Many local enterprises have been facing a loss of reputation due to the practices of debt collectors.
Demonstration against apartment complex in Hanoi
One particular Piaggio motorbike dealership in HCM City was the target of harsh complaints from customers, such as, "You'll regret buying a motorbike from this dealership," pasted in front of the business. The shop owner had to call the police to get the man off the premises and stop his disturbance.
This case was the first that gained wide coverage by the media. But this method of smearing companies by unhappy customers persists.
Ford was also subjected to the same type of anger from a customer who thought he had been cheated. This man hired people to push his automobile around Hoan Kiem Lake to show everyone who would look that the airbags had not worked after an accident.
According to the companies, such issues can be solved properly with warranties and maintenance policies.
But the trend seems to be increasing, with companies in other sectors targeted in the same way, including banking and real estate firms.
A bank branch in Hanoi was surrounded by a group of angry people, trying to stop any passer-by to tell them of their grievances.
The Vietnam Bank of Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank) was also surrounded by hundreds of people carrying signs in front of its headquarters on Nguyen Co Thach Street. The protesters were determined to stay, having bought food and other supplies, until the bank satisfied their demands.
Businesses have countered by unlawful means, such as prohibiting loiterers from their property during the daytime or from hanging banners in front of their offices. And some legal actions have even been taken against such protesters. Still, this type of behavior remains a concern for businesses in Vietnam.
Demonstration in front of Agribank Headquarters