Boycott Bandwagon

My kids know that I have certain expectations when I do business with a company or shop there.  Bad customer service is an absolute no-no.  Businesses or stores that do not treat me like a valued customer get put on my list which is announced to the rest of the family.  Apparently this is a genetic issue specific to my family of origin, because my brother has a list too.  To my family's dismay, we have combined our lists.

There is a department store in town, where I was treated rudely more than five years ago.  I have been back once or twice since and still did not receive good service.  That store is on my never shop again list! I will probably never eat at certain fast food chain again, simply because of their LeBron James commercial where they ask how do you feed a hall of famer.  Please, it is time that he learns that the world does not revolve around him!  My brother started a boycott of a local ice cream place, because they turned out the lights when he pulled into the drive through. He was there at least 30 minutes before they were to close.  The manager/owner told him if he didn't like it he could eat the crap fake ice cream down the street.

Then there are companies giving you messages that have nothing to do with their products.  The beer company who boycotted a St. Patrick's Day parade because they would not allow a "Gay Rights" float.  Do we really need our beer telling us what is socially and sexually acceptable to us.  The parade was about St. Patrick's Day and the Irish.  Unfortunately, it was my brother's favorite beer, but hey there are plenty of options out there.  And of course, there is the soft drink company that decided to rewrite the Pledge of Allegiance and leave God out of it. Our church as well as our family will never use their products again!

There are several local restaurants that are on my list because of bad service.  News flash!  You are in a customer service industry!  Be a little pleasant and provide some service with a smile!  It won't kill you and it might make everyone's day a little sunnier.

I am sure these large companies don't really care if I am a customer there or not.   After all, I am just one person.  But don't you think it is time that we get some bandwagon and as a group start telling these companies that we are their consumers and we don't want to put up with this stuff anymore?  Maybe one person's loss of business can't be felt, but that person can certainly start a wave that could bring changes!  My boycott has extended at least within my large family.

My kids are just afraid that my list will grow so big, that we won't be able to shop or eat anywhere again.