Just this week I read about an
independent retailer who blatantly discriminated against a customer who is
deaf. The seller was doing a live sale of items on her website and when the
customer asked for the seller to hold up the size of the items as she is deaf,
the seller refused.
Had the
seller began to show the sizes, she would have then made the sale equitable for
all of her customers. Since the seller was aware and refused to show sizes, she
completely diminished the equity of the sale. The seller even went as far as to
block other customers that were commenting with the size for the deaf customer.
Not only
was I saddened for the customer and disgusted by the seller, I was also pleased
that other customers made sure to do their best to accommodate the deaf
customer. I have no idea how the customer felt about this whole incident but I
am glad that she spoke up and let it be known to others that were not viewing
this sale about the seller they have been doing business with.
In order
for this incident to turn into an opportunity for greater equity, the seller
must recognize that what she did was wrong. This seller needs to not only
apologize to the customer that was directly impacted but to all of her
customers as she showed disrespect to everyone. All retailers, whether in a
store or online, should have training in customer service that includes how to
treat all people. I know that I will not do business with this independent retailer or any retailer that shows disrespect and discrimination to others.
Robin
ReplyDeletei am so saddened by this story. I understand to some extent how the customer felt. A lot of times sellers and sales attendances treat customers unfairly because of their personal biases. There were many times I was turned down and not attended to in stores and I assume it was because of my skin color and ethnicity.
People in society needs to adapt a clearer understanding of how their comments and actions can affects others. We need to end prejudice!
Hi Robin, That would have been such an easy thing for the seller to do, I wonder why she refused? I am glad that others spoke up, and hopefully the seller learned something from this incident.
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