Wal-Mart Stores: Nefarious conduct and behavior of a Sam’s Club Manager

November 15, 2008

Sam’s West Inc., dba Sam’s Club #6489

Mr. Phil Hassna, Sam’s Club #6489 Store Manager

603 River Oaks West

Calumet City, Illinois 60409

 

Mr. Rob Walton, Chairman of the Board of Directors

Mr. Lee Scott, President & CEO

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

702 SW 8^th Street

Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

Re:       Nefarious Character and Behavior of a Sam’ Club Manager

Mr. Hassna:

I, Fred Nance Jr., entered Sam’s Club #6489 on November 15, 2008 at approximately 5:15 pm (CST) with my wife to purchase items from this store. We wanted to buy steaks, but needed assistance from a butcher. There was no butcher present. An employee informed me the butchers were gone for the day. I sought a supervisor or manager to ask why there was no butcher present to assist customers needing service in their meat department. This started as a simple question, which had a simple, respectful answer. The Sam’s Club manager I encountered had a different agenda. It appears her agenda is to harass, intimidate and threaten consumers/customers.

Seeking an answer to this “complicated” question of “where are the butchers”, I went to the front of the store requesting to speak to a supervisor or manager. A supervisor began to answer my question when she spotted a manager, Cynthia. This supervisor directed my question and inquiry to Cynthia.

I approached Cynthia giving her my business card asking her was she a manager. Rather than answering my question, Cynthia asked me what I needed as she ignored my handing her my business card leaving my hand dangling with the card in it. I informed her there was no butcher present to assist customers in the meat department. I asked this question requesting to understand why there was no butcher present to assist customers and how could I acquire the purchase I wanted.

Cynthia began rudely and nefariously addressing my question and request. I informed Cynthia that she was not going to talk to me in a demeaning way and addressing me in a disrespectful and arrogant manner. I requested to speak to her supervisor. Cynthia told me she was the “boss”. I asked Cynthia for the store manager’s name. Cynthia told me Phil. I asked Cynthia what is Phil last name. Cynthia refused to give me Phil’s last name.

I started writing the dialogue and statements she was making to me on one of my business cards that she refused to accept. Cynthia did not care or want to know who she was talking too. I think anyone having dialogue with someone should know who they are talking too and their audience. If you do not know your audience, you may make grave errors that may cost something.

As I ran out of room on the one business card, I started writing on another one of my business cards. I asked Cynthia to give me the information I requested on the store and its manager on a piece of her paper. Cynthia told me I can write on what I was using. As I was writing, I asked Cynthia for the store manager’s last name again. Cynthia blurted out Phil Hassna, several times in an egregious voice. I asked Cynthia to spell her store manager’s last name. Cynthia refused to spell it for me.

I informed Cynthia that I was going to write a letter to the President & CEO of Sam’s Club/WalMart about her unprofessional character and behavior and post it on my websites. Cynthia told me that if I did not stop talking she would take my Sam’s Club membership and have me escorted from the store. I challenged this statement telling her to do it. Cynthia looked at me and walked away. I acquired the Sam’s Club store manager’s information from a business card that another respectful and concerned employee of Sam’s Club directed me too in the entrance lobby of the store.

As I recalled more information from my encounter with Cynthia, I began writing it on an envelope my wife had in her purse. As my wife and I continued shopping, I asked other Sam’s Club employees if there was another manager in the store. As I explained my dilemma to these employees of Sam’s Club and why I wanted to know was there other managers besides Cynthia in the store, these Sam’s Club employees began telling me about other customer complaints against Cynthia. If this is true, then the management of Sam’s Club #6489 has a total disregard for consumer/customer complaints against Cynthia. Consumers: Is there where you want to shop and spend your hard earned money?

My wife and I spent $185.63 at this Sam’s Club store (Transaction #2197; Store #6489; Register #008 at 5:57 pm). When we got home and I began to take the Sam’s Club groceries from the car, I told my wife I was taking these groceries back to Sam’s Club. I informed my wife that we cannot allow a retail or wholesale store to treat customers as I was treated. I informed my wife we have to make a statement. I returned the groceries to this Sam’s Club at approximately 7:23 pm (CST) and was refunded $154.38 (Transaction #1343; Store #6489; Register #1802). The other groceries my wife had already opened.

Consumers/customers should not shop where they are not respected, especially if management is the one who disrespects you. If management disrespects you, it informs you of what they think about you spending your hard earned money in their store. If it is necessary to shop at a Sam’s Club or WalMart store, find one that has a high or moderate level of integrity, honesty and respect for its consumers/customers.

Store #6489 located in Calumet City does not have a high or moderate level of integrity, honesty and respect for its consumers/customers if they continue to allow people like Cynthia to manage and direct services there.

