If i was buying from anyone and they were rude , i would not use them again,
The receptionist is employed on merit, hence must have been interviewed about her customer relation skills,
She is paid to be polite, not rude.
Her employer should be told about this , as it would be a major concern to me if it was my company.
Losing business through a recession is one thing, but to have staff lose valuable customers is unforgivable.