It’s a tough retail world out there and business’s are smart enough to realize that customer service is such an integral part of what they offer that it can make or break them. Small town business are struggling, so when you come across good customer service you become a repeat customer, and recommend them to others. It’s a really nice form of you do good by me, and I will do good by you. There are many amazing and wonderful small business’s in our town, with helpful staff, and great policies, doing their best to serve and keep customers.
Then we have the bad stuff, the surly clerks, the rude establishments, the Duh! customer service I call it. There is a local computer store where for the price of fixing your computer you too can have them treat you like you are a idiot. Many of the staff determined to make you feel like what little knowledge you have is inadequate, and why do you have a computer if all you know is how to turn it on. I certainly don’t feel like paying to be ridiculed, guess I won’t be using their services. Our local grocery store has a some surly clerks, one snarled at me when I asked her to keep the raw meat separate from the salad ingredients. Many of the floor clerks just look at customers as a hindrance, something that is in the way of them doing their job, that’s not good customer service.
Balance this out with the small town coffee shop owner who bravely decided to ban smoking from their outside sidewalk patio, and is now being ostracised by the oldies, who have gravitated to McDonalds across the street, smoking up a storm. We appreciate her great coffee, eco friendly cups, and the fact that she calls us by name. Every time I walk by her storefront I am grateful that there isn’t a cloud of smoke to pass through, and we always tell people that her shop is the best. It’s up to all of us to spread the word about the good ones. Make sure to mention to the manager not just the bad service, but those who give exceptional service, good employees deserve to be acknowledged.
Speaking of good services Claudia at Mockingbird Hill blog has decided to offer mentoring, and coaching to bloggers using Word Press, and Blogger formats. Claudia is an incredible blogger, and has a history as a coach, and teacher. If your blog bounces, or your questions are complex, I am sure she will be able to give you a hand, drop by her blog for more details.