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It seems to me that this culture is a consequence of capitalism. The richest and most powerful are always the customers, but never employees. On the other hand
by js8 10y ago
It seems to me that this culture is a consequence of capitalism. The richest and most powerful are always the customers, but never employees.
On the other hand, in communist easter-bloc countries, the opposite culture existed. Employees didn't care much about customers, the jobs were provided by the government. It was also terrible.. corrupt and probably worse.
I think moderation is needed, but I am not sure how such culture can be sustained.
- tyingq 10y agoThis exists in capitalist countries as well. Especially in government run processes. The customer service people at , for example, a courthouse, or government vehicle registration service. They know they can't be fired. They also know there is no competitor you can go to. So, the balance of power is inverted.
- Frondo 10y agoIs the DMV really that bad these days? In the four states I've registered a vehicle--Washington, Oregon, Texas, Illinois--it's been fine. No complaints.
- tyingq 10y agoThe experience varies, depending on the office. It feels like they have little leverage to do anything about individual agents that have crap attitudes.
- jordanb 10y agoNearly every time I've ever been to the DMV it's been a pleasant process. One time I got caught in bureaucratic hell. I had recently bought a house and took my closing documents in to get my address changed. The clerk informed me that all the closing documents represent "one document" since they all come from a single source (the closing) even though they came from several different agencies. I had to go to my bank, change my address there (using the closing documents as proof), have them print an statement that I now live at my new address, and take that back to the DMV as a "second document." I'm not sure if that clerk was being a prick, over-zealously applying the rules, or acting in a capacious matter. Or if he was following clear direction from above about closing documents. So I'm not sure if I need to blame him or not. But every other interaction I've had with the DMV has been smooth and pleasant. Quite frankly, my interactions with the IRS have been smooth and pleasant, even when I legitimately screwed up my taxes and had to get that sorted-out.
- sjg007 10y agoMost companies don't care once they have your money and you are outside of the return period but inside of the warranty.