Tag Archive for 'Great Customer Service Stories'

Customer Service Rule #2: A Smile Is Worth A Thousand Megabytes

With the advent of sexy new Point Of Sale (POS) Systems, the line between personal and systemized customer service is getting blurrier by the day. Interestingly, 70% to 90% of what happens with customers is driven by human nature, having nothing to do with technology. We all agree that state of the art technology is a necessity today, but it’s meant to enable human interactions, not disable or interfere with them.[1]

This is so true with quick service retailing.

We have all experienced the customer service representative that ignores us in favor of their computer or POS screen. Trying to make eye contact or just get a response from someone absorbed in data entry can be annoying.

But here’s the thing most retailers don’t realise.

Even if a customer doesn’t remember being ignored, they may (subconsciously) associate your business with an (unknown, but felt) sense of frustration, distance or lack of ‘connection’. Those feelings will build up unbeknownst to the client and they may eventually take their patronage elsewhere.

Customer Service With A Smile

Customer Service With A Smile

The sad part of all of this is it all happens without conscious knowledge or intent. The client simply has no compelling reason to want or desire to return so he or she simply doesn’t.

That’s a killer for a retailer.

So what can you do to optimise the necessary POS data entry while offering outstanding customer service?

POS Customer service Tip #1: Continue reading ‘Customer Service Rule #2: A Smile Is Worth A Thousand Megabytes’

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When Bad Customer Service Turns Good

I know that the previous blog posts have been focused on the dark or negative side of customer service with a focus on Bad Customer Service and the costs of losing a customer. But let’s face it – there’s nothing like a little motivation to get the message across that this is costly! I want to start shifting the conversation to a more positive approach with an interesting case studies…

Customer Service Case Study #1: One Delay Turns Into 5,000 Reasons To Come Back

This case study is about American Airlines.[i] The author of the original article was on his way from a business conference in Denver to his home in Chicago. Shortly before arriving at the airport he received a text message from American Airlines stating that his flight was to be delayed by thirty minutes. While waiting in the airport he received several more text messages, each subsequently stating that his flight was to be delayed for even longer. It turns out there was a mechanical problem with the plane and he ended up leaving five hours after his original departure time.

The author, like many disgruntled customers, did not complain to American Airlines. However, American Airlines recognized their mistake, sent the author an unsolicited apology letter, and offered him 5,000 free frequent flier miles for his trouble. American Airlines preemptive good service gave the company another loyal customer.

Customer Service Case Study #2: A Bad Process Is Reversed

Continue reading ‘When Bad Customer Service Turns Good’

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