The Sam’s Club located in Calumet City may not pay attention to this letter. This Sam’s Club may not do anything about consumer/customer complaints. One thing is for sure and can be vested with a degree of certainty (truth); we do not have to spend our money in this store. When a customer finds issues of integrity, honesty and respect lacking in retail and wholesale stores we should alert the public. Public awareness creates and drives consumer/customer power. As consumers/customers we have monetary power. We are not powerless to mega stores like Sam’s Club and WalMart. Consumers/customers can make a difference. Stand up for what you believe. If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything. I know everyone believes in a degree of honesty, integrity and respect in the workplace and in the retail/wholesale market.

Make no mistake. If Cynthia talks to the consumer/customer as I was talked too, she talks to her subordinates likewise. I will hand deliver a copy of this letter to Mr. Phil Hassna, manager of Sam’s Club store #6489. I will provide a copy to Mr. Hassna by U.S. mail. I will email a copy of this letter to Mr. Hassna. I will provide a copy of this letter to Mr. Walton and Mr. Scott by U.S. mail. Finally, I will post this letter on the blogs below.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred Nance Jr., ABD, MA, CADC, NCRS

cc:

Rob Walton, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Lee Scott, President & CEO, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://www.frednance.newsvine.com/

Update: November 16, 2008

 

I hand delivered this letter for Mr. Hassna to Mr. Leo at the Sam’s Club store #6489 on November 16, 2008 at approximately 3:10 pm (CST). As I was waiting for Mr. Leo to come to the front of the store to receive the letter, I saw an employee I know. I explained what had happened to me. I was informed that there was a female complaining on Friday, November 14, 2008, about Cynthia being “rude” to her. This female informed Sam’s Club staff she was going to call their corporate office about the “rude” treatment she received from Cynthia. Therefore, my experienced with Cynthia is not isolated.

 

Cynthia’s rude and abrasive character and behavior probably spills over into how she treats the employees under her supervision. I can see why Wal-Mart does not want a union for their employees. If there was a union, the employees of Wal-Mart would have a voice speaking for them when a nefarious supervisor has behavior such as described here. I will explore and research this union issue with Wal-Mart and post my results on my blogs for public viewing.

Update: November 17, 2008

 

This is the email dialogue between Mr. Hassna and I.

 

“Phillip Hassna wrote:
 
Fred, thanks for the time that you spent communicating your service experience on Sat, I do apologize for that experience. I will be contacting you today by phone, I hope that is acceptable for you. I look forward to talking with you today. Again, I do apologize and look forward to hearing your concerns about my manager.

 

Phil Hassna
 
From: Fred Nance Jr.
 
Mr. Hassna:
 
Thanks for responding. I have a very tight schedule today, hopefully I will be able to answer your call. I have to meet with the Honorable Congressman Danny Davis this morning regarding some of the advisory committees I sit on. I should be done around 11:00 am, then I am off to one of the colleges to meet with the Dean. I hope to hear from you today. Again, Thanks.

Update: November 28, 2008

 

I have not heard anything nor have I received a response to my correspondence about the Sam’s Club in Calumet City Illinois. I visited the Wal-Mart store in Calumet City Illinois this morning, Black Friday the day after Thanksgiving Day.

 

As I was seeking my purchase among many shoppers, I engaged a representative of the store named Yolanda. I asked Yolanda where the line started for purchasing a 42″ television. Yolanda looked at me, ignored me, and walked away from me. I asked another young lady who gave me the information I needed. Her name was Bonnie, who reported she was the Marketing supervisor. I reported Yolanda’s behavior to Bonnie. Bonnie informed me she definitely take care of it. It seems I cannot escape the disrespect of Wal-Mart employees.

 

Nevertheless, I spent $1,937.91. I bought a Dell desktop computer, a 19″ Samsui LCD TV, a Home Theatre DVD/CD surround system and a 42″ Samsung Plasma TV. I bought the service plans for the TVs and computer. The Home Theatre came with a replacement plan. My daughter spent $576.79.

Update: December 7, 2008
 
I have not heard anything from Wal-Mart Corporate. Therefore, I have returned the items purchased from Wal-Mart. I received a refund in the amount of $1,937.91. I had purchased some brackets to install the televisions. I returned them also, receiving an additional $136.83. Wal-Mart does not give their customers any respect.

