Forum Archive Index - July 2000

["vincent.wang" <vincent.wang@xtra.co.nz>]

I went to New World to purchase some Colgate toothpaste this morning.  New World's coupon says each toothpaste costs $1.59, which is a special price.

 

When I look at the shelve, I saw there is a "Super Deal" label saying a Colgate toothpaste costs at $1.99.  Feeling perplexed, I then went to check with the check-out counter staff, they are confused too.  After a while, they told me the correct price is $1.59, not $1.99.  And they reluctantly(from their facial expression) destroyed the $1.99 " Super Deal" label.

 

This story tells us:

 

1. the store is poor managed;

2. staff are poor trained because they are not sure which price is the right;

3. they are not customer oriented, because when a customer pointed out their mistake, they do not appreciate;

4. they do not want to face a problem and showed a reluctant attitude to correct a mistake.

 

I have seen so many similar cases like this one here in banks, shop,.....  This probably could explain why our NZSE is so lackluster.

 

I read an interesting news on the newspaper about 10 days ago.  The news tell us that Kiwi kids ranks in the middle in a math and science competition participated by 40 countries.  The best four countries are Korea, Singapore, Ireland, and Netherlands.

 

All these best countries are small countries but having robust economy.  New Zealand has lost the world competition because its poor education system.  Poor education certainly could not provided us with the first class skill and knowledge which is much needed for world class competition.

 

The other essential issue lies with Kiwi companies is the " attitude" issue.  Imagine which customer in the world could accept the attitude like New World?  But unfortunately, there are hundreds of companies operate this way here.

 

RGDS,

 

Vincent Wang