THEY SHOULD TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY

What should you do when you are treated poorly while patronizing a business? It happens. All female groups seated in the back of the restaurant. International travelers whose reservations are not honored at the hotel front desk. Blacks and Latinos who are charged an extra "deposit" at the car rental counter. Those pesky "plainclothes"  "security" that follow you around the department store... in the furniture section. What do you do when your shoppers high, travel or entertainment venture turns into a disappointing mess because staff members bring their personal prejudices right into the workplace with them? Here are some actions you can take when your hard earned dollar isnt appreciated by a business.

MAKE A COMPLAINT NOW... OR LATER
Complain to the manager immediately. Ask to speak to the rude employee's supervisor. Explain the situation in a calm clear voice. Speak from the standpoint of a consumer, a customer, a potential (or current) repeat customer with friends who may want to use their services... except for this little problem you are having with the one rude employee.

If you dont feel comfortable making a complaint at that time, or if all the staff on site seem to have the same attitude, you can complain in writing. Many establishments have websites, with "contact us" pages, where you can make your complaint. You can also make a complaint with government agencies or consumer organizations. The State Attorneys office, the local Better Business Bureau and websites like Yelp are places where consumers can complain without (or before) filing a lawsuit.

However, if the rude behavior was discriminatory, it may be grounds for a more formal or legal complaint. Under federal and state Public Accomodations Laws, hotels, restaurants, taxis, buses, trains and many other facilities that are regularly used by the public, are not allowed to discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, disability and in some states, perceived sexual orientation.

BE A SNITCH
Let your friends and family know about your bad experience. Encourage them to use different establishments. Use your social networking and word of mouth. Many business owners and staff members have deeply ingrained prejudices and fears that rear their heads in the workplace. Unfortunately, some of these may come out while you're shopping, trying to enjoy a night out with friends, or check into a hotel. This is extremely poor judgment on their part. Make sure your own circle of friends and family know not to spend their money at these establishments and why.

Many owners and employees may never understand why they should treat every customer like family. This poor judgment should hurt them in their wallets. Who knows? They may change their business culture and begin to treat each customer as a potential repeat business, referral and steady income. Or they may not. And shut down. Regardless of the type of customer, the color of money is green.

VOTE WITH YOUR FEET
Maybe you dont feel comfortable approching a store manager. Maybe writing's not your strong suit. Maybe youve spoken to your friends and family and they've ignored the issues you raised. There's one thing you can do. You can decide never to set foot in that establishment again. This one - person boycott can empower you to try out new restaurants, clubs, hotels, airlines. You can save the money you would have spent. Or re-route the funds to a business or establishment that is more welcoming with better customer service.

BONUS: ALL YOU GOTTA DO IS SAY YES
Also, remember to support the businesses that treat you well. If you experience consistently good service with respectful, friendly staff, do the opposite of the above. Report your satisfaction to the nearest manager, or use the online comment form when you get home. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that this is the place to be for a good shopping, dancing, eating or travel experience. And become a repeat customer. You dont have to be Norm on the TV Show Cheers, but make sure you support the businesses that treat you well, so they can stay open for business.

Let's Be Careful Out There