Don't whine, go online

SA Rocks and getclosure have launched this initiative to motivate South Africans to become more conscious consumers and to educate them on how to complain effectively. It is an online programme, driven by SA Rocks, that has a link to the getclosure site in order to lodge complaints about poor service or compliment great service.

Consumers can read advice on complaining effectively, access consumer affairs resources, consumer compliments and download badges to post on their blogs, website and Facebook pages from the dedicated area on SA Rocks website.

“Let's challenge the notion that South Africa is a nation of whingers," said Nic Haralambous, editor of SA Rocks. “We'll grumble about poor service and how we are ripped off but how often do we take deliberate action to improve the situation? We need to start complaining effectively, following complaints through to resolution, stop supporting poor performing suppliers and start holding them accountable for their lack of service delivery.”

“Unfortunately, due to apathy, time constraints or not wanting to cause a fuss, many South Africans tolerate poor service without speaking up," said Richard Wright, sales and marketing manager of getclosure.

The Don't Complain Campaign aims to help consumers to affect and effect positive change. This includes:

• Getting better service and value for money;
  
• Holding South African companies accountable for what they promise to provide in return for your money;
  
• Preventing others and yourself from being ripped off;
  
• Helping make South Africa a holiday destination with world-class service, as well as natural beauty.

“We want to grow a culture in which good service is consistently delivered by all South African organisations,” said Wright. “Consumers alerting a business or the government to a service issue or dissatisfaction with a product gives organisations the opportunity to restore their reputation and retain loyal customers. Businesses and government should look positively on all feedback they receive from consumers as a chance to learn and right things that may be wrong.”

The online link is www.sarocks.co.za.