I wasn't sure what section to post this so i put it here as i think expats rely on email more than Filipinos. Most of my email traffic seems to be one way when i am dealing with local companies, by that i mean they are almost never answered or given any kind of response. The exception to this is always at the beginning of a transaction but once the money has changed hands DARKNESS. One example of this was a company i was buying some equipment from needed a deposit before they could order the said equipment (sounds reasonable) i transferred the sizeable amount (almost 200k) and emailed them to ask if they received it.... 2 days later still no response so i went to their office and the manager said on the day i sent the email he and his secretary were attending a seminar, so does that mean everything that happens on that day is null and void ? (sounds unreasonable) He was however very apologetic and got his secretary to immediately issue my receipt for the payment. Anybody else on the forum have this kind of experience or is it just me being a strict foreigner ?
Same here. Email is not very popular. Don't know exactly why most companies are hesitating. Maybe they are afraid to give you something in writing, maybe employees don't have access to the Email System. It's more easy to get a reply on Facebook Messenger, and your chances are even higher if you or your wife are writing Tagalog. That's just my experience.
There's even a laxness in responding to fb messages from many, I find. Email, little chance at all. If I don't get a response I just move on and spend my cash elsewhere. So sad that this is how Filipinos tend to conduct business. I have noticed that businesses that have foreign owners tend to be more responsive, so I'm sure it's cultural.
Unless you already know them, Filipino businesses rarely respond to emails or texts or answer the phone, especially if they are busy. Even good businesses don't, it's just the culture, and it ain't gonna change. I like to show up at the door (not that difficult in this small town) the first time. Always cringe when I hear, "they didn't answer the phone, so f*ck 'em forever." dumb...
Very true. I have often tried to book a room directly with the hotels. In most cases my mails were never answered. They seem to prefer paying a commission to booking.com or agoda instead. Themselves to blame. Gesendet von meinem M2101K6G mit Tapatalk
Same here. I am not sure but maybe it is cause many owners are not really taking care of their business, at least they are not present, and they don’t allow their employees to give any statement in writing to customers or suppliers. I assume it’s kind of controlling the employees in order to avoid that they are making own agreements with customers what makes what makes it difficult for the owners to control income. Money coming in via booking.com you can control easy. Not sure but could be part of an explanation.
Actually, this is the exception to my rule. For HOTELS, I ONLY use the phone direct, never ever online or emails. Only way to get the really good deals with accurate info. And the best rooms are rarely online.. Good hotels always answer the phone. If the entire staff of the hotel consists of one clerk, then I retract my statement... And emails are perfect for confirmations and after you have a reservation number.