Conlon & Sons: Harlem Furniture and Stainsafe Warranty

Update: November 3, 2008

 

On October 31, 2008 Stainsafe’s representative Global Care released a document regarding this issue. The states:

 

Full Item Replacement Authorization, Claim #1568823, Sales Receipt number 1107504XOPW; We are pleased to inform you that a full replacement has been authorized for the following item(s) Chest/SKU – 551221107. We have notified the Roomplace at Harlem that we have authorized you to select merchandise of your choice with a value that is less than or equal to your original purchase price of the above referenced item(s)…Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

 

There may be some integrity here. There was no response to the nefarious character and behavior of their representatives who handled this case.

October 27, 2008

 

Conlon & Sons

Mr. Joe Conlon, President/Owner

700 New York Ave., Suite D

Huntington, New York 11746

 

Mr. Conlon:

 

Harlem Furniture contracts with Stainsafe for repair service with its furniture needs. I was informed by your representative that you company, Conlon & Sons, provide services for Stainsafe. Stainsafe has 196 complaints against its organization on www.ripoffreport.com/.

 

On Friday, October 24, 2008, I was scheduled for a repair appointment for furniture I bought from Harlem Furniture. When I purchased my furniture from Harlem Furniture I bought a warranty with Stainsafe, which utilizes your company to provide repair services. My appointment time frame was 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

 

At approximately 10:30 am, I received a call from your representative stating my repair person’s car had broken down and he was at the repair shop to get it fixed. I was told when he got his car fixed he would be coming to my house. I received a call late Friday afternoon, October 24, 2008, from your representative stating my repair person would not be coming out. I waited for your repair person for over 7 hours before I got a call stating he was not coming. I was told I had to re-schedule. I re-scheduled for Monday, October 27, 2008, between the hours of 7:00 am to 10:00 am.

 

On Monday, October 27, 2008, at approximately 8:15 am I had to make a run out of the neighborhood. I left because your repair person had not showed up and thinking about the wait I had Friday, October 24, 2008, I believed I would get a courtesy call to alert me to when this repair person would come to my house.

 

At approximately 8:35 am I received a call from your representative stating your repair person was sitting outside my home. I informed your representative I was not at home. Your representative asked me how long will it take for me to get home. I informed your representative I would be home in 30 minutes. I got home at approximately 9:00 am. I called your office and your representative told me I had to re-schedule for another day. Sir, I have a problem with the service I am receiving with your company.

 

On Friday, October 24, 2008, I waited for 6 hours, all day at home for your service. No one showed up. I did not get upset. I re-scheduled. On Monday, October 27, 2008, your representative told me I did not ask for a call to alert me your repair person was on there way. Sir, I should not have to ask for this call. This is a courtesy call, which I should have received anyway because of Friday, October 24, 2008. I deserved a courtesy call.

 

On Monday, October 27, 2008, your representative informed me your repair person was stuck in traffic for 2 hours coming to my house. I am not sure where your repair person is traveling from to come to my house, but coming to my house is driving against the traffic, not with the traffic. What I mean there is no traffic coming to my house. All the traffic is going toward downtown Chicago. I live in the opposite direction. Nevertheless, if your repair person was stuck in traffic, I should have received a courtesy call stating so, because I waited as I did on Friday, October 24, 2008, I should have received a courtesy call.

 

Your representative informs me now I have to make another appointment, and they were very adamant and unconcerned about my service. This is totally unprofessional. On Monday, October 27, 2008, I have spoken to Suelette and Antoinette from your office. I informed Suelette and Antoinette that I would write this letter, sending a copy to Harlem Furniture, posting it on my blogs and posting it on www.ripoffreport.com/.

 

From viewing www.ripoffreport.com/, it appears it is 196 complaints against Stainsafe. Stainsafe employs your company to repair the items it contracts for with various furniture stores. Sir, how does your company fair with www.ripoffreport.com/?

 

Sir, I want service today, Monday, October 27, 2008. I have asked to speak to a supervisor. I have been told your supervisor is Linda. I have been repeatedly told that Linda is not available. The last response I received from your representative about speaking to Linda is that she is in a meeting. I would like to receive a call about my issue. Please respond.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

 

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://frednance.newsvine.com/

The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. & American Express Account: Beware of automated purchases

November 2, 2008

 

American Express Credit Card Account

Customer Service Department

P.O. Box 981532

El Paso, Texas 79998-1532

 

Re:       Account Ending In – xxxxx

 

In September of 2008 I called RIDDEX to order their RIDDEX Plus product. The order process took place by phone, talking to an automated voice. During the order process, the call was cut off before I finalized my order. The cut-off was abrupt leading me to believe something was wrong. I called the RIDDEX number back, hoping to talk to a live person. I got automation again. Therefore, I immediately called AMEX to stop payment because I had entered my card number over the phone to an automated voice. I was informed by an AMEX representative that I had to wait until the charge was posted on my account before I could challenge it.

