JC Penney food for thought - Big Big Forums

cjhooney · 08-18-2004, 12:32 PM

Had an occasion to call the Customer Service phone# to see if a payment made online had been posted .. they employ an India callcenter ! I immediately wrote to them to express my anger at the fact I spent American dollars in their store and expect they would employ American workers rather than outsource the work that I have been doing for several years. I will be reconsidering my purchases thru their stores. I just won't deal with anyone who uses these Outsourced callcenters. I have many disabled friends who depend on these jobs to support themselves and their families. We have to start protecting our country from the preditory companies who under value us. I know that sounds a little severe but this is really a problem in my industry.

suzski · 08-18-2004, 12:49 PM

cjhooney, I watched a show on PBS about the booming economy in India...in part due to outsourcing like this. You would be surprised (amazed, actually) at the number of companies that employ Indians to manage their call centers...many, many credit card companies employ them as well as companies like JCP and computer customer service centers...they are trained to "talk American" and often use American-sounding names instead of their real names. The more "American" they sound, the better their chances at getting these jobs, and they pay pretty well (comparatively), so the jobs are highly sought after. Good deal for India, bad for us.

Bottom line, it's not just JCP, and is probably the credit card company that you use to pay for your stuff at whatever store you're shopping at....or the customer support staff that helps you when your computer is messing up....

sailakfan · 08-18-2004, 05:07 PM

CJhooney,
This is an inappropriate place to post such a comment. But here is my 2 cents on this issue. If outsourcing helps bring the cost down for the consumers then why are you crying out loud? The reason for you being on this board is to find out if there are any good savings out there and big companies are doing the same. And if you are really skilled and hardworking why should you complain. The reason big companies are outsourcing is mainly because they can find cheap and hardworking and trustworthy and dedicated workers. I am not posting this to start a war or something but I felt your post to be odd in this forum.
regards,
sailakfan

never · 08-18-2004, 05:53 PM

OP

Thanks for the shopping advice = and this does belong in this forum because most of us want to know if the deal is worth it.

There is legislation pending in my home state about this. I had worked for a company that does outsourcing to India and the scrutiny caused them to do a PR campaign concerning recruitment of Americans.

This outsoucing and low paying jobs is what is causing the economy to be poor. The 'consumers' are mostly working people who DESERVE decent jobs and decent salaries. Very few people want their friends to be unemployed in order to save a dollar.

bribella · 08-18-2004, 06:14 PM

I would rather spend more money if that meant that jobs would stay here in AMERICA. outsourcing may bring the cost of things down but IMO that would mean that the less jobs that are done here in the USA means more out of work americans= less money in the economy to go around.

Momof2totsand1teen · 08-18-2004, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bribella

I would rather spend more money if that meant that jobs would stay here in AMERICA. outsourcing may bring the cost of things down but IMO that would mean that the less jobs that are done here in the USA means more out of work americans= less money in the economy to go around.

ITA, Very well said.

kriskay · 08-18-2004, 07:13 PM

If companies keep outsourcing like this, pretty soon there is going to be nobody in America that can afford their product, even at a reduced price.

uncledoondie · 08-18-2004, 07:37 PM

Uh Ha,
This probably explains the problem I have with Hewlett Packard. I've had two HP computers and two HP printers and everytime I call their CS dept. I have gotten a representative who "sounds Indian". They do not understand me and I don't understand them. Last time when my computer completely fried I called and after spending many minutes explaining the computer would do nothing the rep asked me if I was at my computer and online now. DUH!! Everytime I call,after up to an hour on the phone they eventually tell me to return my item for a refund. Last time I knew it was a software problem and they just did not understand what I was trying to tell them and eventually figured out how to fix it myself. I just don't understand how companies think this kind of service translates to good customer relations. To end my tirade let me say I have nothing against anyone from other countries in fact I work for a Doctor from Pakistan and he is the greatest boss ever. I can even understand him just fine.

JKATHERINE · 08-18-2004, 07:45 PM

Dell outsources their customer service to India as well, I found out. I think it is wrong and I hope that people will discontinue buying products from companies like this. It is ruining our economy...

suziebee20 · 08-18-2004, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrissy13

I don't find her post one bit odd. This forum is VENT AND WHINE so she had every right to post this in this forum.. She is venting so this is where it belongs!!!!. And to find savings on this board is NOT the only reason we come here we come here to vent and whine and such.. Maybe you need to re read but vent and whine is all about!!

I read this earlier and really have no opinion regarding this subject, but in sailakfan's defense, I believe this was moved, because when I first read this, it was in the Deals forum, and not V&W.

Freebeemom · 08-18-2004, 10:36 PM

sailakfan, I think it is a very interesting point you bring up...regarding the American economy....I don't agree with outsourcing, but what do people expect. People are constantly looking for deals and bargains. Mass merchandisers and those that shop there in general are just as responsible...but it does come down to the American public....why are we standing for our "god bless the usa" t shirts to be made in Mexico or China? I found it interesting that after Sept, 11th, when all the stores were carrying American flags for people to purchase, I only found ONE "Made in the USA" flag, and let me tell you...it wasn't from Wal Mart....those were all made in china.

I think that this person brings up a very interesting point. The american consumer...just like the American VOTER can do much to prevent this outsourcing. I never knew that JC Penny did this, nor did I know about Dell and the other companies....but I am not surprised at all..we are allowing this to happen...and I am just as guilty as the next bargain hunter!!

As a side note...I too, called Dell recently and an Indian man answered the phone. He tried to convince me he was from Texas....Ugh...