Service Refused

This is something that got me curious about from the responses on another thread.
Have you ever been refused service? In either a purchase or even in a service capacity? I don't mean you could'nt buy smokes or a six pack because you look like your 12 and didn't have ID. I mean a circumstance that made no sense to you at all.

I've been refused a room in a nice hotel because I had cash, not plastic on me. I've also been refused a room in a motel (not all that nice) because I was working the carnival that was in town. Been turned away for not being up to the "dress code" at a couple of restaurants, and not having cool enough shoes at a nightclub or two.
It's not a big deal for me (well the anti-carnie motel burned a wee bit) because I just figure "hell, I been thrown out of better places than this". It's their establishment and if they don't want my dough I'm confident someone surely will.

If the day comes I ever get to open the doors of my own joint, No Jackets / No Ties Permitted! Makes no sense...Doesn't have to.

quote:

Pat T Hat Posted - 11/10/2006 : 11:31:33 It's their establishment and if they don't want my dough I'm confident someone surely will.

Your words Patty me boy!
"It's their establishment and if they don't want my dough I'm confident someone surely will."
.............. lol .............no further questions your honor

In 1978, I was still in my early 20's......I'd heard about the Volvo actually being a nice car and wanted to test drive and possibly buy one. Went to the local dealer in Van Nuys------the salesman was kind enough to look me over, point across the showroom at one and tell me I could go over and look at it. Didn't even get out of his chair or check the price. Obviously looked at me and decided I was too young. I wound up going to another dealer who did want to help me. 45 minutes and one test drive later I wrote a check and drove out with my new Volvo 242GT.

Pat,
There is a restaurant Called Pinnacle Peak Steak House in AZ and CA where the policy clearly states "no ties". Further, if you wear one----they will cut it off and stick it on the wall. Each location has a few thousand ties hanging on their walls now. Here is the story.
http://www.pppatio.com/history/index.html

EdSails - car dealers,,,,,I imagine everyone has a story. I've had people tell me to come back when I serious. I know a lady that owns a heating and cooling company who was told by several dealers she didn’t need such a big diesel truck. Now when I purchase a car I pretty much make sure I know what I’m after and then make an appointment with a reputable dealer. The Volvo dealer in Minneapolis did a great job getting me in and out, no muss no fuss.

Hey Ed, thers a place in Dallas like that, hmm what is the name of it? Lotsa ties on the wall.

Like my Dad used to say, and he was the consament salesman, "pitch em all cause you might miss a live one".

I have a story about when I first opened my pet shop in Dallas. A lady came in wearing ragady cloths, with two ragady looking kids with muddy faces. She asked to see the two female Yorkshire Terriers I had kinda hidden way down at the bottom of my puppy display. I brought them out to the playpen, love at first sight, she said "I'll take them" I said, fine I'll have the groomers freshin them up. I then said, I need to tell you that they are $350 each, she said, fine and I want everything I need to go with them. Come to find out she had just come from caring for her Arabian horses at White Rock Stables. This was in the early 70s. $350 was allot for a dog back then! She continued to be a great customer from then on. Goes to show you never can tell. Pitch em all! Dumb not to!!!

I trained my 11 sales folks accordingly.

Oh, one more story. I ran an add for 10 years in the Dallas Morning News for a free goldfish. They cost me 5c each. A guy brought his familly in for the free fish. He ended up with the free fish, bowl and all else he needed, a $300 puppy, a salt water aquarium, and a $250 parrot.

Oh...Howard Huges did not like the service he got at the Desert Inn in LV, soooo he bought the place. I think he fired the guy who was kinda rude to him.
Joe

papajoe,
you're thinking of the trail dust steak house.

Xannie, how do you know all this stuff??? Elvis ordering the #3 at Shanghai Jimmys, and... . Your a vast wealth of knowledge!!!

Your right of coarse, da, trail dust.
Joe

papajoe,
nah..i lived all around north tx
from 72 to 95..
dallas wasn't all that big back then.

Haven't places been sued for refusing to take cash? I thought cash was valid anywhere ?

MikeS.

