Fred

Business, Customer Service.

What ever happen to customer service - the other day i went into drug store and was standing at the counter to ask the gal where i could find a certain type of aspirin. She looked up at me and didn' t even acknowledge I was there waiting. She was on the phone apparently talking to someone she knew.

The pharmacist was busy filling an order and totally ignored me. - needless to say, i will never go back there again. I waited until she was off the phone and she walked over to the pharmacist and then left out the back door, leaving me standing there. My question is. Fred: You' re not alone my friend. What ever happen to customer service? I have seen this same trend over and over again not only in retail stores but throughout the business world.

Just the other day I was getting a cup of coffee at one of those fancy coffee shops and the guy behind the counter couldn' t even get my drink order straight. - lyna: i have too. Fred: Gone are the days when you would walk into a store and they would fall over backwards to help you out. Fred: I know I have been starting to seek out businesses that are more customer friendly. Lyna: you can say that again, Fred. A good example of this is a little drug store in town that I now visit. Lyna: this is just the type of service that needs to be brought back into business.

When I go in there they call me by name and go out of there way to be friendly. - fred: and if one is smart they will make sure that they implement this type of service. We all like to be recognized and treated with respect. Lyna. Fred: and the business that provides this type of service is one that will succeed. Fred: I don' t care if own a restaurant, a retail store or even if you do business over the internet, good friendly customer service is key and you will be growing your business in no time. Lyna: it' s a great way to grow your business and doesn' t require a lot of effort.

Lyna: what are some of the things business can do to make sure they are providing great customer service? - don' t make assumptions and learn to develop a good ear. Fred: The first thing would be to listen to your customer. Don' t be afraid to ask the customer what they need or what you can do to improve. Fred: This is true, you don' t buy a type of car because it' s practical, you buy it because it makes you feel special. Lyna: Remember your customers don' t purchase a product or a service they purchase what makes them feel good.

Lyna: I would also make an effort to learn your customer' s name. - nothing is more impressive when you walk into a store and they know you by name. Fred. That makes me feel special almost all the time. Fred: And remember to always give more than expected and the return will be reflected in your bottom line. Lyna: Constantly strive to improve your product, the services that you offer, etc. Lyna: There are several excellent books out there on customer service and I would suggest that you Google customer service books to find them.

Be sincere with your gratitude. - fred: and if you don' t do anything else, make sure to thank your customers.