I entered the Ritz Camera store located at the Cameron Village Shopping Center in Raleigh, NC on Saturday Feb. 05 at approximately. 5:50 pm.
I was asked by a clerk if he could help me and I replied I was just browsing. I was intent on purchasing either a Sony or Panasonic Video Recorder. As I looked over the Camcorders another customer was complaining about why Ritz quoted a one hour developing time when such was not true at this store. One angry customer out the door. The two clerks were gossiping about what a jerk that Lady was blah, blah, blah.
As I studied the features on a Panasonic Video Camera one of the clerks began turning off the store lights while staring right at me. It was exactly 6:05 pm I looked at him and said "are you closing" he said "yes". I thought the store closed at 7:00 pm., my mistake. However, isn't it common courtesy to alert a customer that the store is closing BEFORE turning the lights off while they're still in the store? Isn't it common courtesy to ask a customer whether the clerk can be of any assistance as they're about to close for the evening? I was set to purchase either a $400 or $500 Video Camera for a Wedding the next day.
I turned and walked out the door and a stood for a few seconds and returned and opened the door and said to the clerk who turned out the lights on me " I wanted to purchase a Video Camera" his replay was "well, you said you were only looking". I said "that was 15 minutes ago". He pulled the door closed on me and I pulled it open and asked his name—no reply and then I asked where the Ritz Corporate offices were located. His reply was Beltsville, MD and he closed the door on me again. As I walked away he opened the door again and said sarcastically "If you want to buy something you can come in" I said "never, never again"
I was so angry! I drove to Best Buy and browsed around their Video Camera display. I was approached by a very pleasant young man. I explained I was just browsing at the Video Cameras. He ASKED me what features I'd be interested in and I told him. He found the exact Video Camera with the features I wanted. The Camera was a bit more expensive than I anticipated but the extra features were worth the extra cost. He then went on to should me Digital Cameras and some to the new models just coming on the market. I had no intention of purchasing a Digital Camera but I had a Daughter's Birthday coming up in two weeks so after this outstanding young Man explained the features I bought it.
So, Ritz Camera lost three things this afternoon due to they're horrific customer service.
1.) A loyal customer
2.) $699 Video Camera sale
3.) $450 Digital Camera sale.
0 comments