Maybe some stores have been sued for refusing to accept cash for purchase,but i doubt they have been been sued successfully.Its shopkeepers discretion.They dont have to take your 40 rolls of pennies or your 2 dollar bills if they dont want to.
Currency says right on it that it is legal tender for all debts-but buying something at the store is not a debt.There are instances of even federal offices (i.e. the IRS) declining cash payments,I suppose because they dont want hard money sitting around inviting theft.
I think the guiding principle is that a vendor doent have to enter into any transaction he doesnt want to-as long as he is not discriminating on terms of race or religion or gender etc.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeS.

Haven't places been sued for refusing to take cash? I thought cash was valid anywhere ?

MikeS.

Try renting a car with it.

Oh yes!! I went into the "Sprint Store" or, Purgatory as I like to call it. I stood in line and figuring I'd be all clever, I made out the check and my pay stub so as get done quickly. I walk up to the counter and hand over my check and stub and say I'd like to pay my bill. The guy at the counter looks at the paperwork and says, "The automated payment machine is behind you, sir". Are you kidding me? Why do you even have a job here? To sell belt clips and cute little phone face covers? You can't take a payment? I have to say that customer service is a dying art, in all service industires. I worked at an insurance company for 4 years during college and my job was to call people and tell them their rates were going up. I was hung up on 2 times in those four years. I did whatever I could to help the people I spoke to, gave them answers when I could and admiited when I didn't know something and found someone who could be more helpful when necessary.
Hey, I know you can't rent a car with cash, credit cards only. Has anyone ever run into the problem of purchasing a gift certificate from a restaurant in NYC on a weekend. I went to get one for my girlfriend's parents last Christmas and 3 restaurants all said they can't sell them on the weekends as their person who does them is only in Mon-Fri. I've worked in retail off and on for years and have never heard of that. I've bought tons of gift certificates over the years. It doesn't require a doctorate to figure it out. Its like not being able to get a baked potato at Dennys vefore 4pm. Is that aluminum foil guy working the second shift?

Slicing a customers tie off at the neck?!!! How cool is that!!!? Would that be "Ginsu Neckware"?

Refusing cash is getting more prevelent, or so I hear. In some higher end hotels it's been going on for a while. My guess is they want to make sure they're covered in case of damage and don't want cash at the front end where the robberies occur.
There are some places that won't take a walk in. You need to get a reservation over the phone with a confirmation number to get in. This may happen more in the late night hours.
The airlines are happy to take your cash at the desk. Then they're more than happy to turn you over to the marshall's. Who are more than happy to help you out and relieve you of the rest, if they feel your overburdened with the load.
I guess it's a relief to know that there will alway's be someone who appreciates it.

A few years back I attended Bear Invasion in Washington, DC. The event ran for three days and its much like a gay pride event only the activities are targeted for the gay-bear community. First day no problems, but the second day I was asked to leave. Reason, because I worked at the time in media and the group who sponsored the event had a rule "no one is allowed to attend if they are employed in radio/TV or newspapers".

Some one at the previous night who saw me remembered watching me on TV a month earlier.

I didn't know they had even had such a rule but at least they refunded me the nearly $200 that I put out to attend.

Hello All,
Back in the late sixties and early seventies, I was never denied service, but often made felt
unwelcomed due to the length of my hair. Now, my hair is actually longer, and I have no problem
with service. It feels good when I go out on my own or with my wife.
But I have a son that is autistic, and that is a problem for many places. We've never been
denied service, but you know when you're not truly welcomed. Nicky, my son, is a good soul,
is aware of what people say and how they act around him, even though he can't speak.
Because we don't want to make others uncomfortable or put him in a place where others are
negative toward him, we go out rarely as a family. And that is jading.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

Fieldthistle~

I am sorry people treat your son unfairly. I work in a hotel near a Children's Hospital, and a Shriner's Burns Institute. When their family facilities {such as the Ronald McDonald House} are full, we give the families a discount. Seeing the kids and their families make me feel lucky for what I have, and understanding how quickly that all can change.

Changing the subject~
I remeber a story about the Mamas and Papas. When their first song hit it big, they were given a cash advance. They went to a car dealership, and asked to test drive some vehicles. The salesman did not want to let them, until they proved they were paying for the cars in cash.

