Now that money is tight for everyone, consumer prices are rising, employment is poor and people are simply not spending ...
| Related: | Lifestyle•Relationships•Other Relationships & Money |
Does anyone think that this may lead to a return of better customer service where everyone's custom is once again valued?
I ask because I have spent the morning phoning around plumbers merchants and DIY stores to check on the availability of some ceramic tap cartridges and while only a small item, I have received such delightful and helpful advice from them all.
I know that it's so easy to pooh pooh this theory but I genuinely felt that people were interested in my enquiry. And it did feel somewhat different from my experiences in the past.
Could we ever see a return to the days when people actually cared?
Responses (6)
I think you have a very good point there, Snoops!
Although it shouldn't be the case, as excellent customer service should be the norm, the increased competition for our money is bound to have a knock-on effect on levels of customer service, with retailers going the extra mile to win our custom.
Let's hope it extends to the banks who played such a major part in causing the terrible economic mess in the first place! :-)
I certainly hope so, Snoopy, and I shall remember to keep an ear open for this next time I buy something.
I have to agree with fruity that we should receive good service as a matter of course but, sadly, this is all too often not the case.
Ah customer service, what did happen to that, where did it go?
It sounds like you had a good result there Snoopy, somebody gave you the time and advice you needed, all credit to them and long may it continue.
Interesting snoops but I think its just wishful thinking - in general people seem to feel customer service is directly proportional to wage.
The only place it would probably be better are in home or self owned small businesses that are struggling to survive but I doubt the service in Asda , Tesco or Homebase would get any better!
The trick is avoiding them at all costs.
Good points of view OD. But you see my point, when business is at rock bottom or scarce, should it not prompt service or shop staff to be a little bit motivated to see ( and be happy to see ) customers? Agreed, if you've been at a checkout all day at say Asda, you probably more motivated in getting home to the telly and the pay check every four weeks rather than being nice and helpful? Being nice and helpful doesn't put more money in their pockets or even earn them brownie points but is does create a much nicer shopping experience, don't you think?
Quite right, Snoops, and if I worked in such a job I would have my eye on the future success of the company and, therefore, my future employment prospects.
Sadly, I think people who do boring, repetetive jobs really do just think of getting home to the telly and getting their pay cheque.
You may be right, Omen, but I work as a volunteer and my customer service is excellent...though I say so myself! :-)
It's all about treating others as you would wish to be treated yourself. Simples!
Where do you volunteer, fruity? I used to work for Cats' Protection ans it was very rewarding - if a bit sad at times.
I am really pointing at the youth of today not more "mature" folks like us who appreciate good old fashioned values and pride in ourselves.
Young folks are more interested in getting home to smoke a joint or down a pint of vodka or getting ready to go out clubbing and getting mashed!
I was in a hairdressers once and this guy came in - he was a bit bald and when he left you should have heard the horrible comments from most of the staff about him - he was coming back as he had booked an appointment but to think there were customers in the shop listening was unbelievable and its not the first time ive heard it either - One girl in Asda admitted she had pinched a few scratchcards from the kiosk right in front of me!
Unbelievable!
I havent heard this from older workers only the younger ones - our society is becoming really dumbed down as well!
I co-manage an Oxfam Bookshop, Feline.
You have gone up even further in my estimation Fruiters!
You are truly No 1.
How many times have I said that now?
Oh, it's fun...we get all the weirdos and eccentrics coming in! We even get authors coming in, we had one well known one who used to come in regularly just to see if people were buying his books, he died recently, so doesn't come in now.
Thats sad!
He was the guy who wrote the book that was made into the film 'Babe', so he was pretty famous.
Was that Dick King-Smith? I must admit I didn't realise he had died. Sad loss.
Yes, Feline, Dick King-Smith...he died a couple of months back. He was a bit curmudgeonly! :-)
I suppose he was entitled to be a bit curmudgenly as he was so talented.
I've never read his books, Feline, although I saw the film of 'Babe' and loved it. He was certainly a prolific author!
I certainly hope so. I've noticed that there are more smaller shops - grocers, butchers etc - popping up in town of late and the staff there seem relatively helpful. Perhaps a return to 'basket shopping' will bring with it better customer service?
I find most small independent traders tend to offer better customer care and service frequently with a verbal guide on their products you wont get that at the likes of Focus or Home base.
I totally agree, Noddy, sadly we've lost our local independent hardware/diy store in our town, and I really miss it!
Posts within the money.co.uk community represent the views, experiences and opinions of members only. They should not be taken as financial advice and should not be followed without further research.
More Discussions for Other Relationships & Money
Get fast answers to your money questions, Expert insight, top tips & much more...
Extend to banks Fruitcake? No, I am talking about actual human beings ........ lol
Good point, Snoops! I stand corrected! :-)