Originally intended to document my experience of DeLorean ownership, focus is often radical and strange, boring and obtuse.

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Signature: A Stand-Up Company

Signature refunded us when they learned of our misfortunes.

These days good customer service is what sets companies apart. After all, the quality of just about everything is nearly identical because let's face it, it's all made in China. So personal experience with a company is what makes the difference.

When it comes to companies that deal almost exclusively with "service", good customer service is what keeps them in business. And Signature Vacations is absolutely one of those companies.

After we were scammed in Mexico by moustachioed persons impersonating Signature Vacations representatives, Suz wrote a letter expressing our discontent and suggesting very strongly that Signature should have warned us.

It's only fair that the tour company should have announced to their passengers that tour representatives were not allowed in the airport. Consider that anywhere else in the world, travellers expect to meet their tour reps inside the airport.

Suz's letter explained in great detail the devious plot by the scoundrels, and how they were able to walk away with eighty-nine of our hard-earned U.S. style dollars. After some investigating and confirming, a Signature Vacations rep wrote back the following message:

----- Original Message -----
From: (content deleted)
To: martini@awesomeguy.ca
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2009 1:21 PM
Subject: Gettin' hosed

Dear Mrs. Martini,

(content deleted)

The content should be treated as confidential and the recipient may not disclose this message or any attachment to anyone else without authorization.


It is true. I do not have permission to share the email with anyone. I do however, have every right to give everyone "the gist" of it.

Signature was "pleased" that we "took the time" to contact them regarding the ongoing scam. It seems as though they had been dealing with this for quite some time. They informed us of two very excellent things.

First, they would be processing a refund for us in the form of a cheque. And true to their word, a cheque arrived shortly afterwards for the full amount we were scammed out of, in U.S. dollars. A few key areas have been altered by yours truly so that the evil Adrian Torres, Scoundrel Extraordinaire, can't forge it.

Second, they said they had contacted Skyservice and told their pilots and crew to make an announcement on all subsequent flights to Mexico informing passengers that their tour reps are outside the airport.

This was vital for the protection of all tourists and was more important to us than the money. Again, they were true to their word. A co-worker who returned from a Skyservice vacation to Mexico not one week ago confirmed that the announcement was made on her flight.

Two Martini-thumbs up for Signature Vacations and for Skyservice. With a reaction like this, in an economy like this, they really deserve more than I can offer for taking action to protect their customers.

---------------
Update: Signature Vacations filed for bankruptcy. It's a shame good guys finish last.

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10 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...

Yay! An two SJ thumbs up for your proactiveness :)

7:10:00 AM

 
Blogger Vicki said...

I second that "Yay!"

6:16:00 PM

 
Blogger Ellie Creek Ellis said...

Hey,
Bummer about your weather...I just wanted to let you know it was a very sunny, beautiful 62F today. I took the day off and worked out in my flower beds! :o) Just thought you might want to know that.

9:16:00 PM

 
Blogger Monogram Queen said...

That is awesome! 1) That Suz took the time to do what she did 2) That signature took you seriously and amended the problem alleviating potential scams for many other poor peeps and 3) Yay for refunds! Nothing like a check in the mail! I'm waiting on one from SnoopyLife Insurance Co. right now!

9:52:00 AM

 
Blogger Unknown said...

Suz and Martini: You have done a great servie by making the rest of us aware of this scam. I am upset that two friends of mine endured this. But then, when I stop and think of singles and married with children who will be going to Mexico or elsewhere, I am happy you have clued us in. Be well, be healthy and know that I am glad this was a decent outcome--as decent as it could be.

10:00:00 AM

 
Blogger Martini said...

I only wish we could have helped spread the news sooner. Who knows how many other airlines are either a) not aware of this or b) not informing their passengers.

1:17:00 PM

 
Blogger Becky said...

Cash it quick it won't before it is worth pennies. I never saw anyone write "cheque" before, I always spell it check.

Yay for good customer service. There are some idiotic small local businesses in my area that are rude to people. They can't afford to have an attitude right now.

10:33:00 PM

 
Blogger honkeie said...

Two thumbs up and a prostate exam and some more kudos for you!

11:17:00 AM

 
Blogger The T-Dude said...

Kick ass and take names my friend. Well done.

5:24:00 PM

 
Blogger Ellie Creek Ellis said...

Hoppy Easter!

Hope you are eating the heads of those chocolate bunnies for breakfast!

12:09:00 PM

 

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