Comments on: 5 Ways Your Customer Service Shows You Know Your Audience

By: RedWrites

RedWrites — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:10:13 +0000

Hi, Jenny! so far, 2010 is going great. Hope you are well!

Yesterday, I was listening to NPR and heard some discussion about the need to increase the minimum wage for employees who rely on tips for the bulk of their pay. Apparently, with the economy in a slump, these workers are receiving less money and need a raise. The man talking said that restaurant goers too often decide their tip based on the service received and not on the fact that their server needs tips in order to live.

Apparently, tipping no longer means “To Insure Prompt Service” as it did years ago.

You know what I say? Let’s stop tipping altogether. Let’s allow restaurant owners to increase prices for food so they can PAY their servers a livable wage without relying on consumers. Wouldn’t that ultimately be better for everyone?

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 12:44:30 +0000

All I can say is I wish my husband would put up with my observations about customer service. Like you, I worked years in a customer service role and can tolerate little mistakes. However, when someone doesn’t recognize when something is amiss (like the hostess), I want to point it out so it can be corrected in the future.

Nice posts! I hope all is well with you for 2010.

By: RedWrites

RedWrites — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 02:04:09 +0000

Avish – thanks for you comment. I don’t think it’s getting worse. I think I see the world differently now than I did many moons ago. Plus, I had a job once where the management DRILLED how important giving our customers quality service was to our success. This was the first time I ever offered ideas for improvement. I figure I can either complain about it or use it as a learning experience. So far, it’s an approach I think I will try again.

Thanks again for your comment. Hope I can inspire more feedback from you again.

By: Avish

Avish — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:48:55 +0000

Nice post. I get very frustrated at these types (and many similar types) of customer service situations all the time. It’s amazing how so often the stuff that gets missed is really basic, simple, common sense stuff like acknowledging a customer’s presence, not badmouthing others to people you just met, and being appropriate. I don’t know if it’s getting worse or I’ve just been noticing it more…

And you are right – this simple stuff can completely make or break a business relationship.

Thanks!