After finding a bedbug and calling several exterminators frantically over the past 4 days, I was finally able to get in touch with Expert Exterminating. I scheduled an inspection via email. I asked to confirm over the phone but was told via email that the inspection would be between 11AM-1PM. I thought this meant that they would show up and be done within this time frame and was not given any details of what to expect.
By 12:15, I hadn't heard any news, so I called to find out what time the technician would arrive and clarify how long it would take, so I could plan my busy work day. Although, I might have been a bit irritated and anxious, I was very reasonable in wanting to know what time to expect the appointment. The customer service rep/receptionist was helpful, clarified that the appointment would begin any time between 11 and 1, and gave me the information I needed.
Fifteen minutes later, I get a call and thought it was the technician letting me know when he would arrive. Instead, the manager, Jason called me and was extremely patronizing and condescending to me.
First of all, he did not address my question of what time to expect the appointment. Then he accused me of complaining, instead of showing any sense of professionalism, helpfulness, or empathy about the situation. He said his staff person recorded my conversation and went on the scold me for "having an attitude." He was very condescending and wasted my time (It felt like he called to scold and harass me, while I was scrambling to hit a deadline while working from home). I replied that I didn't have time for his lecture, and only wanted to know what time to expect the technician so I could let my boss know if I was going to be late to work. He abruptly responded by canceling my appointment and hanging up on me.
I called back to try to reschedule and apologize, and he gave me another lecture and called me "rude as hell" although I was remained calm, did not argue with him, and was definitely desperate at this point. He was condescending and told me I needed a better way to "deal with my anxiety"
My sweet and articulate roommate called to try to reschedule the appointment and he refused to give us service, refused to recommend any other exterminators, and straight up lied and said that I yelled and cursed at his staff person. I definitely did not raise my voice or curse...
The only question that remains in my mind is, would he have withheld the service if I were a man who needed to know what time the appointment was going to be? To me this smells of mysogyny and blatant unprofessionalism read more