Customer Service

Why don't people care about customer service anymore?  It's like the whole concept has disappeared from our society.  When someone goes out of their way to fix problems and remove obstacles, you would think that would stand out.  We have become so "now" oriented that when an issue does finally get resolved, we just say "It's about time!" instead of taking a step back, reviewing the situation, and realizing how much effort that may have taken.  We should instead be saying "Thank you."  Without the thank you, we support the idea that service is unimportant.

In the modern era, relationships have simply disappeared.  They have devolved into emails, texting, chatrooms, message boards, and "Press One" telephone menus.  Have we forgotten the basic concepts of discussion and interaction?  These impersonal interactions take their toll.  Businesses that install these computerized contracts, often wonder where their customers go.  Solving problems takes a personal touch, effort, and a sense of pride.  Without those attributes in employees, business will suffer, blood pressures will rise, and customers will flock to other avenues.

When I have a problem with a company, I attempt to understand the restraints and barriers involved.  Sometimes it truly is a system that does not allow the employee the flexibility to solve the problem immediately.  One such example is at the retail checkout.  I'm sure everyone has experienced the utter dread of being behind someone and a product does not scan properly.  We all know what is next.  They flip on the blinking light, call customer service, and wait.  You would think the store would realize what kind of impression that leaves, and allow the cashier enough leeway to solve the problem -- a manager code, a special key to ring it under, or just simply allowing an override.

Customer service is important.  We all should realize it more than we do.  The next time a problem arises with Business X, take notice of how they handle the resolution.  I beg of you to throw some accolades their way.  We are all human, not some mechanical robot.