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The good old days when a purchase meant service, too

August 20, 2008

On Monday I wrote about the high cost of flying. The New York Times story I referenced mentioned that consumers aren’t really complaining about all of the additional fees.

Of course, one NYT source did note that if you complain in Starbucks you get a free drink, and if you complain too much in the airport you run the risk of being escorted out by the TSA. Let’s face it, airport security is no joke these days.

The whole thing got me thinking about all of the other “extras” we pay for or types of service that we have lost. Are we really complaining about anything?

The first thing that came to mind was the grocery store. I can remember a time, not too long ago, where not only did they bag your groceries, but a bag boy (sorry if that’s now politically incorrect) would actually help you to your car and unload your groceries.

Now you’re lucky if you don’t have to scan and bag your groceries yourself. Forget about help to the car. The price of groceries hasn’t gone down, or even remained stable, but the level of service that goes along with shopping has seriously declined.

In general it seems like there is less help in a lot of stores.

Does anybody remember the days when you stopped for gas and an attendant actually filled your car? Now I can only name one gas station, that I’m aware of, where they actually fill your car for you.

I’ve written a previous post about all of the delivery charges being tacked on to things.

I’ve heard rumors that grocery stores could start to charge if you want plastic bags. Of course they already charge for the reusable bags (which I love), so it could end up that you’ll pay for your bags one way or the other.

It just seems like we’re getting less and less service and being charged for more and more things that used to be standard. And it seems like we’re accepting it.

Have you complained about any of these things? Do you think complaining would change anything? Share your thoughts.

Written by admin · Filed Under Misc. 

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