I have never been treated so badly!!!!
By dloveli
@dloveli (4366)
United States
May 8, 2010 8:33am CST
Last Saturday night I got out of work. I work as a home nurse. My patient's house is 10 houses down from CVS pharmacy. I usually stop in every night. I stopped in as I normally do. I had some to grab some supplies. Masshealth provides food coupons for my patients food etc. I decided on my way home to grab some fat free cookies they had so I took her card with me. As I arrive at the register, I had a 9 pack of paper towels two hair products and two boxes of cookies. When It was my turn I told the clerk that I had food stamps, and cash items and that I also had a $1 off my purchase(CVS bucks).He told me it could all be rung up together and the computer would take off the food stamps and coupon where they are supposed to. He took off the food stamps. WHen he scanned the coupon, all of a sudden he says" I cant do this coupon, I should've done it before food stamps you'll have to use it another day. I said but it expires today. He says" SH*T I'm not doing this today. He'll take you over there". I asked him why cant we just cancel whole order and start from the beginning? He told me HeL no and he wasnt going thru all that bullsh*t. he told me to move over to the next cashier and he would ring me up. I told him that was fine but could he at least check to make sure he canceled the food stamp transaction because its not fair for me to be charged twice. He told me that wasnt his job. I asked for manager and of course he wasnt on. Then I asked how was I supposed to handle it if they charged me twice. The clerk looked at me and said HOW THE F*ck do I know? I turn around and see a security guard looking in the other direction picking his nose. I say to him "Excuse me what exactly is your job. You're supposed to make the store safe" THe clerk says to me "He's not here for you" Then I finally moved to the other cashier. THis cashier looked at me and told me I was making it worse because I was making a big deal. Are you serious? He cussed me out for no reason. I never said one bad thing. I just wanted help. I was so upset my hands were shaking I was having trouble finding my money. Now the clerk was badgering me going come on I need your money. FInally I paid and I asked for the customer service complaint number the new clerk says its on the receipt. I asked if he was sure. He says Im positive. I leave the store. As I do I see that there were at least 20 people behind me all witnessing this and not one helped me. NICE HUH? I would've helped any one of them. I reported this to the shift supervisor and never heard anything. What should I do? Is there a corporate number to call? ANy suggestions. I am so upset. I start crying everytime I think about it. He needs to be punished. Please help me! dl
11 people like this
31 responses
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
8 May 10
1-800-SHOP-CVS (1-800-746-7287), I would be furious. I would not have stood for it. I would contact CVS, and also if there is a problem with the food stamps, I would contact the state and let them know what happened. There is no way I would let this go. Do you know the clerks name and the exact time you were there?
3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
8 May 10
I agree! I would report the store to the Better Business Bureau, Email a complaint to the CVS Head Office. I found this just by going to the CVS.com page:
Use our email form to send our customer service representatives questions or comments about CVS.com, CVS/pharmacy Stores or for vendor inquiries. You can expect a response within 2 business days.
I would not let anyone treat me so disrespectfully. I hope they get fired !
3 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
Whiteheather if I had done what I wanted to I would probably be in jail. I wanted to call my husband and my best friend. THey are beasts when it comes to fighting and stuff. These are things I would like him to stay away from. He's been in so many incidents in the past I tried to keep him out of that crap now that we're older. dl
@celticeagle (165977)
• Boise, Idaho
9 May 10
This is what the world has come to. I am apauled that you were treated this way. I had a run in with Qwest recently and I feel your frustration. What a jerk! He does need to be punished. He also needs to find a different line of work. Like it was your fault he didn't know what he was doing. My gosh. I hope you find the corporate number and keep on them. Good luck to you!
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
Hey Celtic. Listen I have been meaning to talk to you. I just wanted to say thanks. It seems that everytime I start a discussion you always respond. The response is ALWAYS helpful or realistic. Some people stick out to me and you're one of them. In a good way. Thanks for the number. Believe you me, I will be calling it come Monday morn. dl
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (165977)
• Boise, Idaho
9 May 10
You are welcome. Glad I have been a positive influence. I just say it like it is and what I feel.
