We all have bad days, days when we feel we could improve upon ourselves. But, in my opinion, decent customer service is a requirement regardless of any extenuating circumstances.
What is good customer service?
In my opinion it stretches across an expanse that includes (but is not limited to): problem solving, assistance, congeniality, and availability.
In today’s world, I am just as swayed to give my business to a company that has excellent customer service as I am to do business with a company that helps me to keep pennies in my purse. Customer service holds value.
Recently I was purchasing groceries in a large department store when I came upon 3 employees in one aisle. As I managed my cart around them, one looked at the other, without a minced word or lowered voice, “Another d**n rollback! I am sick of these stupid d**n rollbacks.” All 3 women agreed, and mumbled their own thoughts in unison. I am trying to hold onto a thread of reality. Despite the television coverage depicting the big happy W-M family, I am sure many employees have unhappy days just like everyone else. But, I cannot help but remember the words, your life is now. Customer service is now.
The point I want to make here is, are we truly responsible for good customer service wherever we go, or perhaps, is it more like “good people service?”
Perhaps I am still virtually living in the olden days?
I believe in them.
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
I think good people sevice is the key to a good buisness. I would rather pay more to get better service.
I worked at Wal~mart years ago (before Sam died) We where to greet & help each custumer. Now it seems like they run away from you if you need some help.
When I lived in Indianapolis, Stacey, I used to go to a Wal-Mart in Plainfield, Indiana. It was a treat. I put my children’s Christmas in layaway there. My shopping experience always felt unique because I could shop at that store any time of day or night, with excellent prices, clothes that were not cheaply made (but inexpensively priced), and I knew I could find whatever I wanted in that store. The customer service was excellent. Service with a smile. Now that Wal-Mart is saturated (we have 2 super-centers within 10 minutes either direction, and 2 more within 30-45 minutes), it seems the magic is gone. Service is with a grumble, clothing falls apart within a few washes. Prices are still good. Because people that work there seem so unhappy, and because so many other stores cannot compare to the big business of W-M, I like to shop elsewhere. Enough said on that. I felt like putting my 2 cents in!
Good post!
~*~Amy~*~
Thank you, Amy.
It’s not just customer service. It’s people service. Wish I knew what happened to the mentality to treat people the way you want to be treated.
When I was in customer service I received bonuses just for being nice to people. It wasn’t hard for me, it was something I do naturally. And I benefited from just being myself.
See, I am aligned with you in those thoughts, Becky. I do not care which decade we are living in, I feel we are all responsible for good people care.