How my Phoenix Suns Account Experience Sucked

I have a good friend who use to be a car sales man in the East Valley of Phoenix. Rural east valley Phoenix (Apache Junction) isn't a Scottsdale by any means, and the local town folk have a cliche of their own. One day at the dealership, a ruggedly dressed lady enters the building and proceeds to be ignored by the first few salesman she encounters. My friend proceeded to assist her regardless her attire, and several hours later ended up with a sale all paid in cash. The next day, the same lady scrolled in decked in her designer clothes and proceeded to thank my good friend for his service. It turned out, she was an affluent horse keeper/trainer.

Last year, I signed up to be on the waiting list for the Phoenix Suns season tickets. As a long time basketball and Phoenix Suns fan, it's always been a dream of mine to become a season ticket holder. I am fortunate (but also hard working) to be in a position where I can afford my particular lifestyle, and most importantly, season tickets!

My original sales representative in the early spring invited me on a VIP tour of the arena, bought me Starbucks for the tour, took me to the upper levels, lower levels, Lexus club, and premium seating, and I had phenomenal experience. Although season tickets were not yet available, an opening for several game tickets opened and I purchased 6 seats for 6 games for the end of the 2008 season. Unfortunately shortly thereafter, my sales representative moved onto another job and I was left without a clue on my status.

Yesterday, I was contacted by a Phoenix Suns Sales Representative and re-invited to take a tour of the facilities. Since I enjoyed my experience last time, I invited a friend who was partaking in the season tickets with me. Unfortunately, my VIP tour expectations were not up to par. My new account representative was obviously in training and was overshadowed by her manager who took hold for most of the conversation. After the standard procedure interview (where do you want to sit? why do you like the Suns?), we were only guided to the 200 level seating and back down. We shook hands, and they let us on our way.

I have several friends who currently have season tickets to other sporting teams, and they were treated to the ultimate tour of the facilities, including the locker room and other behind the scene areas. I was not even close to being ruggedly dressed. However, I did believe our young demeanor gave Mr. Account Executive the idea we were not serious or potential clients. I felt like I was brushed off and pushed right out the door.

It's plain and simple, my Phoenix Suns Season Ticket Account experience just sucked.