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What is good customer service?

This is a question that raises its head on a regular basis these days. Although you will encounter the youth and their problems with angry customers on a regular basis, you will also hear the rants of older folks and their complaints about how it used to be and the classic definition of, "What is good customer service." If you talk to the pros in the business, they will certainly provide some guidelines.

The question, "What is good customer service" is certainly not going anywhere. Believe it or not, there are certain laws to abide by when working this stressful biz. One thing we should all remember is to put the customer first. Regardless of conflicting opinions, it isn't called the customer service business for nothing. Whether you're working in retail or food service, you want to take care of the customer as best you can. In my experience, it is always good to act fast. If you have a customer, don't make them wait. Being busy is a common feat to tackle, but you have to at least acknowledge the customer's presence. This way your customer feels like you care, and haven't dissed them on purpose. A second rule to live by concerns attitude. You always want to be as polite as possible. I found it beneficial to kill them with kindness. Sure, you will get those customers who treat you poorly or show disrespect, but in my experience if you respond with kindness, they often get confused and end up feeling like a jerk. Back to the question, "What is good customer service?" If nothing else, it is treating your patrons with respect.

If you've ever had a credit card representative or a sales person call you on the phone, then you understand the self control that goes along with customer service. These workers have to call you to make a living, and no matter how rude you are, they have to keep a cool head. This is what makes good customer service.

My father often tells me that customer service has gone down hill. I think that there is a combination of things happening here. While many people, who typically have never waited tables or worked in a grocery store, will tell you that employees are lazy and inconsiderate, I have to admit that many times it is the customer who simply expects too much, and is rude about getting it. Many people don't want to wait in line or pay a certain price, which often has nothing to do with the employee. In the end it comes down to patience. Patience for the customer service rep and for the patron. As long as the employee is kind and prompt in his/her work, the customer should remain happy.

This is what makes good customer service.

posted by Mike @ 6:44 AM