On October 5, 2007, I received a membership information package from a Country Club in Castle Rock.  The Club sent invitations to residents of Castle Pines, seeking members in all membership classes from equity to social. 

With the equity membership of $52,000, in traveling so extensively, I inquired as to the social membership and was provided the following information:

• $1,000 initiation fee
• $84 per month
• $150 per quarter food minimums

I recalled receving a similiar offer 90 days ago, and I called the club.   At that time, the membership committee person responding to my query indicated that I was more than welcome to have dinner by myself, charge the meal, and remit by check the charges incurred as a basis of helping me evaluate whether I wanted to join.  The views from the restaurant are amazing, so I logged the offer, thinking that upon my return from an extended business trip I would explore the social membership. 

When I called to determine if I could arrange dinner based on the invitation of October 5, I was informed by the receptionist that I had to be accompanied by a member for dinner.  I pressed the matter and requested to speak with the General Manager.  He declined to speak with me, but stated, through the receptionist, that prospective members had to be first interviewed by the membership chairman. 

Based on the information previously given to me in July, what should the GM have done?:

1)  Had the membership chairman call me and arrange for dinner as originally promised, in which I bore the cost of the meal?

2) Tell me through the receptionist that no dinner could be arranged?

3)  Spoken to me to explain the Club's policy?

Based on him opting for Answer #2, the literature went in the waste paper.  I  never cease to be amazed at  how many times poor service is given in a business that is all about service.