Need some reassuring FedEx/shipping stories

[Robyn@SYR]

Honestly, I would have been ballistic about that, and I truly HOPE you put in a written complaint about that specific delivery person...they don't deserve to have the job! And the best way to keep it from happening to other reptiles being shipped is to make a royal stink about it. Animal cruelty is NOT OK, & that could only
have been deliberate...probably hates reptiles.

I disagree with this "stink" strategy. If you need to lodge a complaint, or educate a driver about safe handling of a live package, I think honey works much better than vinegar.

If you insist on berating your pizza guy for a late delivery, raising a stink, I don't think you are going to get improved service, or warmer pizza. If you send food back to the kitchen/chef with a note about "how stupid can you be not to follow my directions" I guarantee your plate comes back with extra surprises, non-appetizing ones.

It's the nature of the service industry.

I hear time and time again of shippers that have FRIENDLY rapport with their drivers and local counter staff. They alleviate reptile phobias with a kind and generous attitude, and help turn reptile fears and lack of concern into personalized, thoughtful service.

Threaten to get your FedEx driver fired and suddenly all of your packages will suffer. Kindly remind the driver that the package is a live reptile, and shaking or tossing the package can cause stress or complications can help prevent that treatment for your future packages. Offer to pop open the box and show off your new acquisition- "You want to see this new gecko/snake/frog? It's pretty cool!".

At ShipYourReptiles we deal with customer service each and every day. The very nature of the job is that MOST of the calls and emails that come in are for package issues- delays, misroutes, confusion, etc. We get the ballistic customers, all the time. It isn't helpful, nor productive. That "ballistic" stress has already driven the customer over the edge, and stresses out our staff as well. It actually impedes progress.

We still try and service the customer and solve the problem, but the nice/pleasant/patient/cooperative customer typically experiences quicker resolution and skates very easily into the "above and beyond" service category, every time.

I think the strategy applies across life. To your delivery driver, to your hair stylist, to the reptile breeder you are trying to buy an amazing animal from, to the young lady making your burrito bowl at Chipotle.