Ignorance, Shoddy Goods and Poor Service

Poet's Notes
(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Tom Cunningham.


Never accept shoddy goods or poor service, you have consumer rights, if they don't address your concerns, contact their chairman. 
Quote by poet



When I was growing up my dear mother often said to me
Always speak when spoken to and be courteous as can be
So, it riles me when folks are ignorant and couldn't give a dime
But I give them benefit of the doubt and say it a second time.

Faulty goods suck too when you take them back to the store
They make out that it's been misused and show you the door
But you have consumer rights and are entitled to your money back
Make sure you're assertive and calm but never go on the attack. 

There's no excuse for poor service either or they choose to ignore you
But their attitude changes completely when you threaten to sue
First, they'll fob you off and try to provide an excuse that is lame 
But stand your ground firmly and play them at their own game. 

I once heard a quote 'there's no friendship in business' ; that is so true
Companies often forget it's you paying them, it's not them paying you 
Loyal customers should be rewarded and treated with respect 
So, look around and go elsewhere if they show you any disrespect. 

Thankfully, those kinds of sad ignorant people are in a minority
And most people will go the extra mile, so you're left feeling happy
So, If you've been fobbed off with poor service or dealt a poor hand
Use X, Facebook or TikTok to warn others and make a firm stand.


Written on the 3rd may 2025.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025



Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 5/29/2025 3:14:00 AM
Oh I do love this poem Tom and how I agree with your every verse. Although most are a pleasure to deal with, there are certainly some that need to be reported to the media. But Trump during RAMAPHOSA'S visit to the White House gave a journalist his absolute fortune, directly and not caring to mince his words, in front of the whole world. Great poem my friend. HUGS AND BLESSINGS, Jennifer
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/29/2025 8:05:00 AM
Thank you very much Jennifer, just dropping in to answer comments I'm still busy with the slideshow so won't be on here much. Hope your week is going well. Tom
Date: 5/13/2025 3:26:00 PM
Good advice Tom life can be a minefield at times.' I'd like to think i as a poet..Have such attributes as you highlight here.'
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/14/2025 10:37:00 AM
Thank you very much Joe, it's frustrating sometimes when you feel like you're not being listened to. Always be armed with the knowledge of what you're not happy about, keeping a cool head is the best thing to do. Tom
Date: 5/5/2025 2:31:00 PM
Even the medical people are a business. Calm and cool from them is not politeness, but oversight, showing no comfort or help. I dealt with that today!!
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/14/2025 10:33:00 AM
Sorry to hear you experienced that Kim, it seems many in retail and those offering services put the customer second. They don't realise it will cost them down the line. Tom
Date: 5/5/2025 9:14:00 AM
Tom, it's funny that an internet review can be a potent thing. We do try to purchase items where we can return them if there's something amiss. We do hope that doesn't happen, but we know that production of products is not always perfect. It's sure a pain to have to return things, but the companies that are good want to know if there's an issue with their products. A lot of behavior to think about here. Take care!!!
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/5/2025 9:48:00 AM
Thank you very much Duke, you're right, many companies go the extra mile if you have a problem but some need a refresher on looking after customers. I have to laugh when they tell you to do the obvious,turn it off and restart it blah blah blah. They must think they're dealing with an idiot or they can't be bothered. One thing that narks is me when you phone up and it's a call centre in some third world country grrrrr. Tom
Date: 5/5/2025 7:00:00 AM
It is very common now that people will report bad service and workmanship on social media... I do believe most of them to be true.. but there are also some bitter customers who are to blame.. some people want things cheap, so when its not the best they complain.. too many Teemu people around, I guess..
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/5/2025 7:11:00 AM
Thank you SO, I agree there are some who want something for nothing and play on the fact the company doesn’t want any bad publicity and pay out ,that said there are many genuine cases where companies are at fault and try everything to fob you off. Hope you’re keeping well. Tom
Date: 5/5/2025 3:06:00 AM
Tom, a powerful poem and so true. Too bad not everyone has good customer service and kindness.
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/5/2025 4:10:00 AM
Thank you very much Tania, a shame that many offering services or selling goods aren't passionate about what they do, they forget the customer is king and they're in employment because of us. Tom
Date: 5/5/2025 1:30:00 AM
When you pay real money, everyone expect a proper return. I had a handyman once. Gave him three jobs but sent him packing as he was incompetent.
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/5/2025 4:08:00 AM
Thank you Victor, they forget we're paying their wages, you done the right thing sending him packing, you shouldnt have to put up with shoddy work or poor service. Tom
Date: 5/4/2025 10:03:00 AM
Dear Tom, So true and well written, it does upset me when some are aloof and give poor service, and treat you like you owe them something, they should know, customer or client always comes first in business, and their concerns and needs should be looked into with patience and in a kind manner, but often we see so many not in the mood to serve you what you deserve! Youve touched a powerful and important subject again! You always come up with good themes and topics for your poems! Pleasure reading! Sending you light always
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/4/2025 10:19:00 AM
Thank you very much IE, I know I'm not alone in experiencing poor service, they try and fob you off like you're an inconvenience, they forget its you who are keeping them in a job. Only on two occasions have I contacted the chairman to get a satisfactory outcome. Customer is king and always will be. Have a great week ahead. Tom
Date: 5/4/2025 2:33:00 AM
Here here Tom….l totally agree….good advice! ….Debx
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/4/2025 3:34:00 AM
Thank you very much Deb, I think many relate to this one. Tom
Date: 5/3/2025 8:22:00 PM
Good poem with great points Tom! Definetly ways to respond and worth paying attention to ! :)
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/3/2025 9:39:00 PM
Thank you very much Heidi, as Oliver said it seems to get worse, people don't seem to care that the customer is king who pays their wages. Tom
Date: 5/3/2025 8:32:00 AM
Tom, I think it is getting worse. Things are more corporate including healthcare and customer service has declined while prices increased. No one cares. Had many experiences like this. I try to shop local, usually have a better experience. Good one. Have a good weekend
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/3/2025 10:09:00 AM
Thank you very much Oliver, you're right, standards have certainly dropped everywhere, and store staff look at you like you're an inconvenience lol. They forget you're paying their wages. Hope you too have a lovely weekend. Tom
Date: 5/3/2025 5:53:00 AM
Went to a restaurant in Fla that featured Belgian dishes. All four of us felt the food was overpriced and mediocre. I left a modest review on Google and boy did the owner give me the business lol. Apparently if you don't leave four stars they don't want you back. Wasn't going back anyway...
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/3/2025 6:30:00 AM
Thank you Tom, they forget that there are other companies out there that offer better value and service , by their actions they’ve shot themselves in the foot by losing customers and you’re certainly not going to recommend them to others. Thankfully not all companies are the same and it’s us that pay their wages. Tom
Date: 5/3/2025 5:52:00 AM
Dear Tom,your poem is both relatable and empowering! It perfectly captures the frustration we all feel with poor service and faulty goods, while reminding us to stay calm, assertive, and aware of our rights. Love the blend of honesty, wit, and a touch of sass—great advice wrapped in rhyme!...Hugs
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/3/2025 6:24:00 AM
Thank you very much Maria, it’s so frustrating but if you stay calm and remind them of your rights you’ll get satisfaction. Hope your weekend is going well. Tom
Date: 5/3/2025 5:13:00 AM
- Wise and good advice, Tom - Have a lovely weekend :) - hugs
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/3/2025 5:15:00 AM
Thank you Anne Lise, I think many have been the victim of incompetence when dealing with shoddy goods and poor service. I hope you too have a lovely weekend. Tom
Date: 5/3/2025 5:04:00 AM
I spent 5 minutes replying to your lines, Tom and they were not posted. Simply disappeared. Could be it was because my comments were not particularly favorable to the consumer having rights in PS.
Login to Reply
Cunningham Avatar
Tom Cunningham
Date: 5/3/2025 5:13:00 AM
Thanks Lin, that’s strange, I know from time to time gremlins appear in the soup. I’m sure everyone has encountered what I’ve written about. Tom
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
Store
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter
Hide Ad