09/06/2026
I'm currently working through a complex issue with a large corporation. It's been an exercise in frustration that has gone on for far far too long. But, they don't know me. I'm stubborn. I'm determined. I'm persistent. I'm not afraid to ask questions and point out attitudes and problems. I'm well connected and not afraid to make a new connection to help the cause. I will get to the bottom of it with a satisfactory resolution.
I can't name names as it's an ongoing matter, but I can liken it to going to a cafe for a coffee.
If this was us ordering a coffee, it would be akin to the café spilling tea in our handbag, the first barista goes on their lunch break, the replacement claims the coffee machine is busy, is waiting for beans to be delivered, ignores us when we ask for a napkin to dry out our handbag, and the finally gave us a dirty glass of lukewarm water.
When we reminded the cafe we ordered and paid for coffee, they get upset with us and start calling us names. They then order parts for the coffee machine. Then order a mug. They eventually get round to fitting the parts, but it needed a specialist. There is another shift change. The music in the café is unbearably loud so they can’t hear us.
We ask if we can change our order to a can of soda. Or maybe a milkshake if that's easier? We don't get an answer.
The management glare at us when we talk to the other patrons and staff. One of the staff, who placed the beans order, is told not to say anything to us, not even 'hello'. Others have their own coffee threatened.
Two months later, we get served a coffee milkshake. It isn’t what we ordered. It’s melted, and served in a chipped glass. It might have spit in it. There are no marshmallows to be seen anywhere, and the spoon looks suspiciously greasy. They won’t tell us what milk they used. They want to charge extra because it took longer to make, even though it's not what we ordered. They expect us to be grateful.
All we wanted is a quality coffee, exactly as we ordered, delivered in a reasonable timeframe by a friendly barista. Is that really too much to ask?
This post is not about cafe's nor coffee.
Hopefully one day soon I can share the lessons learned.
