Sun, Jun 10, 2001 (13:14) |
Rick G. Garibay (austinconsumerwatch)
http://www.austinconsumerwatch.org
We are a local, online community that strives to keep our fellow Austinites as well informed as possible when it comes to making consumer decisions.
There truly is no place quite like Austin. Beautiful hill country, diverse cultural melting pot, and a very strong local economy (despite the recent national slowdown) are just parts of what makes Austin,Texas so unique.
Unfortunately, a strong local economy and low unemployment rate can often times make for miserable consumer experiences.
This is why we need your help! Tell us who to watch out for, or point us in the right direction when it comes to giving merchants the business they deserve for continuing to provide stellar service despite the overwhelming demand.
Remember the days of 'The customer is always right?'
As consumers, we each have a responsibility to make the most informed decisions when it comes to making consumer decisions. We must never forget that regardless of how well the local economy is doing, we are the customers. Anytime we give our business to any Austin merchant, it is a privilege, not a right!
4 responses total.
Topic 48 of 64 [austin]: http://www.austinconsumerwatch.org
Response 1 of 4: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Sun, Jun 10, 2001 (18:32) * 2 lines
It's a great service, Rick has, it just needs a little critical mass to get started. What inspired you to start this up, Rich?
er, Rick.
Topic 48 of 64 [austin]: http://www.austinconsumerwatch.org
Response 2 of 4: Rick G. Garibay (austinconsumerwatch) * Sun, Jun 24, 2001 (23:09) * 5 lines
I think that there is a need for consumers in Austin to be able to vocalize their consumer choices in a community that is targeted locally. That really is the keystone goal behind www.austinconsumerwatch.org. We are presenting consumer feedback at the local level, kind of a local version of bizrate.com.
Now that I've plugged our website, I'll answer your question ;-)
I have been the victim of complete complacency within the Austin market several times, whether it is buying gas at the local gas station or buying an ice cream cone. Several Austin businesses just don't seem to care if they get repeat business or not because there is just such a tremendous demand within the Austin market. While this is not always the business' fault or intention, and I believe it is largely due to the fact that it is hard to hire good people to help run a business because of the tremendous attrition rates withing the service industry, it is becoming a part of our culture, and this is something that we must not allow. It is sometimes easy to forget who the customer and the merchant is in the business dynamic, and austinconsumerwatch.org is simply a reminder of who really is in charge.
Topic 48 of 64 [austin]: http://www.austinconsumerwatch.org
Response 3 of 4: Marcia (MarciaH) * Sun, Jun 24, 2001 (23:49) * 1 lines
Try living on an island in the middle of the Pacific (more or less). Don't let them get away with it, Rick! If they think you don't care they'll gouge you every chance they get!
Topic 48 of 64 [austin]: http://www.austinconsumerwatch.org
Response 4 of 4: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Jun 25, 2001 (09:11) * 1 lines
What are you doing to promote your site locally, Rick?
austin conference 
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