Fic Reviews Do Not Work IRL

[mark_asphodel]

So.

On Thursday, I had a chicken sandwich and some fries for dinner.  Great sandwich, great shake, and the little matchstick fries were kinda cold and tough.  But really, it was a pretty impressive sandwich for a fast-food joint-- good chicken, very nice bun, fresh guacamole.  I mean, real little morsels of minced avocado.  And it was a sensible portion, instead of the now-standard half pound of crap in a bun.

I was moved to write a letter of praise, which I sent electronically that evening.  But-- and here's where the 'fic review angle comes into it-- I didn't write 100% praise.  I tempered the praise by adding that the fries were tough and I had to wait for several minutes at the register before someone noticed me and rang up my bill.  I was just being honest.  Constructive.

Today, their mailbot sends me a note saying they've received my complaint and they're very sorry.

Bwuh?

And just now-- 9:14 PM EST on a Monday night-- the freaking store manager calls me to ask about my substandard visit and how they can improve.  Dude from Ohio called me up because he was concerned about my dining experience.  

Christ on a biscuit.  I explained to the poor guy that no, I really liked my sandwich and the only reason I commented was because I wanted to praise them and YES, I'd eat there again.

Unintended consequences, man.  I may think twice before giving an eating establishment "concrit" in the future.  I guess if the text isn't "4 Stars!  Best Meal EVAR!!" the computers can't handle it.

Comments

[amielleon]

At least you didn't get, "But you're WRONG, we only made you wait THREE MINUTES, which is a minute lower than the industry average!!"

That said, as you noted, I think it's hilarious that the mailbot thought it was a complaint. Guess it just skimmed for keywords.

[thenicochan]

All the restaurants I've worked out tend to be the same way. If everything was 100% that's awesome, but if not then they feel they have failed in every way humanly possible. Even if you had one minor complaint.

Industry standard .*Shrug*

[scarletmorning]

Wow, that's actually... it seems like they really care. Though I guess that they might not have too much of a choice? Maybe they have to call/ask/try to make the critic up, even though your general experience was good.

[mark_asphodel]

I guess they really do care. All the same, I think I would not like to be a manager for that company. Not if "Hey, good sandwich" mutates into "you screwed up!"

[samuraiter]

Because the real world is, unfortunately, run by the whiners and complainers, all things retail and food service cater to their world view. :-|

[sailorvfan10]

With the economy the way it is, maybe they were afraid that one 'substandard' visit might lead to you finding a better place to eat, and you'd tell all your friends, and then they'd close their doors and weep into the night? I don't know. But at least it looks like they pay attention to all the complaints they get, and respond to them in a timely manner, which is more than I can say for the service...anywhere, pretty much.

I would think that if you wanted to give concrit to an establishment in the future, maybe it'd be best to call corporate/the establishment manager or speak with them in person. That's just me though.

[mark_asphodel]

I would think that if you wanted to give concrit to an establishment in the future, maybe it'd be best to call corporate/the establishment manager or speak with them in person. That's just me though.

Yeah. But the main reason I didn't do that was that "I need to speak to the manager" has such immediate negative connotations.

But it is nice that they pay attention.