Sue J.
Yelp
Because I live in MN, I have used Morrell & Co's online mail order service to send gifts to various family members in CT. While their shipping is a little pricey (unless you're sending $150 or over gifts, which I'm not), their selection was good, so I've used them for a few years. HOWEVER, my most recent experience w/them has put an end to our relationship.
I had ordered a bottle of Highland Park scotch for my dad for his 82nd birthday, only to learn that he would be out of town during the three days that UPS would be attempting to deliver his gift, which needs someone over 21 (not a problem) to sign for the package (a problem).
I immediately called the Morrell's customer service and was eventually transferred to their "online department." There I talked with Philip Gordon, and I asked him if it would be possible for them to contact UPS and ask that the package be held for delivery until the day my dad would get home. He didn't know if they could, but he would check.
Later in the day I heard back from him and here was his response by email: "As we suspected, once the package is with UPS/Fed Ex, there not much we can do. So let's hope we get lucky, or it comes back quickly." When I followed up with him, I asked him why they couldn't contact UPS and make this change. He said it was really expensive and complicated so Morrell & Company doesn't do that. So, I asked whether, when the package was returned to them, if they would again send it out. Yes, says Phil, but adds somewhat apologetically, "we will have to charge you again for shipping and handling."
So, I call UPS myself with the tracking number (by now, the first attempt to deliver has been made). I talked to a very helpful person, who said told me that it was EASY to have a package held, but they would need to charge me SIX DOLLARS which would be charged to my credit card when it was delivered. Sounded good to me. I made the arrangements, gave her my card number, and voila! The package was delivered into my dad's 82 year old hands on the appointed day.
Once it was all set and done, I sent a return email to Phil, because I thought it might help him learn how UPS works. Maybe it did, but I never heard back from him.
My suggestion to Morrell & Company: Customer Service should be staffed with people who are problem solvers. And, $6 is not too much to spend to make a return customer happy. Even if it is only a $100 order. Because, in the end, they lost a customer. Never to return. Boo.