By Paul Nyathi|High profiled Leopard Rock Hotel of Mutare has steered business diplomacy after naming and shaming beverage manufacturing giant Schweppes Zimbabwe over a last minute booking cancellation.
Speaking on their official Facebook page, the hotel published that Schweppes had caused them over $15000 loss after a last minute cancellation of a weekend booking of 35 rooms.
“Our loss is your gain!!Schweppes have cancelled a booking for 35 rooms this weekend minutes ago. Weekend SPECIAL – 20% discount on all rates,” screamed the hotel on the Facebook page.
Probed by followers and customers on their motive to name and shame the company, the hotel management claimed that this was the second such cancellation by the popular Mazoe Orange Crush beverage manufacturing company.
“This was the second time Schweppes canceled their booking. Because of their high profile we accepted their booking and they confirmed. Canceling a booking for 35 rooms a mere two days prior is what is truly unprofessional and hurtful to business,” the hotel responded.
“They insisted on holding their conference over the weekend, asked and received a discount and cancelled having not paid as promised. We turned away 40 rooms as a result. Naming and shaming a customer that causes thousands of dollars was the only way to ensure this matter is seen by the superiors of those involved.”
Responding on the probable lack of business ethics on naming and shaming the company, the hotel expressed its frustrations with Schweppes Zimbabwe claiming they are prepared to lose potential future business than allow “big business” to manipulate them.
“I happen to be the owner,” wrote the person behind the hotel Facebook page.
“I decided I would rather take the risk and lose business than allow a company or specific employees to use their name to run rough shod over us and cause us to lose money and jobs. We lost $15,000 in business. I don’t need customers who think that is ok or proper behavior. PS they have never given us their business.”
ZimEye.com could not immediately get a comment from Schweppes Zimbabwe on the backlash by the hotel.