@celticeagle (165977)
• Boise, Idaho
9 May 10
Here is the toll free number for in store issues: 1-800-746-7287
2 people like this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
8 May 10
I have found it is always best to start at the top, you can find who owns that company. See if it's on the Internet, then write a letter and send a copy to the editor of your newspaper or call your local TV station, they are always looking for human interest stories. Make sure when you send the letter to the company you ask for a signed receipt. Remember in this case the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
You could also send a copy of your letter to Customer Service. Make all the noise you can. What have you got to loose? In today's market no company wants bad press.
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
Once again Savy You have come to the rescue! I am going to do just as you said. With all the numbers from the other myLotters I am going to call and find out who's running the show. THen I will see what they have to say about things. Thanks agian Savy. Happy Mother's day dl
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
8 May 10
That is horrible and I'm sure the head of CVS would not be happy hearing such a story of abuse. I felt your pain when reading your story and I'm so upset that you had to go through such verbal abuse. I would call and or write a letter explaining everything that happened like you did above. I bet this guy will lose his job but seriously I wouldn't care because no one should be talking to a customer in this manner. I don't think he should be working at a job where he has to deal with people. He is not cut out for it at all. I know I would never step foot in that CVS again. Good luck to you!
The number is 401-765-1500 the address is
CVS Caremark Corporation
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, RI 02895
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
Wow that's all I need Lelin! Monday I am on the horn first thing. I want satisfaction. I dont ever want to feel that way again. You guys have literally hyped me up and given me the UMPH I need to pursue this. I will keep you all posted. That's a promise. Afterall you guys did all the research.lol Happy MyLotting dl
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
10 May 10
Hi Dlovli
First of all I am so sorry this happened to you it is disgusting, you certainly need to take this further, it is out of order how you where treated
As for the other Customers well they are just as bad for not coming to your Aid
Find out the Stores Head office Number and go as hi as possible with this
If they do not have an Head office then try to find out where you can take this to the top
I really hope that you will be able to get something sorted out on this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
11 May 10
Thanks Gabs. I was so upset at all the other customers just sitting there watching. They seemed actually pissed that I was making them wait. I would've never done that. I have been in the same situation at a Shaws Supermarket where they were being rude to this elderly lady. I stuck my two sense right in there. I got there names and reported them. How dare those people! What goes around comes around. Karma isnt to be played with. dl
@GardenGerty (160491)
• United States
8 May 10
Here is what I found online.
Text size A A
E-mail page
Print page
Section Menu
* Our Businesses
* Our Culture
* Leadership Team
* Corporate Responsibility
* History
* CVS Caremark Facts
* Contact Us
Home õ OUR COMPANY
Contact Us
For Prescription Help
If there is an issue with your prescription, please contact us using the following methods:
For CVS/pharmacy prescriptions, sign in to your CVS/pharmacy account or call 1-800-SHOP-CVS (1-800-746-7287)
For Caremark prescriptions, sign in to your Caremark account or call (800) 552-8159
For Career Information
For career related inquiries, please visit info.cvscaremark.com/careers/opportunities
We are always interested in hearing about how we can serve you better. If you have comments or questions, feel free to contact us using the most appropriate method below.
Caremark Member Information
Visit Caremark.com for more detailed support related to Caremark prescription benefit plans. For best service, Caremark customers should call the customer service number on the back of their membership card.
Caremark Customer Care
P.O Box 832407
Richardson, TX 75083
www.caremark.com
CVS/pharmacy Customer Service
Visit CVS.com for more detailed CVS/pharmacy and CVS online customer support
CVS Corporation
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Toll-free: (800) SHOP-CVS (746-7287)
E-mail: storecomments@cvs.com
CVS.com
One CVS Drive
Woonsocket, RI 02895
Toll-free: (888) 607-4287
E-mail: customercare@cvs.com
I do not know if this is what you need or not, but I would start there as they certainly can put you in touch with the right people. You also have told approximately 200,000 people about it this morning. In addition, you may want to send them a link to your discussion.
