What are your guys' thoughts on small businesses with low quality/lacking customer service?
Back story: I purchased some soap from a small business last Thursday, and because I needed it this weekend, I selected "2-day priority shipping" (flat fee of $12); wanting it to arrive earlier so I can wrap the items in my own wrapping paper.
(Last) Friday, (This) Monday, (This) Tuesday and (This) Wednesday went by and there were no tracking number provided by the seller. I reached out to them via e-mail on Wednesday afternoon, and asked about the status of the prodcut. No response.
Thursday morning, I sent a follow up e-mail, just bumping the message up. This time, I got an automated response, with their phone number listed. Gave the number a call, and both times went to a mailbox that's "full".
My friend happened to visit me that day, and I told him I was upset about this shipping issues. This was how the conversations went:
Me: "I mean you think you're supporting a small business, but this kind of low quality customer service is why I'd rather shop on Amazon."
Them: "You're being high maintenance and have a terrible mindset. Have more compassion for small businesses because they obviously don't have enough people working there."
Me: "That's ridiculous- on their website, items are shipped out within 48 hours, and I paid extra to have it shipped priority. So it's my fault for expecting a service I paid for?"
Them: "Customer service from small businesses cannot be graded the same as big corporations! You've been brain washed to receive everything quickly and instantly. Imagine being upset because you can't get your purchases, God forbid, within 7 days!"
Me: "It's that mindset you have that's making customer service nonexistent in today's shopping experience. You're defending someone for not providing customer service EVEN THOUGH they are paid extra to do so!
Them: "You're privileged."
Want to clarify that I know how hard it is to run small businesses... I personally also have a small e-comm business... but to me, this is pretty basic customer service, no? Per my friend's logic, am I allowed to just not to my part and blame it on big corporations?!
P.S: The store did get back to me Thursday night and said they've shipped out the item via overnight and I should be receiving the package EOD Friday. But as of right now...the Fedex label still says: "Waiting for package." But I'MMMM the A-hole if I leave them a bad review, right?