in the nasty wintermonths (from September to May, basically), going to the Museum Island, walking from former East to former West, inhaling history, enjoying the amazing architecture of Berlin with its absolute ugliness of communist buildings (I would have NOT been able to live there, cause I could have not remembered which chicken battery stable to lay down in), the amazing lovely old apartments with the high ceilings...the many lakes around that welcome you to hang out outside, the parks and beergardens for the neverending summer nights...the atmosphere. The city. The small things, like the wine shop across the street with the amazing lunch food deals that were home cooked, good value for money and SO yummi. All the semi-famous and famous people that one bumps into when shopping, getting groceries or just sitting in a restaurant...the laughter, the tears, the dreams.
I miss my old life so so much.
It will take a while getting used to the new set up of my life, and everytime I'll go back to Berlin it will hurt again, and I will miss it. Yet I like the Netherlands, it's fun, friendly, close to the water. It's just not Berlin, plain and simple.
I've had the chance to live in the greatest city there is, cheap and sexy, creative, inspiring - just my home. Maybe I'll get a chance to go and live home again one day...but then with the man of my life on my side.
*sigh*
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Bathroom - revisited
We have a bathroom. A 70% pretty, yet 100% functional bathroom.
The 30% fugly are thanks to the shower cabin that I can't even begin to describe. Let's just say that much: shaving your legs is not an option, as it is too tight to bend over without hitting any of the walls.
The boyfriend did a splendid job. Washbasin, Mirror, Cabinet - all up!! We can now finally use the bathroom instead of the kitchen and hallway substitutes.
No more brushing teeth and taking make up off in the kitchen, no more hair blowdrying in the hallway and applying make up in funky light. woohooo!
Here's to getting one step closer to a fully functional apartment.
Life is good!
The 30% fugly are thanks to the shower cabin that I can't even begin to describe. Let's just say that much: shaving your legs is not an option, as it is too tight to bend over without hitting any of the walls.
The boyfriend did a splendid job. Washbasin, Mirror, Cabinet - all up!! We can now finally use the bathroom instead of the kitchen and hallway substitutes.
No more brushing teeth and taking make up off in the kitchen, no more hair blowdrying in the hallway and applying make up in funky light. woohooo!
Here's to getting one step closer to a fully functional apartment.
Life is good!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Happy Bad Delft, the sequel of the sequel
So. It is Friday and our stuff is supposed to be delivered. By stuff I mean:
1 Washbasin
1 drawer combination closet for underneath the washbasin
Despite the fact that these imbeciles from HappyBad hadn't called back when they were supposed to or kept their part of ANY agreement so far, we were trying to stay positive that the stuff will get delivered. Positive thinking, you know.
So, the things were supposed to be delivered between 8 and 9 in the morning. The nice delivery truck man arrived at just before 9, delivered the bits and headed on to his next adventure further down into the south (he was from up north and spoke with a very thick accent..even I heard that)
The boyfriend had decided to work from home that day so we could have a look and potentially start hanging up the magic.
He started measuring, checking, worrying, rechecking and then finally realizing: we need a big, HUGE, drill and patience.
AND:
A different washbasin.
The amazing people at HappyBad in Delf had sent us surprisesurprise the wrong washbasin. It lacked the hole to put the faucet in. At that point, I was just laughing cause clearly, there's nothing else I could do without having my head explode in sheer disbelieve.
It was, however, the slightly mad laugh you hear in old movies about mental asylumns. I had an appointment in the afternoon, so I had to leave my poor lovey at home, dealing with it without the powers of Arnolda.
He called Villeroy&Boch to make 100% sure that there is no way to put a hole into this washbasin without breaking it.
"erm, we only do these washbasins on special order, it takes about 9 month to get one, sir"
Well, they came pretty close to the timeframe we're looking at, yet we didn't order that one.
shocker
Yes, that is totally unexpected and doesn't fit into the so far perfect customer service we've experienced.
The boyfriend called the HappyBad people, and first OF COURSE, noone answered. Finally he got Douche A (aka Jerry) on the line who said: oh, I have one of those here, let me drop it off at your house later today.
Erm. You have one of these washbasins 'standing around'? A showroom model?
No no, it's just standing here.
OK, is there any point in actually pointing out to them that as it was just 'standing around' they could have given it us WAY EARLIER?
No, there isn't, so just don't bother wasting energy and breath.
By the time I was back from town the guy was about to deliver the new washbasin - without a box. So, let's check again - which manufacturer actually delivers a washbasin without a box around it? hmmm....
Anyways. I'm still amazed at the lack of professionalism and can't wait to write the letter to trading standards and the yellow press here in the Netherlands and the Ombudsman and whoever feels like reading it.
