Another Rant: Why I’m Quitting Dillard’s

When I first became a lawyer, my mom gave me a sage piece of advice. She said that business attire is going to be a part of my life now and I should think about getting a line of credit with a clothing store.

So, I got a line of credit with Dillard’s. I had done some shopping with them before. Their prices weren’t always great. But, they had good quality and selection. I have been with them ever since. A faithful, loyal customer.

And just like with so many other businesses and companies during covid, when I really needed help and understanding, they gave none.

In June when I got sick, I received a call from them. The lady explained that I had a fairly small balance on my account. I was incredibly exhausted and confused when she called. I explained that I had covid and was tired and confused and asked if there was any way we could talk later or if they could send me an email later.

She apologized and offered to put me on their Covid relief deferral program. I agreed and hung up.

What I didn’t realize is that their program lasted only a very short time and was one-time only relief.

A few months later, I received another call. By that time, I was out on disability with no money coming in. The representative explained that I was now showing as several months delinquent and by this point, the amount I owed had ballooned with interest and late fees.

I explained to the man I spoke with what had happened and that I had covid and was out on disability. I asked if I could get some new kind of relief or go on a payment plan.

He explained that I had exhausted all the relief that they were going to give. He also talked to me about the payment plan. But, the minimum payments were more than I had.

I told the guy on the phone that I couldn’t afford those minimum payments. I told him what I could afford and made a payment.

Every month, I have paid what I could towards the balance. Even still, they started sending letters and calling non-stop.

They call every day but Sunday starting at 8am. Then, they call again at 8:40. Then again around 10. Then, again in the early afternoon. Then, usually one more time around dinner.

In December, they sent me a letter letting me know that they had closed my account. And still, the calls and letters continued.

I mentioned in my previous post that finally, after months of fighting, I am receiving my disability payments. I can finally pay using their payment plan.

So, today, when they called the third time for the day, I finally picked up the phone.

I was polite. Because I know that this isn’t the representative’s fault. She’s just doing her job. But, I also made sure that she knew exactly why I hadn’t paid and exactly what I thought of their so-called covid relief plan.

It’s a “relief plan” that lives in some kind of fantasy land where the covid crisis isn’t still ongoing and wreaking havok with people’s livelihood and all you need is a paltry month or so of relief and you’ll be fine.

I also asked if there was any way the company would help me out by reactivating my card. Of course, the answer was no. I would have to reapply.

Again, I was polite and just said okay. For a split second, I thought about reapplying for a new line of credit. But, it doesn’t sit right with my soul.

So, I’m quitting Dillard’s. I don’t need to keep supporting a company who thinks so little of their loyal customers and shows so little compassion during such unprecedented and trying times.

#covid #disability #longcovid #voicesofthevirus