Chipio employees will no longer approach customers at AAFES customers Published Jan. 31, 2013 By 42nd Air Base Wing Commander MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. - -- DEAR ACTION LINE STAFF: We are an Air Force family who lives in East Montgomery. We make a point to support Air Force services as much as possible, including filling our cars at the service station on Maxwell. But the windshield repair team now makes me dread every visit. Their reps are at the gas pumps to solicit business every time I fill up. They won't leave customers alone even when asked. In my latest experience, the sales rep rolled his eyes and made a sarcastic comment when I asked him to step away. We don't fill on base because it saves money for my family (it doesn't). We fill there to support Air Force services and Exchange stores. If I wanted to be panhandled every time I fill up, I could choose any gas station in town. I expect better service without the hassle when I am on base. Staff from the community library, health and wellness center, food court, club or commissary do not solicit customers in parking lots - why is an outside vendor allowed to do this on a daily basis at the service station? I have spoken with the service station manager and submitted a customer feedback form at the store. I hope your office will be able to assist in asking the windshield repair sales team to stay away from the Army and Air Force Exchange Service gas pumps and stop hassling customers. RESPONSE: Thank you for your action line comment concerning the windshield repair team at the Maxwell Express. You should not feel harassed when you go to any on-base customer service organization. I am sorry that you had an unprofessional and unpleasant experience. My team has spoken with Larry Salgado, the Maxwell AAFES general manager about your concern. I'll start by expressing that I also share your concern and we're going to fix this. Mr. Salgado is committed to a professional and respectful work environment and that includes his customers. Mr. Salgado met with the windshield repair company's leadership and has developed a solution to better service our community. As of Tuesday, windshield repair personnel will no longer approach customers at the gas pumps. They have been relocated to an area at the Express similar to a drive-thru station. Customers who are interested in the service that the windshield repair company offers can inquire about the service on their own accord. Additionally, a new group of employees have been trained and will manage the drive-thru station. All employees have been instructed not to approach or harass customers. If you notice they are not abiding by the new rules, please let me know. I also plan to drive by and observe the employees. If they cannot abide by the rules they will be removed from the installation. Thanks again for your concern.