Oh man. *sigh*
Anyways, the boyfriend hung it up today and it looks really nice. Could have looked nice for 2 months already...
1 Washbasin
1 drawer combination closet for underneath the washbasin
Despite the fact that these imbeciles from HappyBad hadn't called back when they were supposed to or kept their part of ANY agreement so far, we were trying to stay positive that the stuff will get delivered. Positive thinking, you know.
So, the things were supposed to be delivered between 8 and 9 in the morning. The nice delivery truck man arrived at just before 9, delivered the bits and headed on to his next adventure further down into the south (he was from up north and spoke with a very thick accent..even I heard that)
The boyfriend had decided to work from home that day so we could have a look and potentially start hanging up the magic.
He started measuring, checking, worrying, rechecking and then finally realizing: we need a big, HUGE, drill and patience.
AND:
A different washbasin.
The amazing people at HappyBad in Delf had sent us surprisesurprise the wrong washbasin. It lacked the hole to put the faucet in. At that point, I was just laughing cause clearly, there's nothing else I could do without having my head explode in sheer disbelieve.
It was, however, the slightly mad laugh you hear in old movies about mental asylumns. I had an appointment in the afternoon, so I had to leave my poor lovey at home, dealing with it without the powers of Arnolda.
He called Villeroy&Boch to make 100% sure that there is no way to put a hole into this washbasin without breaking it.
"erm, we only do these washbasins on special order, it takes about 9 month to get one, sir"
Well, they came pretty close to the timeframe we're looking at, yet we didn't order that one.
shocker
Yes, that is totally unexpected and doesn't fit into the so far perfect customer service we've experienced.
The boyfriend called the HappyBad people, and first OF COURSE, noone answered. Finally he got Douche A (aka Jerry) on the line who said: oh, I have one of those here, let me drop it off at your house later today.
Erm. You have one of these washbasins 'standing around'? A showroom model?
No no, it's just standing here.
OK, is there any point in actually pointing out to them that as it was just 'standing around' they could have given it us WAY EARLIER?
No, there isn't, so just don't bother wasting energy and breath.
By the time I was back from town the guy was about to deliver the new washbasin - without a box. So, let's check again - which manufacturer actually delivers a washbasin without a box around it? hmmm....
Anyways. I'm still amazed at the lack of professionalism and can't wait to write the letter to trading standards and the yellow press here in the Netherlands and the Ombudsman and whoever feels like reading it.
Oh man. *sigh*
Anyways, the boyfriend hung it up today and it looks really nice. Could have looked nice for 2 months already...
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
HappyBad Delft...
...or the neverending shower.
Alright, there's new developments. On Saturday, we went to HappyBad (my toesnails cringe when I hear, say or write that name) and I was able to bark a bit at the guy who manages the store. I was tempted to give him a written assignment:
What is successful managing and how does it relate to customer satisfaction?
But instead I just barked and he said yes yes yes it's all my fault I'm so sorry blablabla. Douche. He would contact the Headquarters and now it's only 5 weeks until the shower comes in FOR SURE and then they will install it and yes, we'll get a rebate and he'll try to make us happy and satisfied again. I couldn't help but say: I think it's a little late for that, but hey, try!
So. Today, the boyfriend gets a call from that douche (HA HA, SO FUNNY!) and he says: we will install the shower and offer you a 150Euro Rebate.
right.
RIGHT
RIGHT!!
WHAT.THE.HECK?!
We have been told initially that we'll get 300 Euros off, and potentiall free installation. However, when we asked for it in writing, the email didn't come.
Anyways, I was SO upset that I called the guy back and requested to talk to his supervisor. Surprise, surprise, he was out and tadaa! I was talking to his supervisor. His name is Christian, he sounded roughly 25. oookay. You're the supervisor. Right. ok, then, listen up, imbecile:
*insertrantaboutshittycustomerserviceandlackofknowledgeskillandcompetency*
So, he then hangs up - whoops, so sorry. Well, ok, it just HELPED with my mood. Woohoo.
So, now he tells me that they'll offer us 50 Euro credit and they'll install it. Cause installing a shower costs 350 Euro. How can that be? It's a stupid SHOWER, not ROCKET SCIENCE!!!
So I tell him to shove the installation up his bum (in nice words, of course, all friendly yet upset) and give us the 350 PLUS the 50.
No no, that doesn't work. And then I have it and tell him to give me the address to which I can send a proper complaint letter, and that I'm ready to cancel the order.
That's fine, we can do it right now. There are 50 other customers who we offered this and they are happy. Well, Christian, I'd call them all a bunch of idiots and I don't care how many customers you mess around with.
