Please Be Courteous

There are few things that really burn me up, but rudeness is one of them. This week I have had more than my share from one particular company.

Last week, in an effort to get my mom approved for Passport (a state-funded home health service geared to keep the elderly at home instead of in nursing homes), I contacted her life insurance agent. To be fully qualified for the program, her life insurance must be assigned to a funeral home in an irrevocable funeral contract, so that the policy is not considered a cash benefit to her.

I requested the proper paper work from her agent. His secretary told me that she would see he got the message. On Friday, the agent called me and said that since he would be in our area on Monday, he would stop over to talk to us. I requested again that he bring the paper work with him, he asked "What paper work?" I explained, but he said his secreatry hadn't given him that information. He'd see me Monday evening. Monday evening came and went, no call, no visit. At 9:30 p.m., I left a voice mail at his office requesting that he call me. Tuesday came and went, no call, no contact. Wednesday, same story.

I finally got his secretary late Wednesday afternoon. By now, I was wearing a full head of steam, because I'm in a customer service position, and you don't just blow off customer requests like this. Her attitude was sooooo snippy and soooo rude, that I really wanted to hang up on her, however, the information was crucial to have in my possession!! She said that Mr. D would get the information to me when he had time, and that she would make sure he got ALL OF MY MESSAGES.

Finally, yesterday (Thursday) around 5:00 p.m. the agent calls me and asks for my address again. He says he'll put the information into the mail for me. When I explain that we have an appointment for Friday at 1:30 to meet with the funeral home, and that I need the information in my hand, he wants to know what I want him to do about it. So, I told him!!! Deliver the papers to me at my home. He tells me that he is in a small town about 1 1/2 hours from Mount Vernon. I told him that the porch light would be on, and that I would have the dog locked up, but that I expected him to deliver the papers to me tonight (Thursday). I, also, explained that his secretary was rude, and that I felt he was exhibiting less-than professional behavior himself.

Finally, at 9:15 p.m. last night Mr. D showed up with papers in hand. No apologies, but at least I have what I need to meet with the funeral home today. If it weren't for the fact that he is mom's agent, and that I will have to be in contact with him a couple of more times, I would contact his corporate office and file a complaint!!!

GGGRRRRRRR!!!!!

Sorry, to vent on you all again, but this is my world!!!