Solutions for Poor / Bad Customer Service

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Jan 28, 2007
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I would like to make a few suggestions because I often see many threads complaining about terrible customer service. I'm not sure if it's getting worse these days or what, but either way, if a sales associates treat a customer poorly, it is unacceptable. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Don't just walk out without telling a manager. Otherwise, they will never know. Ask to speak to a manager and explain what happened as nicely as you can. Tell them you won't be making a purchase today because of the way you were treated. If the manager is the problem, get the number for customer service for that store and make a phone call. Once stores realize people won't put up with this, they will learn to hire better employees or train them on how to act as an employee.

2. If you receive exceptional (good) service, tell a manager. I think it raises the bar by creating awareness of other sales associates' good behavior and attitude. It will make him or her feel good, and perhaps inspire others to do the same if a big deal is made about how great they were. A thank you note for a job above and beyond is always appreciated, too.

I think the more people do this, the better service people will expect, and the better service they will get. People will learn that there are consequences for negative behavior and acknowledgment or even reward for good behavior. Everyone wants to be acknowledged for a job well done. It only takes a minute to do these things. I think the same can be applied to restaurants, salons, or anywhere you may receive a service.

If anyone else has suggestions, please add it to this thread!
 
Good ideas!

A lot of stores also do online surveys on how their service was as you're checking out, so if you get offered to do this, you should. Plus you might just get a chance to win something. Of course I've never won before but at least I can give them my feedback.
 
^ Thanks, and yes, you're right, and I've also received discounts of a percentage off my next purchase for doing surveys online after a purchase. Restaurants often offer a free appetizer, sandwich, discount, etc. if you do those surveys, too. I've gotten free sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A lol.
 
^ Thanks, and yes, you're right, and I've also received discounts of a percentage off my next purchase for doing surveys online after a purchase. Restaurants often offer a free appetizer, sandwich, discount, etc. if you do those surveys, too. I've gotten free sandwiches from Chick-Fil-A lol.

Ya, for those ones where you can get addtl percentage off your next purchase I always miss the deadlines on. But free food??? I get 'em done soon as I get home! :nuts:
 
Originally Posted by exotikittenx Solutions for Poor / Bad Customer Service

Bravo! Thanks for the reminder and your suggestions. I think much of the problem is due to lack of employee training and supervision.
 
^ I agree, which is poor management. I think if people don't complain, though, they would have no idea. But better training and watching more closely would bring a lot of it to light.
 
As a manager/SA here's my best advice: if you are bringing something to my attention, please speak politely and clearly. We get a lot of psychos that unload their personal issues onto SAs, and if you speak calmly and honestly about your experience then your words will have more weight to them.

You'd be surprised at the amount of people that demand someone be fired over not helping/ helping too much, because the customer is hypersensitive due to their own personal issues. Example, it's not the SA's fault if we sold out of a color. She's not lying to you nor is she too lazy to call other stores... Not her fault if you were blindsided by your husband leaving you! To not be mistaken for someone like this ^, it really helps not to go into some rant or get overly emotional during your complaint.

A lot of people think that if you blow up and scream and throw a tantrum, management will throw discounts/freebies at you. It's quite the opposite... If you get me on the phone and start swearing at me, we're done. Any resolution is given as a courtesy and once you act entitled and abusive towards any member of the team, I'm done and I will be immediately following up with our corporate office that any correspondence is not with a stable person and to not override our decisions at the store level.
 
(I was a manager in retail for a bit.)

When someone would complain calmly and rationally and had a story that seemed to check out, I would do almost anything to ensure she left happy/returned to our store.

When someone would complain in a psychotic manner, I would do everything but put her picture on the wall.

Facts go a long way when complaining.
 
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