This is about MY FLIPPING BATHROOM!!
So, he gives me the address of the headquarters. And I tell him to give me a name, of the MD or the owner of the company.
He then tells me that HE IS THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY.
Are you kidding me? Dude, go back to school of basic customer service and do your homework!
So. I think I've decided to have them shove the shower up their bums and look for something else. Need to discuss it with the boyfriend, obviously. On top of that, we'll inform every consumer board in the Netherlands about it. Raise hell, idiots.
Oh, funny story on the side: I went to an interview tonight and one of the other girls getting interviewed used to work for HappyBad and quit cause she couldn't stand the lack of professionalism and competence. HA!
Alright, there's new developments. On Saturday, we went to HappyBad (my toesnails cringe when I hear, say or write that name) and I was able to bark a bit at the guy who manages the store. I was tempted to give him a written assignment:
What is successful managing and how does it relate to customer satisfaction?
But instead I just barked and he said yes yes yes it's all my fault I'm so sorry blablabla. Douche. He would contact the Headquarters and now it's only 5 weeks until the shower comes in FOR SURE and then they will install it and yes, we'll get a rebate and he'll try to make us happy and satisfied again. I couldn't help but say: I think it's a little late for that, but hey, try!
So. Today, the boyfriend gets a call from that douche (HA HA, SO FUNNY!) and he says: we will install the shower and offer you a 150Euro Rebate.
right.
RIGHT
RIGHT!!
WHAT.THE.HECK?!
We have been told initially that we'll get 300 Euros off, and potentiall free installation. However, when we asked for it in writing, the email didn't come.
Anyways, I was SO upset that I called the guy back and requested to talk to his supervisor. Surprise, surprise, he was out and tadaa! I was talking to his supervisor. His name is Christian, he sounded roughly 25. oookay. You're the supervisor. Right. ok, then, listen up, imbecile:
*insertrantaboutshittycustomerserviceandlackofknowledgeskillandcompetency*
So, he then hangs up - whoops, so sorry. Well, ok, it just HELPED with my mood. Woohoo.
So, now he tells me that they'll offer us 50 Euro credit and they'll install it. Cause installing a shower costs 350 Euro. How can that be? It's a stupid SHOWER, not ROCKET SCIENCE!!!
So I tell him to shove the installation up his bum (in nice words, of course, all friendly yet upset) and give us the 350 PLUS the 50.
No no, that doesn't work. And then I have it and tell him to give me the address to which I can send a proper complaint letter, and that I'm ready to cancel the order.
That's fine, we can do it right now. There are 50 other customers who we offered this and they are happy. Well, Christian, I'd call them all a bunch of idiots and I don't care how many customers you mess around with.
This is about MY FLIPPING BATHROOM!!
So, he gives me the address of the headquarters. And I tell him to give me a name, of the MD or the owner of the company.
He then tells me that HE IS THE OWNER OF THE COMPANY.
Are you kidding me? Dude, go back to school of basic customer service and do your homework!
So. I think I've decided to have them shove the shower up their bums and look for something else. Need to discuss it with the boyfriend, obviously. On top of that, we'll inform every consumer board in the Netherlands about it. Raise hell, idiots.
Oh, funny story on the side: I went to an interview tonight and one of the other girls getting interviewed used to work for HappyBad and quit cause she couldn't stand the lack of professionalism and competence. HA!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Some more quiet thoughts...
...comforting someone who has lost two people that were a part of his life within 6 weeks is tough.
It is tough because there's nothing I can do to ease the pain, there are no answers I can provide, and as an Atheist, I can't even hold on to the thought of an afterlife and some higher meaning of death. We're all part of a comedy, and all of us are actually pretty meaningless in this big global circus. There's noone up there or down there guiding us, telling us off if something is wrong, patting us on the back if something is right. Life isn't fair, life just is.
I wish more people considered that fact when making choices in their lifes. I wish more people decided to live every day to the fullest.
The last 12 months have been very emotionally exhausting, and I hope that the following 12 months will give us some peace and happiness to enjoy, and rest.
It is tough because there's nothing I can do to ease the pain, there are no answers I can provide, and as an Atheist, I can't even hold on to the thought of an afterlife and some higher meaning of death. We're all part of a comedy, and all of us are actually pretty meaningless in this big global circus. There's noone up there or down there guiding us, telling us off if something is wrong, patting us on the back if something is right. Life isn't fair, life just is.
I wish more people considered that fact when making choices in their lifes. I wish more people decided to live every day to the fullest.
The last 12 months have been very emotionally exhausting, and I hope that the following 12 months will give us some peace and happiness to enjoy, and rest.
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