A Penny Arcade reader sent along this incredibly shocking chain of emails over to the folks at at Penny Arcade after the reader had received some of the worst customer service I have ever seen. Seriously, it can’t get much more ridiculous than this…
I thought I’d share the emails with you and bring to light just how much this marketing company has done to completely ruin any positive internet presence they might have had (PR is their business…so good luck with that Ocean…) and generally destroy their overall reputation as an internet marketing company. Note: Ocean Marketing is a social media and overall marketing group that serves as a mediator between N Gaming and the customer for their Avenger Controller. N Gaming is not directly responsible for this terrible chain of email – but they should probably kick Ocean Marketing to the curb and demand hefty compensation for their potential losses (if they haven’t already).
The exchange starts off like this (my comments are in blue):
From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 16, 2011, at 1:34 PM
I ordered 2 of the upcoming PS3 controllers (invoice xxxxxxxxx—Nov 3, 2011). Any chance of getting an update of when these items will ship? I’m not really happy about being forced to pay upfront then have the advertised date of “Early December” be completely missed without any sort of update on availability. I really need one of them for a X-mas present as well. Anyways, looking forward to finally using one of these bad boys. Thanks and happy holidays.
-Dave
From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 16, 2011 2:45 PM
Dec 17
– Paul Christoforo
^( Seriously? You call THAT a customer service reply? Just a date – no word on what’s happening on that day, if it’s the day of receipt or the day of shipment. Just two words and the lamest signature I have ever seen at the end of an email.)
From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 19, 2011, at 11:02 AM
Thanks for the reply Paul. Can you clarify whether my particular order already sent or if Dec 17 was the first day shipments went out? I have not received any sort of shipping confirmation email or tracking information.
From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 19, 2011 11:21 AM
They still haven’t shipped yet on the way here from china
^(Again, no effort to assure the customer’s concerns are being taken care of. No effort to assure them that the product is at least on the way and that they’ll forward promptly upon receipt, and no effort to thank the customer for their time, patience and business. This is at best a VERY poor excuse for “customer service” …if you can even call it that.)
From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 20, 2011 4:29 PM
So then delivery to customer doors by December 24th is no longer likely correct? Do you have an estimated date of when units will arrive in California? Thanks.
^Understandably, the customer is getting irritated and replying with the same short style of email. By this point I would have been demanding details and more explanation. This person was waaaaay more patient than I am, but then again I work in customer service with international clients so I know what kind of information I could be getting from a good company when I write to a customer service email address.
From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 20, 2011 5:11 PM
They are in the USA now in customs so its wither before or after Christmas.
^What?!?! Is that English? Also, I happen to know all too well that if you’re the one who needs to clear items from customs so you can get your product to your customers – you get your ass on the phone and you clear the items so you can give your customers an idea of when to expect the product. There’s no way this Marketing rep is handling both customer service AND shipping/customs clearance (and presumably doing Marketing as well?). I get the feeling that this person doesn’t really know what’s going on with the product, and it sounds like they’re bullsh*tting for time.
From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011, at 9:47 AM
I noticed the updated info on the webpage, and I don’t understand why there is absolutely no benefit given to those like me who have already ordered, and paid their money. You’ve had my money interest free for nearly two months, yet now ANY new order will get $10 off….meaning I should just cancel my order for 2 controllers, get my money back, then re-order.
My other questions is regarding item compatibility. Ocean Marketing seems to be involved with the Xtendplay controller holder, so I was wondering if the Avenger N-Controller can be used in conjunction with the Xtendplay (for both Xbox and PS3)? Thanks
^ (This is a legitimate question in that if the product releases, presumably those who have pre-ordered should have their orders allocated and forwarded first. That’s how it’s handled in the industry I work in, and that’s how it’s handled in a lot of other industries, too. Unfortunately, this Ocean Marketing guy is going to fly off the deep end and respond with complete insanity…)
From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 26, 2011 10:14 AM
Yes it can be used with xtend play if you remove the stand and no one is allowed to cancel and re order if we catch anyone doing it we will simply just cancel your order all together and you can buy it retail somewhere else. (Holy crap he’s gone off the deep end! If we catch anyone doing it? You are representing a business sir, not the mafia!)
