Dear TA reviewer,
I am very sorry to hear you were disappointed with us.
First of all, arriving late is not the end of the world. We are quite used to customers underestimate the traffic in Bangkok, so we are prepared for late arrivals. We wait for everyone as long as we know you are on the way (everyone is advised to call me, if late). It is certainly better to arrive in time of course, something has to be excluded for late passengers (briefing/biking/guiding), which is not preferable. Our policy is that customers arriving in time are not supposed to suffer for others not in time.
Second, we offer pick-up at your hotel. It is a guarantee you get to right place in right time. It is more expensive but might save you from some trouble. It is hard for many tourists in Bangkok to get a taxi on meter, and you will probably get a driver not able to communicate in English and not able to understand a map. It could cause some passengers a lot of problems, in fact. You were lucky though get one on meter, and it is a lot cheaper, of course. 500 Baht is the deal we got with the taxis, the customer usually pays directly to the driver and we are not doing any profit of this, just providing the service. It might be worth the difference, if you have problems handling the embarrassment arriving late.
Honestly, I am not quite clear over what you are complaining about. The group (7 people + guide) was just about to leave, when you arrived. We had two choices 1) let the group wait a few more minutes and get you ready to join the group from start or 2) let you go upstairs, repeat the briefing for you personally and catch up the group later. In this case I decided to let the group wait a little. I smiled to you also, we shook hands and I said welcome. Not time for any longer presentation, as I hope you understand. We provided a bike, helmet and a bottle of water for you and it was time to go. I am not sure you realized the presentation and briefing already had taken place upstairs, so here might be a misunderstanding. You seemed not willing to make yourself ready, so I remember asking you to put the helmet on, so we could go – is that what bothers you? 7 people were waiting for you, after all, and please do not forget I have a responsibility to them also – not only you. I understand you are not a person wants to stand in the centre, but you really put yourself there by arriving late. Almost crying? We are very sensitive here, I beg your pardon. What did I say hurting you so much? To tell the truth, I had no idea I said something hurting your feelings. So, you are disappointed not getting an apology from me and I am not aware I did anything wrong. That is a shame. Anyway, I give you my deepest apology for whatever I said, I had no intention acting “patronizing “ just start the trip as quick as possible. But I understood you were not pleased, when you left our office after the trip not saying goodbye to me or my staff, but then it was too late. You had several chances before talking to me about this, but you did not.
So here is your revenge instead, giving Bangkok By Bike a very poor verdict, despite the fact you say you enjoyed the trip. I can only conclude it is personal to me, and you believe it justifies to punish our company. Well, if it makes you feel better….. ? Next time you are biking in Bangkok I hope you get such an enjoyable ride as with us, but will meet an owner you like better. I also hope your rough days are over and you are in a better mood to face rest of your stay in Thailand.