We got our car back yesterday from the collision place (remember our accident?). I gotta say, the establishment did an amazing job. And I’m so happy that there are some places that still understand the importance of customer service. When I called to find out that car’s status I was told the car was at the detail place. They made the car look beautiful! They even cleaned up the inside of the car! We had a stain on our back seat that was a mystery to us for years. It’s now gone. They made sure to clean to the dashboard and polish the tires. The floor rugs look new again. They also gave us a travel mug, accident kit (which includes a flashlight and camera to document any future accidents), key chain, and a $100 credit should we, or anyone we know, ever need body damage repaired. They were always friendly and understanding on the phone and helped us every step of the way in getting our car fixed.
Some of this may not seem like a lot but customer service is important to me. For me, that’s one easy place to get my loyalty. I would have been more than happy that my door and fender were fixed. The fact that they went the extra mile means a lot and if I should ever need body work done (let’s hope not) I won’t hesitate to return to them.
A lot of businesses seem to not get this. They act as though we are doing them a favor. I appreciate it when the person at Starbucks smiles and has a great demeanor. That’s part of what makes their stores successful. I appreciate it when one of the wait staff at our favorite diner always remembers our coffee and that we like half and half when we come in (am I a coffee addict?). His service is what keeps us going there. I don’t appreciate it when, at another place, the cashier is more interested in their conversation with another employee and my change and receipt are basically thrown to me.
How do you feel about customer service? Do you think it’s a dying art?
P.S. We also returned the mini-van yesterday. We’ll miss the space but not the gas cost. We filled up the tank and it cost us nearly $60! That’s almost double what we put in our Corolla.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I saw you via mybloglog. I have to say, if I get excellent customer service, I make sure someone knows. Just as some may ‘tell on’ those giving poor customer service, I ‘tell on’ those giving great customer service.
To me that shows them how much “I” appreciate their good work and it is amazing when you get a thank you or other pleasantries back. I have even received free items because I thanked the person helping me. That of course is not my goal, but a nice perk.
Great site!
Customer Service is most CERTAINLY a dying art. Especially at restaurants I’ve noticed. People anymore just seem to expect a tip for giving you food. But that is expected, give a little more and so will I!
It is so a dying art. They REALLY DON’T get it that it’s cheaper to keep a customer with good customer service than to get new customers. The one supermarket here has gotten it and that’s why they are doing so well, the only problem is getting the teenage workers to get with it. When I worked there part time a few years ago, I had a customer come back into the store to give me a Starbucks gift card to thank me for being so nice. All I did was smile and conversed with him when I checked out his groceries.
@ Laura – Thanks for the comment. I believe I found you via EntreCard.
It’s great that you give credit to those who have been helpful. That’s they type of positive re-enforcement people need.
@ Hank – Yeah – It seems that tips are expected not earned nowadays. I understand that you’re busy and don’t get paid the same hourly wage but I still need to be treated with respect and good service!
@ Saph – I used to work at a supermarket for years. Can’t say I was the friendliest but I was quick and did things right. The customers knew this and I would have some that would look for me when checking out. At times people would make it known to the manager too which of course helped me. But you know what? I tried to be good because I wanted to be good at my job. I think that’s an aspect that’s missing a bit at some places.
I think the decline of the ma and pa store also adds the the dying art of customer service.
It doesn’t take much to keep a customer but it takes a lot to get them back!