I created this website following twelve months of aggravation, phone calls, and general disregard for corporate responsibility. Another push came when the company refused to replace my microwave, made a $30 offer described as "goodwill," and warned of breach of contract and legal action if I told anyone about it. The details below show my microwave damaged by a bag of Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Microwave Popcorn made by ConAgra Foods, Inc. The bag ignited, the interior of the microwave went brown, and it filled my house with smoke. I carried it outside right away, put it out, and then threw it in the garbage. Naturally, Sedgewick CMS, the claims management company ConAgra keeps on retainer, said I had to supply the burnt bag to prove my claim, which was of course impossible. I gave them all the relevant information, went through every hoop, and mailed the other bags along with the box. According to "their lab," the popcorn popped just fine, naturally.
Mr. Redenbacher was brilliant and built a wonderful company through hard work, dedication, constant improvement, and a passion for popcorn. He was already growing his own by age 12. I am sure he was a very honorable man in his lifetime, and if he were alive there would be no reason for this site, because he understood customer service.
My complaint is with ConAgra Foods, which unfortunately bought out the Orville Redenbacher Company back in 1983. As is typical, this big corporation no longer connects with the same customers who built it up. All of this could have been avoided if they had simply replaced my microwave, which would have cost only $115. I am passing this to the media, and surely others went through this too. Please write a blog post about your own experience.
Corporate executives, what is your answer?
Anyone who suffered something similar, or who is simply moved by one man standing up against the Ivory Towers, is welcome to write to me or write a blog post. I will forward all messages to ConAgra Foods. Your support and encouragement mean a lot.
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