1 person likes this
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
9 May 10
I would have refused to move, then I'd have taken out my phone and recorded some of the cussing for evidence and then called the police to report verbal harassment.
1 person likes this
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
8 May 10
You should have asked to see the store manager. He would have straightened it out in a hurry and told the employee to do it all over again. There was no need to call the security guard. That was overkill and besides the security guard was to see that no one shop lifted or came in a rob the place, not to berate sloppy clerks.
Is there any where that you can report bad service like a "how did we do today?" that would help. As for the other people behind you, they were probably too embarrassed by the clerk's attitude. And they may have been sued or brought to court if they did help.
What you could do is to see if the store is on the internet and if there is a contact email. Then write to the company and report what happened.
2 people like this
@cream97 (29087)
• United States
8 May 10
Hi, dloveli. That is so messed up! How can this man just get away with cursing you flat out in the store?? What kind of manager does he have? This is not supposed to be going on at all. He does not need a job if he is going to be treating customers like this. I would just call the CVS corporation and complain to them about this. I would make a report if I was you. This man has no business cursing on his job at you like this! Oh hell no, it could not have been me...
2 people like this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
8 May 10
Cream I wanted to jump over the counter and smash his face! He was a cocky mother! I called the store the day after. Last sunday. I would've expected them to send me a letter of apology. NOTHING! I am going to email the corporation today. THanks Cream!. dl
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
9 May 10
That is absolutely ridiculous that u were treated that way. i'll say this for u , u are a better person than i because they would have probably called the cops on me after i reached across that counter & slapped his smart mouth.I would definitely call the main office. Why not write a letter to the editor of your local paper & explain what happened to u in that store. That young man well both of them & the nose picking guard ALL need to be fired immediately.I hope u will follow through w/this & get something done. An apology would be a nice way to start. GOOD LUCK.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
I never thought of that. Writing a letter to the Editor is a good one. Or even the fact that they think Im going to write it a letter. I am going to take your suggestions and do just that. THanks friend! You're just what the doctor ordered. dl
1 person likes this
@cupkitties (7421)
• United States
8 May 10
On the CVS site there is contact info listed. Hopefully this helps.https://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/help/help_contact_us.jsp;jsessionid=STL7LlGFh0ZZgcGnG21JlbTCvzJW0WVdSL69YFGylvbhZ6dxD9xn!-1078689996
If this link doesn't work go to cvs.com. If you look at the bottom of the page you'll see the contact us link under Help. There is all kinds of info there to contact about different things.
1 person likes this
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
9 May 10
I don't think you will like my response.
Um... first, and I mean no offense, but it seems like there is more to this story. The fact no one else said a word, and that the other cashier didn't support you either, seems like there was something else going on.
But taking this at face value, it would seem you just have a bad CVS near by. I've gone to my CVS and never had a problem.
I'm also curious why you looked at the security guard. Did you actually feel threatened? Did anyone gesture in a way that was threatening? Cursing and poor customer service is not a crime. Even if it was, security guards in our country are completely devoid of any authority. They can't really arrest, nor can they intervene in anything beyond their limited duties.
If you were in fact threatened, then sue him and the store. But it doesn't sound like that happened.
Just so you know, a security guard is not there to make the store safe. In fact, security guards are never there for customer benefit. They are there to catch shop lifters, and that's pretty much it. The only exception is when you see a guard with a pistol on his hip. Then he's there for safety.
A security guard has zero authority to intervene in a transaction, or deal with the customer service of the staff, and further would likely be fired if he did.
Back to the cashiers.
This is the part you won't like. There really is no way to punish the cashier. Yes there's a slim chance you might cause him to be transferred to another store. The likely hood that he'll be fired is a tiny fraction of that.
You can email CVS corporate at customercare@cvs.com or you can call their 888-607-4287 number.
But before you do this, there is something you really need to understand. I'm saying this as one who has been there.
Very very few times, does complaining accomplish anything. Make no mistake that I am not suggesting you shouldn't, nor that you were not treated poorly. But hear me when I say, keep your expectations low.
Why? Because it's a minimum wage cashier job. They really don't care. Honest. I'm speaking as one who has spent most of his life earning minimum wage, or just above it.
