Quality of customer service in Dominican Republic

Hello. In my opinion, the tip I have to get the best service in DR is when you enter a business, have some pesos in your hand where they can see it before you ask a question or for some help 😂, and don't seek help from the young ones.

Customer service by many standards, does not exist here.   The culture is that they will tell you "what they think you want to hear"!  They will not be honest with you,  they want to get you out of their store, office or presence.

Expats are often seen as a pain in the..........   That is because we have a different expectation!

It helps to be  friendly but  specific about what you want.  It can get very frustrating trying to get anything done.  You need to know how and when to escalate! 

Refunds - almost do not exist. Do not expect to be able to return anything regardless of the reason. Then if it does happen you will be pleasantly surprised.

Yes tipping often will help, but not always! 

I agree with @Planner and the few business I deal with consistently know me and I do Tip, and for me it does help speed up the process for the various transactions, sometimes not waiting in long lines. Etc.. Example; My local grocery store , cleaners, Pharmacy. The staff there know me over the years, and even the security Holiday time I give a tip. ( the perk is I don't have to check my Backpack or small bags)

It's be nice , respectful,  yes there are times that you just get that employee that earns that hourly wage , and acts like they are doing you a favor.

So…they’re lazy and hate us because we expect an employee to help? I don’t understand this because the Dominicans I worked with here in the US were very helpful and lovable. Ironically, we worked in Federal customer service! 🤣

That “no returns” could be a very bad thing depending on what you purchased. 🥺

I don't think anyone said they are lazy and hate us!!!! 

I always try to give a good tip to the grocery workers who pack and take it to the car especially near Chrtistmas. I remember vividly I was in Santo Domingo around Christmas and did this and kid told me it wasnt enough. I told him it if that was the case give it back to me! I was so annoyed...

@planner

I can see your point.  I think in every country, an expat or "new resident" is seen as being annoying and often entitled when they need to be humble and open to understanding how to communicate so they meet their goal.  I have yet to visit, but can say that I have experienced wonderful customer service by DR staff, businesses and individuals who are supporting me as I prepare to move there.  Be well.

@rehher123

Any way we can help from this end, just ask!

By the way, bad customer service isn't just experienced by expats.  Dominicans often complain about it!

Noted

I think for the most part service is ok when I went out to eat I think its more of the customers that are rude they will try and cut in front of a line with people waiting and I feel its up to the workers to tell the person there is a line you have to wait but my experience is they will serve that person.

You are so right about people "cutting in line".  In many ways it's every man for himself here.   Staff just go with the flow!  Often he who screams the loudest gets helped first too

This used to drive me nuts but I have had to adjust!  I will often say something when I have been waiting my turn! I am not a very big person but I have a very large attitude if needed.

In the DR i have found that it is important to be calm and serious/clear and firm UPFRONT with my needs and instructions and to have the price and method of pay and all the important details ironed out and agreed to before i act too friendly as many locals actually view overfriendliness or casualness/easygoingness to be a sign of naivety and gullibility. I have thoroughly enjoyed the best deals are made with less emotions are best from both sides perspectives.  What seems to work best is when there is respect on both sides for both sides and for Common Sense and reasonable Deals. Ironically i find that my problems/competition is more than not other expat customers either acting too wealthy or too pushy or butting in... which sucks when in such a beautiful relaxing environment. Unlike Canada, for individual deals and single items and inexpensive items the "customer service" is often better in the DR (and the personal interchange) because one shot deals are more appreciated in the DR than in a typical fast paced Canadian town and City where it seems only volume matters.

@Cheryl

Hi, I am Wayne and I seldom post, but this topic is very revelant to my present situation. I am looking for a good used car. I am paying cash. my issue is that most businesses are on social media and although they post phone numbers often they don't answer, or they are rude, they don't call back, or answer a question. Don't know how many times I have left messages and have not received a call back, or once they realize I am an "extranjero" they try to sell me something I don't want or don't waste the time to talk to me. My wife lives near San Cristobal, so I have to now drive to Santo Domingo, to several differnt car lots to find a used car. Instead of taking minutes, this has become an ordeal that may take several days to accomplish. Tthe other issue is with restaurants. They normally don't make changes or take special requests. The menue is the menu, take it or leave it. I once ordered sliced limes with my beer and after the first beer I was told I was not going to get another slice of lime. I never went back to that place. So, I guess it's hit or miss. For me mostly miss.

@WayneColeman

I feel your pain.   Have you talked to Cruffman on here about a used car? He helped me more than once get into a good used vehicle! I highly recommend him.

I have special dietary needs - some are serious - so any  restaurant not willing to accomodate loses my business, period.   

One thing I have learned -  sometimes the  squeeky wheel gets the grease here.  I have learned the fine art of turning into a screaming nutcase!   I am really nice, then  nice but firm and then I am a screaming nut!

@WayneColeman

My original plan was to save some money and buy a decent used car.  However, after realizing how much of my sanity would have to be sacrificed in order to do that I finally decided to buy new.  I hope you are able to find something.

@planner

Gemini Ditto