Also, I used to work in a restaurant across from the juvenile and domestic relations court, and probation/parole department. The employees {judges included} would eat there daily, and give me the pennies in the bottom of their purses {or pockets, as the case may be} for a tip. But when the people reporting for probation, or domestic relations court, came in for breakfast or lunch, they would tip 20% or more. And, of course, they were not dressed as well as the "penny people".

Never judge a book by its cover.

I was once shopping for an engagement ring on a break from the theatre. I was 18, we'd been painting...so I was young and wearing ripped up, paint-covered clothes. The first jewelry store I went to, someone was immediately on me the second I walked in the door, following me around, watching my every move. By the time I made it to the counter, the guy I talked to just about sneered at me and asked me what I wanted. Not could he help me, but "what do you want?". I told him there wasn't anything there I was interested in and left.

The shop down the street, on the other hand, fell all over themselves getting me exactly what I wanted. I picked out the setting I wanted from about 30 they brought out, then they put the tray of unmounted stones in front of me and handed me the loupe so I could check them out. I was there for almost two hours, and left with a ring and stones on hold until my fiance got home. Which, by the way, was going to be another month, since he was in the Navy serving on an aircraft carrier at the time. He came home, we bought it, and someone got a nice fat commission off a $3800 ring.

Both local, independent jewelers. I suppose technically I wasn't refused service at the first one, but I might as well have been.

quote:

Originally posted by chriscubva

A few years back I attended Bear Invasion in Washington, DC. The event ran for three days and its much like a gay pride event only the activities are targeted for the gay-bear community. First day no problems, but the second day I was asked to leave. Reason, because I worked at the time in media and the group who sponsored the event had a rule "no one is allowed to attend if they are employed in radio/TV or newspapers".

Some one at the previous night who saw me remembered watching me on TV a month earlier.

I didn't know they had even had such a rule but at least they refunded me the nearly $200 that I put out to attend.

I'm no lawyer but is it illegal to bar someone from attending from an event on the basis of one's employement if the event is open to the public? I assume this event was.

But then again in my hometowm a few years back a local radio station in my hometown ( owned by Clear Channel ) was sponsoring a "best ribs in the valley" contest at a local airport. I remember hearing about some family that was stopped at the front gate and refused admittance to enter the event because the mother was an announcer at a radio station that wasn't owned by Clear Channel so I guess anything is possible.

quote:

Originally posted by Pat T Hat

This is something that got me curious about from the responses on another thread.

It's not a big deal for me (well the anti-carnie motel burned a wee bit) because I just figure "hell, I been thrown out of better places than this".

that's a great way to laugh it off ! ("hell, I've been thrown out of better places than this!!") . I love your upbeat attitude , and hope I can apply it myself next time I get thrown out of somewhere!

Been thrown out of worse too. Though as age and wisdom replace the reckless abandon of youth I try not to make it a habit. You know what they say about old ones of those!

Hey Soozy, I read in one of the bartending industry rags that attorney's are considered one of the most notoriously worse tippers. I use to tend one that wasn't to bad but I pimped his chess games and he'd tip half his winnings. Sure was glad he was good at it.
You sure can't judge a book by it's cover...I alway's assume it sucks but give it at least 100 pages anyway to convince me I'm not wasting my time.

Ok, I give.
What is a gay-bear convention? and Bear Invasion?
Did I miss something?
I am serious here...
Never heard of it.

Where I work, imprinted on our menu is the following.

"No shirt, No shoes, NO PROBLEM"...

Since we are right off the beach and pool, we are totally accommodating.
Makes people laugh when they read it.

quote:

Originally posted by roossy90

Ok, I give.
What is a gay-bear convention? and Bear Invasion?
Did I miss something?
I am serious here...
Never heard of it.

I must have missed something , too!
A "gay bear" convention in Washington DC?!?
Not a place where the black bear has been known to habitate.

I too had to look it up..................... living in there San Francisco Bay area I guess I should of known .... lol
that would be one place I would gladly accept not being "Seviced"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The International Bear Brotherhood The bear community is a masculinist subculture in the gay community. Bears are usually mature gay or bisexual men with hairy bodies and facial hair; some are heavy-set, but that is not a requirement. Bears often exhibit an outwardly masculine appearance. Some bears place great importance on presenting a hyper-masculine image and shun interaction with men who display effeminate style and mannerisms. Other bears do not.