So you can complain, and maybe they'll transfer him, although it sounds like the other cashier was on his side, which means they likely have a counter-story they have already told management. And like I said, the Security Guard isn't going to say a word unless a law was violated. You're only hope is that the other people agree with you, and are also filing complaints as well, which would validate yours.
But even then you still can't punish this guy. He's a minimum wage employee. He likely couldn't care less if he keeps this job. And since it's illegal to tell other employers anything about a prior employees performance, he'll just get another job and never give a rip about losing this one, nor why he lost it.
Btw, this is why I'm against the minimum wage. This guy has no worry of ending up in a worse paying job, because he's already earning as little as he can. It's not like if he gets fired, he'll end up earning $4/hour. And he knows that, which is why he's willing to piss of customers. There's little risk to him. Minimum wage jobs are a dime a dozen.
Short story. I worked at a Wendy's fast food back in 1998 I believe. Fresh out of high school. I will not go into the details for times sake, but there was a shift manager that literally cussed out a woman over the phone. She came back to the store, and got this shift managers information, and sent a complaint to corporate. The shift manager submitted her own version of what happened, with a co-work friend there. The complain was sent to the store manager, who had a quick interview with the shift manager, signed the form that the complaint had been dealt with and sent it back to corporate.
Nothing happened. No write up. No demotion. No pay cut. Not even a transfer to another store. Ironically I saw her just a month ago at another store, but now she's store manager.
Should something have been done to her? Yes. But chance are it won't.
Typically the places that are keen on customer service, are places that charge good money for services. If you went to a high class restaurant, and filed a complain, they'd have a massive investigation, and punitive action if someone screwed up like that. But we're talking about CVS. They make on average, about 4¢ for every dollar you spend there.
You can try filing a complaint with the BBB, or
I guess my real point is, don't let some pathetic minimum wage cashier steal your joy. Go to another store. File a complaint if you want. But don't let this event ruin your happiness. And do not have your expectations really high that he's going to suffer, or that corporate is going to punish him or something, nor are you likely to get a letter of apology. That's not likely. I wager you have many things in life to be happy about, so don't let some dweeb at CVS take it all away from you. Yes, I know that's easier said than done, but it's the best way really.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
Hey Andy. I am not upset by what you said. I always say there is three sides to every story. My side, there side and the truth. However, I also worked in the retail/customer service field. I know what a pain in the A$$ customer is. This kid had a chip on his shoulder clearly. I live in a city where people dont help anyone. Literally we have had to teach women if they are in trouble to yell "FIRE" because people respond to that to be nosy. They saw it all on tape. THe shift supervisor said it was clear he was enraged from the beginning of the entire incident. If you have been in this situation I dont understand why its so hard for you to grasp that someone entered a store and was treated terribly? I am the type of person that would immediately attack back. I was so agitated I couldnt get myself to yell. I think its because I was in shock so to speak. I respect your opinion. It actually makes you a great mediator. I do agree with you that nothing will probably happen to the employee or store. I just felt as if I could vent to my friends here at myLot. I am going not going to let this end. Maybe I will end up getting hurt in the end. I would never talk to anyone in this manner. I dont want anyone I know to treat anyone in this manner. My daughter would never. What kind of example am I if I just let someone demean me and not do anything. I also hope that everyone who witnessed it never has to be in my shoes. If they do I hope that no one does what they did. dl
@andy77e (5156)
• United States
9 May 10
No, I did not mean that I didn't get that you were treated badly. I only meant that often there is little you can do to someone in such a low wage position.
I have a rule that I refuse to get overly upset about something I have no ability to control. That rule has served me very well.
I was once tailgated by a massive truck on the highway for miles. At 65 miles per hour, he was just feet behind my car. I slowed down thinking he'd back off. He didn't. He sat right on top of my bumper.
So I sped up. Again, right on my bumper. Couldn't see anything but head lights in my rear view mirror. This was dangerous on a packed highway. Finally, I got him to go around me, and saw the "how's my driving?" number. I called and relayed the information to the operator.