 

On or about October 3, 2008 I received the product for which I wanted AMEX to cancel payment. Upon receipt of this product by mail, I called RIDDEX Plus talking to a supervisor named Margaret. Margaret told me to take it to my local post office and send it back to them. I immediately took it back to the South Holland Post Office, giving it to one of the postal representative, instructing them to send it back to the sender. I made a photo copy of the shipping receipt before I took the package back to the post office. I did not get a receipt for returning it because I did not get a receipt to receive it. I left the package, the post office and went home.

 

On or about October 3, 2008 I talked to Amy, an AMEX representative, about this issue stating I was disconnected before the transaction was completed with RIDDEX. Amy opened case number HU40661. I informed Amy I received the product through the mail on or about October 3, 2008 and returned it to the Post Office without opening it.

 

On or about October 14, 2008 I talked to Andrea, another RIDDEX Plus representative. Andrea asked me did I have a receipt with a tracking number for their package that I took back to the post office. I informed Andrea that I do not have a receipt or a tracking number because I took their package and returned it to the post office telling the postal representative to send it back to the sender. After talking to Andrea, I did some research on RIDDEX Plus. I found out the corporate name for RIDDEX Plus is The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. Melissa K. Rice is the CEO, and that Kevin Sepe is the President. The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. is located at 4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 780, Miami Florida 33137. I called 212-614-4203 and talked Julicia Brooks about this issue. I was directed to a supervisor named Ivan who informed me he would submit a research request to Marcella a supervisor. I was told to fax the shipping receipt I had to them. I faxed a copy of the shipping receipt and the notes I took to Ivan at 972-407-3750 (fax number given to me by Ivan).

 

On or about October 14, 2008 I called the corporate office of The Dynamic Response Group, Inc. at 305-576-6889 seeking to talk to Ms. Melissa Rice, CEO and/or Mr. Kevin Sepe, President. I talked to Ms. Luz who requested I fax my shipping receipt to her. I fax my shipping receipt to Ms Luz at 305-576-6997. Ms. Luz assured me she would track the receipt of the package I sent back to them (shipping receipt, notes attached).

 

I received correspondence from AMEX dated October 4, 2008 with dispute reference number HU40661 from H. Figueroa Customer Service Supervisor stating in part, “…Thank you for contacting us regarding a charge(s) on your account. We have referred your inquiry regarding RIDDEX to one of our Customer Care Professionals for review. In the meantime, we have suspended the amount of $115.50 on your account which can be seen on an upcoming statement….” I received correspondence from AMEX dated October 8, 2008 with dispute reference number HU40661 from H. Figueroa, Customer Service Supervisor stating in part, “…We are writing regarding your inquiry about the charge(s) from Riddex. We have determined that we need some additional information from you to continue our investigation. What we need to proceed, in order for us to proceed on your behalf, we need you to provide us with: a copy of the Return/Postal Receipt relating to this inquiry….” I did not answer this correspondence.

 

I received correspondence on October 27, 2008 from AMEX dated October 24, 2008 from H. Figueroa Customer Service Supervisor stating in part, “…As you know, we have been investigating your claim with RIDDEX. During this time we suspended the disputed amount of $115.50. Our investigation is now complete and we have received credit for $67.65….” I immediately called AMEX requesting the full credit. I was told by an AMEX representative that an additional $29.95 was credited to my account. I asked the representative, where is the rest of the credit? The AMEX representative informed me they would continue investigating.

 

On November 1, 2008 I received correspondence from H. Figueroa Customer Service Supervisor dated October 28, 2008 stating in part, “…We are writing regarding your inquiry about the charge(s) from RIDDEX. We have determined that we need some additional information from you to continue our investigation. What we need to proceed, in order for us to proceed on your behalf, we need you to provide us with a signed, detailed letter describing the events surrounding your claim, including the exact amount of credit you are requesting. Steps we have taken, we have temporarily suspended the amount of $17.90 from the balance during the period of our investigation, which will reflect on your upcoming statement….” The correspondence dated October 28, 2008 has a different dispute reference number on it, which is HY64016.

 

This is the detailed letter requested by AMEX. First, why is the dispute reference number different? Second, I request the full credit amount to my account of $115.50, which $97.60 has been credited to my account according to correspondence dated October 22, 2008 for $67.65, and a statement from an AMEX representative on October 27, 2008 stating my account was credited for $29.95. I expect the balance of $17.90 be credited to my account. In addition, I request a correspondence from AMEX stating the full amount of $115.50 was credited to my account.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Fred Nance Jr.

 

cc:

 

http://clickforjusticeandequality2.blogspot.com/

http://click.townhall.com/

http://clickforjusticeandequality.wordpress.com/

http://frednance.newsvine.com/