Nur Schriftlich, bitte! (Local custom to lie over phone)

[izard]

Once again, my personal record confirms that if I try to buy something in Germany over phone/in person but without a written contract, a seller would lie. So far it holds in 100% of cases.

This time we tried to book tickets for a performance in a theatre.
- We'd like to reserve places in the middle, rows 3-5. [most expensive tickets, good places, booking well in advance]
- OK, your reservation is now booked for row 4, sits 10,11,12.
- Thank you.
----
- May I get my tickets I reserved over the phone please?
- Here you are , row 7, sits 1,2,3 (the worst places that still belong to the most expensive group)
- But we booked 4, sits 10,11,12.
- No, you are mistaken, that is your reservation. Row 4 is sold off.

These things happened with a theater, museum, pharmacy, official car dealer, etc. The only takeaway - everything told to a customer in Germany should be assumed to be a lie, but if it is written and signed, there is a good chance (but still not 100%) that it is true.

Comments

[klebestr]

When I arrived to Germany from the states I was shocked how agressive German business is. И вообще, лучше всего резервировать онлайн по залу, сам выбираешь место, кладешь в корзинку - вуаля.

[izard]

In US business there are pockets where this is norm - "used car salesmen". But in Germany everyone is used car salesman. Does German speaking business in Switzerland behave better?

Это работает для кинотеатра, куда мы ходим, но в том театре - только по телефону или лично в кассе.

[klebestr]

В Швейцарии политика цен агрессивная. Но вот такой вот наглости и обмана нет. Могут заменить вещь, даже если ты потерял чек. И вообще очень корректны во всем. Я думаю, кроме бизнес-политики еще и ментальность народа играет роль.

[juan_gandhi]

Well, that's the point. I've been trying for years to share my experience with the Germans. Cheaters.

[izard]

When it is not about money (or intangible benefit), they are usually direct and honest.
I think the psychological roots of this effect comes from living in a country with big population, high mobility and very high population density.