I've booked with Ripley Grier in the past. Previou...

I've booked with Ripley Grier in the past. Previously, it was a very easy process, no complaints with the room, pricing, booking process, etc. Overall great studios, would otherwise give 5 stars.

My customer service rep today was very snippy and condescending from the start. Context: I decided to book same day for a recording session in an affordable room and had a flexible schedule for the day.

My first question was about the possibility of booking an affordable room with up to three hours availability. I was told that I had to give a time frame because he "wasn't going to check the whole system for me." So I say afternoon, and am quoted a room that is reasonably priced, though because I'm a repeat customer I know there are cheaper rooms. I mention this and am told that a room that price isn't available until 8 PM. The rep goes on to pick apart my logic for wanting a small room because it won't work for my recording needs. This is totally unnecessary since it didn't fit my time preferences anyway. In the end, I confirm a booking for the room with a slightly higher price point, and as a final remark the rep tells me that my booking is non-refundable. Instead of coming across as a courtesy reminder, however, it sounds like a strongly-worded warning. I was also never asked if I had a preference with a particular location.

Keep in mind this phone call lasted less than 5 minutes from start to finish, automated messages and hold time included. I haven't held him hostage with ridiculous requests or unnecessary details and have certainly not excessively wasted his time. Tone and attitude matters with your customers.