I had a horrible experience at this DHL location on Slater Street yesterday while trying to send a letter to Uganda.
The staff member who served me was an older Caucasian lady with blonde hair and glasses at the front counter. When I arrived, she asked me to place my envelope on the scale. After checking a price list, she told me the cost would be $287. I politely told her that the price did not seem right because I have sent similar letters to Uganda many times before, with the same type of envelope and similar weight, and the price is usually around $187.
Instead of taking a moment to double-check, she became dismissive and told me she was not going to argue with me and that I had to pay the price she was giving me. I explained again that I believed the amount was incorrect, but she made it seem like I had no choice.
After she printed the shipping label and scanned the barcode, the system showed the correct price: $187. So I had been right from the beginning. What made the situation worse is that instead of apologizing or acknowledging the mistake, she appeared embarrassed, avoided eye contact, and pushed/tossed the payment machine in front of me in a rude manner, saying something like, “I guess it’s $187 then, go right ahead.” There was no apology, no accountability, and no effort to treat the situation professionally.
The issue was not only the $100 difference. The bigger issue was the attitude, the dismissive tone, and the way I was treated for simply questioning a price that turned out to be wrong. Customers should not be made to feel like they are being difficult when they are calmly asking staff to verify a charge.
I also noticed a sign in the store about no violence or abusive behaviour. I fully agree that staff should be treated respectfully, but customers also deserve respectful service. Staff should be trained not to dismiss, mislead, or trigger customers, especially when the customer is raising a valid concern.
This is not the first time I have felt uncomfortable at this location. I have used this DHL location several times in 2024 and 2025 to send letters overseas, and I have often experienced poor customer service from the same staff member.
Very disappointing experience. DHL should train staff at this location better, especially around customer service, price verification, professionalism, and basic respect.