The operator then asked me how fast I was traveling. I told him 75, but only because I sped up when he was on my bumper. The operator told me that since I was going over the speed limit, they wouldn't relay my complaint, and hung up.
Now I could have been pissed off about that, but I choose to let it go. Not because the other guy wasn't in the wrong, but because I'm not going to let some operator goober, or some tale-gating moron take my happiness.
Good luck to you in whatever you choose to do about it.
@SViswan (12051)
• India
9 May 10
I can't do much to help you....but yes, those cashiers were way too rude.
I've had similar experiences with auto drivers here in India. And I shudder each time I think of my experience.
I'm so sorry you had to go through this...and for no fault of yours. In fact, it was the cashier's mistake and the least he could have done was to help you with it...instead of being rude.
My husband would have butted in for sure if he was one of the people witnessing this.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
9 May 10
My friend your apology means so much. You werent even there yet you felt the need to apologize for someone elses bad behavior. You are clearly a great person and I am happy to know you. I am thankful to have had you respond to my discussion. People dont realize how their comments can impact a person. Thanks friend you have made me feel better. dl
@mr_pearl (5018)
• India
8 May 10
Hi DL... I am sorry that you had to go through this terrible experience... I have been into customer care services for an year. And I wonder, how this fellow is at a post where he gets in contact with the customers directly. One is never supposed to argue with customers- that is the first rule that we are taught... He not just argued but was rude and used obscene words... Gosh, I wonder if they're going to take any action....
DL, dear there is no point in wasting tears over this issue. If you want to get that guy punished, contact with the Customer's Forum/Organisation or some kind of organisation that looks after customers' just rights... I am sure there must be some thing like that in your country... There always is!
Please don't pain yourself too much... Act instead! Please...
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
8 May 10
Hi dloveli. Wow, what an experience you had! I'm sorry you had to go through it. I don't think I would have been as nice as you had something like that happened to me (I can be a real b*tch at times).
By what I found online you aren't alone when it comes to poor customer service at CVS pharmacy. One such site is the complaints board:
http://www.complaintsboard.com/bycompany/cvs-pharmacy-a796.html
Another site that may be helpful is consumer affairs:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/rx/cvs.html
It has a complaint form towards the middle of the page, which can be seen at this link here:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/php/a_report.php
I couldn't find a phone #. Sorry. But I hope this helps anyway!
@GardenGerty (160491)
• United States
8 May 10
If she had jumped over the counter he would have called his supervisor, who would have called the police who would have taken her out. I know, Hubby does security, but not at a retail establishment. Mostly they are there for looks.
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
10 May 10
Hi dloveli,
Talk about terrible customer service! There is no excuse under the sun for him to be talking to customers like that under any circumstances. He really should be fired. I'm a cashier and I totally understand the frustration he might have felt when the transaction did not go thru as he expected it to and especially if it were busy in the store. Your concerns about paying twice were valid. If he did not void out the transaction then it stays on your card and it would also mess up his drawer, I would think. I really don't know who you could talk to other than a manager about this or calling the number on the receipt. I would also go on the computer and make sure you were not double charged for this.
1 person likes this
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
10 May 10
It was horrible Sid! I have never been so disrespected in my entire life. I am not the type to stand there and take it. I honestly dont know why I allowed it. As soon as I finish this response I am going to call the customer service number. I will keep you posted friend. Thanks dl
@mcelhenney (481)
• United States
9 May 10
The cashier had no business treating you this way..He should have cleared the register and started over..This guy should not be working in a job where he is interacting with the public..If you can not reach the manager or the owner of the store try contacting the better business bureau..This guy does not need to be working with the public if this is the way he treats customers..
Blessings and good luck with getting help with this problem..
1 person likes this
@nangisha (3496)
• Indonesia
10 May 10
Hi Dlovely...
Its really rude the way that clerk treat you, thats was rude.
If the supervisor did not do any thing (at least apologize) you can put your complaint in newspaper.
In here someone who treat customer like that will fired in 24 hours.
Don't think about it to much, forgive him for the shake of your soul.
1 person likes this