Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Got My Money Back

Hello People,
I am thinking…what do I say after staying away for quite a while? Well, I must say that it wasn't intended. I have had to retreat, do some thinking and then re-strategize. A lot has happened.
Anyways, I guess I will just pick up from where I stopped.

My last post talked about the ATM fraud I experienced. Well, I am glad to let you know that I have been paid back my money. Actually, the payment was made close to two weeks ago. It came with a lot of apologies from the banks too. I had both bank managers (First Bank and Intercontinental Bank) calling to apologize for the ATM error.

Good they apologized but really what would have happened if I had not pushed? Would I have lost my money? Is there a system that protects the consumer against such situations? What if the error affected one's cash flow? (Thank God it didn't. No error ever will), would I have been stranded?

Banks are out to make money but at the expense of true and realistic service. I was concerned about the whole issue as I was almost forced to lead a class action against defaulting banks. At some point I thought of contacting the EFCC and the Central Bank but then, I thought of the humble bank manager who may be affected, I thought of the implications it would have on the reputation of Nigerian banks; then I also thought about the opportunities that could emerge from the issue. All these are by the way.

The crux of my post today, which you mustn’t miss is that fact that consumers deserve more. Product manufacturers and service providers are not doing enough to ensure that their customers get maximum benefits of patronizing them. In fact the reverse is the case.

Consumers have rights and the earlier we attend to and apply those rights, the better for us all.

Government agencies can not monitor economic institutions alone. The private individual has a role to play.

Touch Down:
The consumer has a role to play - expect ’value for money' at all times. If you don't get it, DEMAND FOR IT. It’s your right!