Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 23:49:14 -0400
To: balloondeco@balloonhq.com
From: Sandy Gray <balloons@csrlink.net>
Subject: RE: Joyce Stephens rude person at hall.

Hi, Joyce,
    We had a real problem similar to that a few years back. We would
already have them booked and then they would cancel us after they met with
the banquet Manager of a local hotel chain. I wanted to see what was really
happening, so I went to the hall and posed as a "Mother of the Bride." Of
course I had an unlimited budget and nothing was too expensive for "My
Daughter." After I was treated like royalty and we went all thru the main
Ball Room discussing my plans and had taken up about an hour or so. We were
supposed to be starting the paperwork, when I asked, "What time can my
Balloon Decorators get in to set the decorations up?" She got an awful look
on her face and said, "Who is your Balloon Company?" I said our company's
name. And she gave a huge sigh and said, "Oh, I am so sorry, I wished you
would have talked to us first!" They are not very good at what they do, and
they overcharge terribly. We can do the balloons for you and include it in
the package for just a few more dollars." I said, "I have some photos of
their work with me and they seem to do a great job!" I handed her the book
of photos. She then said,"I don't know where they got these pictures, but
that's NOT their work!!" At this point, I am ready to reach across the desk
and choke her! But, instead I pulled out my card and handed it to her as I
introduced myself and what company I owned. I told her that I had a tape
recorder in my coat pocket (it was my Wallet) and everything she said was
on tape! And if she didn't want to see herself in court for slander &
deflamation of character, she should never say anything bad or untrue about
us again!! I also wrote to the main office of the hotel chain and reported
what went on. The Hotel Manager contacted me and questioned me about the
whole complaint. It turned out that banquet Manager was getting CASH
kickbacks from another competitor balloon shop for any balloon work she
sold as part of a package. She was fired as it was a violation of their
work ethics code not to do business in their job capacity for personal
gain. The Main Manager knew nothing about it! So you may want to check with
that rude person's boss and let them know what was said. 
      We immediately, (after the visit as Mother of the bride), kept EVERY
booking for that hall from then on. I wrote to the chain as a concerned
business person. I wouldn't want any of my employees doing something like
that.
       It may be worth a try to meet with them!

GOOD LUCK! Let us know what happens.
Sandy Gray
Balloons & Parties Plus!
Montgomery, PA  (Central PA)
Screen Name On AOL-Inst.Mess.- BPPLUS
Check Out our Web Site!
http://www.bpplus.net