Things happen in manufacturing if your unhappy you have 7 days from the day your item ships for a refund. (So, wait, I’m not following here… He can return it but he can’t cancel it? You also didn’t explain that you were having manufacturing problems.) You placed a pre order just like any software title the gets a date moved due to the tweaks and bugs not being worked out and GameStop or any other place holds your cash and im sure you don’t complain to activision or epic games so put on your big boy hat and wait it out like everyone else. The benefit is a token of our appreaciation for everyone no one is special including you or any first time buyer . Feel free to cancel we need the units were back ordered 11,000 units so your 2 will be gone fast. Maybe I’ll put them on eBay for 150.00 myself. Have a good day Dan. (WHAT?!?!?!)
And here’s where things get really interesting…
From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 12:11 PM
Then cancel my order if you want to. I’m making a legitimate complaint about your poor communication and you’re the one stooping to childish levels, a patronizing attitude, and threats. Hell you can’t even get the spelling of my name right.
And Gamespot pre-orders…wow what a terrible comparison. Retailers take a couple dollars IF THAT for you to guarantee your game availability on the release date, whatever that is. That’s the understanding and that’s what you get. Plus, I don’t have to complain to Activision or Epic games about these issues because they’re usually not missing the street dates for their AAA titles.
Now let’s take YOUR situation:
1) You’ve promised a new product based off the design for an existing, working product
2) For the longest time, you’ve stated on your website (your failure to update regularly is another issue) the initial/special/limited batch of your new product by early December, obviously in time for the all-important holiday gift-giving season. I and thousands of other customers GIVE YOU OUR MONEY, INTEREST FREE on the promises you made online.
3) I reach out to you, on Dec 16 (AFTER you have FAILED TO MEET YOUR ADVERTISED DEADLINE AND FAILED TO COMMUNICATE TO ANYONE WHAT THE SITUATION IS) obviously a little frustrated but more curious about when I and other customers can expect the product we paid for.
4) Your reply to me is a cryptic “Dec 17” with absolutely no explanation of what that means. In the mean time you having been using funds from pre-paid customers to complete Research & Development, product redesigns, and manufacturing mis-steps.
5) You force me to follow-up with an email asking for clarification about what “Dec 17” means since the day has passed and I have yet to receive any new information about my order. Now you instead of ANSWERING MY QUESTION OF WHAT THE NEW DELIVERY DATE IS, you tell me the goods have yet to leave China… Why are you telling me this? I’m not your employee I’m your goddamn customer! TELL ME WHAT THAT MEANS IN TERMS OF MY TIME AND WHEN I CAN EXPECT MY PRODUCT I PAID FOR.
6) So great…I have to email you AGAIN trying to get a CLEAR answer from you whether a Dec 24th delivery date is possible and if not, what the new date is. Rinse & repeat: You give me an update of the delivery process (wow, thanks…you haven’t told me anything I don’t know about the order of international shipping procedures) but instead say “…so its wither before or after Christmas.” WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN? GIVE ME A DATE!? One that you’re actually going to follow, because I already see “late Nov to early Dec”; “Dec 17”; and now “CHRISTMAS” in my rear-view mirror.
7) So I guess what’s left for me to do but just wait? Oh but what’s this, you’ve updated your website…Ok at least you’ve clarified the dates more, I can expect my controller my latest first week of January. But now as a “token of our appreciation” to all your “loyal customers” (you mean like customers who put up cash for you hold an use?) you’re giving a $10 coupon. Let me get this straight…so you held my money interest free for 2 months to help bring this product to market, and now some new customer can place an order and pay $10 less than what I paid? You have financially penalized me in two ways for being a “LOYAL CUSTOMER.”
I’m SURE you’re getting tons of other inquiries and I’m sure you’re not enjoying the fact that your product is not out when you wanted it to be. I and everyone else understands that “sh*t happens,” but if you want us to be understanding of that, then you need to keep us in the loop. You’ve already set yourself up for failure by making explicit promises that aren’t even “likely” given that the design and manufacturing are still be refined. Then you make sure you’re going to fail by actually taking all of our money, Not just a little bit….THE WHOLE F*CKIN BEEFALO. Why wouldn’t we trust that you’re going to deliver our merchandise on time? Besides…it’s based off an existing product so how hard can it be? Well as your youtube video shows, making any consumer device is hard and requires many iterations and improvements. But I’m not going to apologize for holding your feet to the fire. You created these expectations by acting like the release was already a done deal and by hiding the fact that it was faaaar from it.
