December 19, 2001

Dear Sir,

With all the hype for the campaign "Buy Bda", you would think customer service would be a major factor in getting Bermudians to stay here and buy from Bermudian merchants.

When was the last time you went into a store and the sales person actually smiled and said, " How can I help you? "

Before I continue, I will say that there are few stores you can go into and the sales person is actually interested in helping you make your purchase; however, a great majority do not. (I will not name any stores because there are too many to blame)

My last trip into Hamilton was to purchase computer supplies. I could not find what I was looking for so I went to search for help. The clerk did not appear to want to help and just stated, " it's over there". When I asked where, again the reply was over there but with a loud sigh and bad attitude. Of course, I walked out of the store.

Similar incidents have also happened in clothing and other retail stores where I have found the items I was looking for and get to the cashier who does not even look at you in the face after ringing up your total, puts out the hand waiting for payment. After the transaction is completed, no one hands you the bag and says:

"Thank you for shopping at this store."

I am not asking for anyone to bow down to serve me but a little customer service to make someone feel welcomed and feel the need to shop at the same store again. I will restrict my "Buy Bda" Campaign to grocery shopping only because I have to.

As for buying clothes, computer supplies and anything else I will either shop online or spend the money for a shopping trip to the United States where I can get better supplies and better service.

DISSATISFIED CUSTOMER

Devonshire