Sunday, January 13, 2013

The customer is always right. Right?

Everyday I've noticed GREAT customer service is scarce. Allow me to explain:


Last month I signed up for a class online through my local adult school & I phoned over to see what the hours were for the bookstore, here's how that went...

Me: Hi! I wanted to come BUY my book for my online class & was wondering what the hours of the bookstore were...

Lady on the phone: 8:30-5:30. He's out til Monday. ::click::

Me: ::thinking:: awesome! Can't wait to meet that ball of sunshine!

Fast forward to Monday I head over to the school & follow all the signs that say BOOKSTORE & find a guy behind the desk....

Me: Hi! I wanted to buy my book for my online class..

Guy: We don't sell books here! Turns & walks back to his desk. ::yells:: email your instructor!

Me: Uhmmm okay...::thinking:: My mistake! The website says you do & the awesome chick I spoke with last week didn't care too much to mention that itty bitty all so important fact!!

Seriously?! See the trickle of events that could have made my life a tad easier had the focus been on the customer?! The website being corrected, sunshine mentioning books aren't sold there anymore etc etc!!

Scenario 2

Last month the husband & I purchased two recliners that heat up & massage, unfortunately when I was trying to free the adapter that was trapped by a piece of wood I cut the cord to the adapter!! Whoops! So I searched EVERYWHERE but apparently this thing has like a super high voltage that isn't common. Great.

A few weeks ago I found one online! I was so excited I didn't hesitate to buy it! But after I made my payment I got a bit nervous...Days later I still had not received a confirmation number, or email...no shipping info...no tracking number & the best part back on the website there was only an 800 # that was out of services! Yikes! Fortunately the precious adapter arrived at my doorstep last week! Whew.

Obviously a lot of stress could have been avoided if the company took the time to send out those information filled emails! Or Maybe I am just spoiled by Amazon!

I realize these are not HORRIBLE examples but still people need to realize there ARE other options & customers have the luxury to go elsewhere when customer service, for lack of a better word SUCKS! Heck I passed on 3 gynos because their receptionist were rude!

When you come across exceptional service please let them know! It's so nice to hear (not to brag or anything but I hear it often!) & maybe they'll keep it up :)

5 comments:

Mellissa Rondinelli said...

I am with you ... customer service is not an option because if that company thinks it is ... then I think my $$ is too good for them =) Also, I am totally with you on rude receptionists. Our receptionist at the law firm I work at was rude to my mother the other day when she called. I got up from my desk and went to speak to her - she didn't know that it was my mother but if she was rude to my mother I know she is rude to our clients. I just wanted to say ... your job is answering the phone if that annoys you ... find another job!!

Shia

Kell said...

Good customer service is so hard to come by anymore! I notice it mostly at grocery stores. Cashiers always seem to be so cranky and rude. I've been a cashier, I understand we have to deal with a lot of 'characters' on a daily basis, but it never stopped me from being nice to everyone.

Michelle said...

It doesn't take a lot to be nice to someone as long as they aren't pissy themselves. I could be in the worst mood and yet put a smile on my face for customers at Trader Joes. Honestly I think some people don't deserve to have a job. There are plenty people out there who really need them that are willing to give great customer service just to have a job.

Sunshinemeg said...

It's sad it is hard to come by, but you are right. I actually do customer service for a huge insurance company and try to go out of my way to be better because, like you, I hate being treated rudely! The bookstore story is crazy. That lady should have told you. Shame on her.

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I think people have become so disgruntled that they have given up on caring how they treat others!!! It's awful!!