I want my two n-controllers. I 1) PAID FOR THEM 2) WAITED 3) DEALT WITH YOUR UNHELPFUL ASS. I also didn’t want to feel like my trust and loyalty as a customer was being abused and then actually punished in comparison to other customers. But I guess we can’t have it all… so right now I’ll settle for getting my merchandise and hopefully never having to deal with you again. I’ve spent enough time writing this email which I hope you gain some insight from. If you actually do want to screw me over by not fulfilling my order, then I assure you be hearing more from me or people representing me.
You show a surprising lack of business polish for someone who’s quite established, AND an lack of awareness of your customer base: Hardcore gamers. We’re a demanding, vocal customer but the flip side is we’re loyal and eager to spend. It’s lucky for you that I really want this product because it seems really deliver on making the gaming experience more effective and enjoyable. Hell, I want to combine the aventer-controller with the xtend play to make the ugliest, most comfortable, most awesome controller ever. And I’ll still buy the xtend, so let that be a testament to your products, the rise above your poor representation.
-DAVE with a V
p.s. You look really douchy be having one youtube video complaining about the noise of traffic next to your home and then another video showing off your obnoxiously loud rice rocket (which is nice, I gotta hand it ya).
p.p.s. Welcome to the internet, bitch. That’s how I roll.
From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 26, 2011 2:19 PM
LOL Thanks for the Free PR I know the Editor N Chief of Kotaku , IGN , Engadget I’ll be meeting them at CES .The noise complaint was for people high up on the food chain in a corporate world of real estate you have no clue about. Thanks for the Rice Rocket Compliment too love me some motorcycle . Send that over to Engadget you look like a complete moron swearing and sending your customer service complaints to a magazine as if they will post it or even pay attention do you think you’re the first or the last what are they going to do demand us to tell you were your shipment is or ask for a refund on your behalf … Really … Welcome to the Internet ? Son Im 38 I wwebsite as on the internet when you were a sperm in your daddys balls and before it was the internet, thanks for the welcome to message wurd up. Grow up you look like a complete child bro. I Don’t have my controller so im gonna cry to the world … Really ?? Hey take that free time and do something more productive. All you had to do was check the like everyone else , people have inquired but you’re the douchiest of them all J
To all our pre-order customers looking for information on the status of their orders after a busy couple of months The PS3 Avengers are on their way from our Manufacturing plant overseas. We are aware that everyone is anticipating having their Avengers under their Christmas Tree and were doing our best to get these orders shipped out as fast as possible. We appreciate you as loyal customers and for supporting our company. Customers will start receiving their products this week before Christmas and After Christmas and into the New Year. As a token of our appreciation we are offering all our pre-order customers and new customers 10$ off your next order with us just enter Avenger1001 at Checkout. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Oh and FYI When a street date gets pushed by a publisher on a video game you pre ordered do you cry to them too ?
You just got told bitch … welcome to the real internet check kotaku in 2 weeks when they are reviewing free PS3 Avengers we send them as well as G4 and all the other majors hell yeah , don’t forget to check Amazon, gamestop.com, play n trade , Myers , Frys and a ton of other local stores coming your way you think you speak for billions son your just a kid you speak for yourself no one cares what you think that’s why were growing and moving 20-50 thousand controllers a month. We do value our customers but sometimes we get children like you we just have to put you in the corner with your im stupid hat on. See you at CES , E3 , Pax East ….? Oh wait you have to ask mom and pa dukes your not an industry professional and you have no money on snap you just got told.
It gets way more entertaining from there. You can read where the folks from Penny Arcade get involved near the bottom of the post.
As you may have seen, the internet is now exploding with articles about this – including one from Kotaku that reveals the possible background of the Worst PR Rep in History – Paul Christoforo. Apparently, this might just be a case of Internet Roid Rage – as it appears Mr. Christoforo has been engaging in heavy anabolic steroid use and just came off a 16 week cycle. In a last ditch effort to re-claim his presence on the internet, Christoforo got a new twitter account called “@OceanStratagy” (oh yeah, he can spell, too). Feel free to tweet to him lots of fun things.