There is much debate in the gay community as to the definition of a bear: some say anyone who identifies himself as a bear is one, while others argue that bears must have certain physical characteristics--such as a hairy chest and face--and a certain mode of dress and behavior

quote:

Originally posted by fpczyz

I too had to look it up..................... living in there San Francisco Bay area I guess I should of known .... lol
that would be one place I would gladly except not being "Seviced"

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The International Bear Brotherhood The bear community is a masculinist subculture in the gay community. Bears are usually mature gay or bisexual men with hairy bodies and facial hair; some are heavy-set, but that is not a requirement. Bears often exhibit an outwardly masculine appearance. Some bears place great importance on presenting a hyper-masculine image and shun interaction with men who display effeminate style and mannerisms. Other bears do not.

There is much debate in the gay community as to the definition of a bear: some say anyone who identifies himself as a bear is one, while others argue that bears must have certain physical characteristics--such as a hairy chest and face--and a certain mode of dress and behavior

I was once cut off as I entered a clothing store and the clerk told me that they didn't have anything in my size. I said, "Oh, that's OK. I'm a buyer for the wardrobe department at NBC, but I'll take my business elsewhere." She turned beet red.

And you know, most "gentleman's clubs" in New Orleans don't allow unescorted females in their clubs. Too many bad experiences with irate wives. Not that I would know from personal experience, mind you.

I actually had the owner of a motorcycle shop lose my business because he insisted that I buy a different bike then the one I wanted. I advised him twice that I was not the least bit interested in the bike he was pawning on me, but I was interested in a different one. After the third mention of the bike I did not want, I left and went across the river to the Yamaha shop and they bent over backwards for me. I loaded up three bikes from the Yamaha shop (had to get the kids a couple while I was there) and drove back to the original shop to buy some gloves (clearance sale) and the owners jaws just dropped as I pulled in.

Basically, he refused to sell me the bike I originaly wanted, but it all worked out in the long run.

quote:

Originally posted by EliseT

And you know, most "gentleman's clubs" in New Orleans don't allow unescorted females in their clubs. Too many bad experiences with irate wives. Not that I would know from personal experience, mind you.

My sister who lives in West Virginia says many of their strip bars have the same policy. Its also the same when some of these same clubs have male dancers only in this case, men aren't allowed in at all unless they are either in the show and of course, employees.

My husband and I were talking about this thread last night. He says the only time he can remember being refused serivce ( if you want to call it that ) was when he was a teenager back in the 80s, he and his family were staying in a hotel in the Washington DC area. The hotel had an indoor pool and all of them got into their swimsuits and headed down to the pool only to have a security guard tell them they couldn't go in. They also noticed that the windows around the pool were covered up to block those from looking in.

The guard didn't say why but after calling the manager of the hotel his parents found out why. Seems that some "big TV star" was staying at the same hotel as they were and this "big TV star" demanded that the pool be closed to the public because she wanted to use the pool. The windows were covered up to prevent those from looking in.

They never did find out who this "big TV star" was ( the hotel wouldn't say ), but according to the local paper Nell Carter was in the area, actually in the same part of DC they were in. This was around the time Gimmie A Break was a big show. To this day he thinks it was her.

In 1969 a few of us went to Disney Land in CA, one guy had on a tank top T-shirt. The ticket seller told him he was not allowed in the park like that as it was a family place and people did not come there to see underarm hair. He went to the car and retrieved a jacket. Shortly after being admitted he took the jacket off, in less than 30 seconds security guards were escorting all of us out of the park.

Wow, how times have changed.

John

When I was in the early '70's, I was looking for a bass and saw a '65 Fender Precision in a pawn shop in Buffalo, NY. The tag said $125. I tried it out and liked it, and told the young clerk that I only had $100 cash on me. He said that it was $125, period. I told him I'd have to pass on it and started for the door, a voice from the back room yelled "If that $100 cash walks out the door, you can go with it", I was suddenly told that they were having a sale, and I went home with the P-bass.

Now that was a lesson in customer service.