Its an old saying that maximum profit an organisation makes is through customer ignorance. I came face to face with the saying this last Saturday.
Then I asked her how much are the charges. She replied "Rs. 120/-, Sir". Wow, Rs. 120/- for getting my own account verified. I said that's fine, can you give me a receipt? She told me to talk to her branch manager. Well that was fine with me. I must say that the staff was very helpful, as everyone one was ready to resolve my problem rather then simply telling where is branch managers cabin. In the end, I finally got it.
While at branch manager's cabin and after explaining her everything, she said "Don't worry, I will ask her to give you a waiver." And its done. Just by words. Nothing in writing or email. Just like that.
Well my question is, if HDFC bank can do such waiver of some stupid charges, why have them in the very first place. May be not all customers will ignore to ask for a receipt and the bank will earn some fee income. As I said earlier, customer ignorance is companies profit.
So next time you are asking for a service or buying something, do ask for a receipt. Who knows you get it for free.
I was at HDFC Bank for getting verification on HDFC Ltd. standing instruction form. After waiting in the queue, I finally reached the counter. I handed the request form and narrated the requirement to the girl sitting at the counter. She asked me to fill my account number in the form and I dutifully did the same. After examining the request form for some time, she told me that this is a chargeable service, further she informed me these charges are for getting your account and signature verification and you don't need to pay anything here, the charges will be deducted from your account.
I asked her if she is sure that she is going to verify my signature and account and not providing me someone else account details for which I might think that you can charge me. But since its my own account, which I opened with your bank, why should you be charging me to just press few buttons on your keyboard and stamp that the account exists. "Sir, that's our policy" she replied.
Then I asked her how much are the charges. She replied "Rs. 120/-, Sir". Wow, Rs. 120/- for getting my own account verified. I said that's fine, can you give me a receipt? She told me to talk to her branch manager. Well that was fine with me. I must say that the staff was very helpful, as everyone one was ready to resolve my problem rather then simply telling where is branch managers cabin. In the end, I finally got it.
While at branch manager's cabin and after explaining her everything, she said "Don't worry, I will ask her to give you a waiver." And its done. Just by words. Nothing in writing or email. Just like that.
Well my question is, if HDFC bank can do such waiver of some stupid charges, why have them in the very first place. May be not all customers will ignore to ask for a receipt and the bank will earn some fee income. As I said earlier, customer ignorance is companies profit.
So next time you are asking for a service or buying something, do ask for a receipt. Who knows you get it for free.
