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It has become commonplace to hear that there is no such thing as good customer service. In fact, most everyone can share a recent bad experience.Of course it should be the waiter/retail associate/cashier/phone rep/professional’s job to be pleasant to the customer. However, as a former retail associate (during my college years) I firmly believe there are actions that we can take to receive good (and better) customer service. Be Pleasant Yes, you may be having a horrible day but there is no reason to take that it out on the person assisting you. If you walk into a store and are greeted, respond. If you are only looking politely say so. When you are checking out at your local grocery or retail chain say hello and acknowledge the cashier. There have been times I have observed customers rarely look at the cashier. Remember this is a human and not a robot. How would you feel if you stood on your feet for 8 hours and only received grunts (if even a grunt). Put Your Phone Away Recently there was an article circulating that a restaurant observed that patrons were taking longer to place orders because they were on their phones at the table and often did not acknowledge the wait staff. I’ve witnessed customers talk on the phone while they were checking out and recently observed a man on his headset during the whole transaction. If I am on the phone at a store, I always end the conversation before I go to check out. Additionally, if the phone rings while I am in line I either send the call to voice mail or text I can’t talk. Very few phone conversations are so important that they can’t wait a few minutes. Sales Associates/Wait Staff remember individuals who are rude. This is a sure way to confirm you will continue to receive poor service. Engage With Customer Service StaffYou can engage with staff on many different levels. Let the staff know if you are looking for something specific. Question what their favorite menu items is on the menu, new piece of clothing on the sales floor or their favorite coffee drink. Not only do these events help you in making a decision but they will establish a rapport with the staff. A note I have learned from my husband is to use the sales person’s name. Say “Hi __________” when placing your items on conveyor belt or “Thank You _________” when your bill is handed to you. One clerk was so shocked when my husband used her name that she asked “How did you know?” We pointed out she had on a tag. (I’m almost certain few people had engaged with her that day). It made her smile and she remembered us the next time I went through her line. If There Is A Problem Say So Immediately (and Politely) There are going to be things that go wrong. Items ring up incorrectly. Food is cold. This is a part of the customer service world. By letting the staff know in a kind way that there is an issue, you are establishing that you are not hostile and are hoping for an easy exchange. Remember that hostile behavior places the staff in a defensive manner and they are automatically on guard. Complete Customer Service SurveysMany stores point out that they would like for you to review their service. Many encourage you to do so with the promise of a free appetizers or a chance at a gift card. If you provide a positive review of a sales associate, it is common for management to share this with the employee. Although the staff may not know you are the one providing the feedback, it can encourage them to continue their positive behaviors. One of the reasons I have grown to know the staff at my local White House/Black Market is upon one of my first visits I received such great customer service I shared so on the survey. I provided my name and the next time I entered the store the manager recognized me. I firmly believe it is as important to provide positive feedback as it is negative. By no means do I want this to sound as if is the customer’s sole responsibility to make sure they receive good service. There are times when individuals in the customer service industry are rude. The product is not of good quality and the experience is simply bad. However all relationships in this world are two sided. As customers, we bring something to the table. Please and thank you can be music to any one’s ears. Think about that next time you are waiting in your doctor’s office, standing in line at Target or waiting behind the person who doesn’t know what they are ordering at Starbucks. Do you have suggestions on how to receive good customer service? 
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These are such great tips, especially putting your phone away. I’ve seen way too many people engulfed in their phones to enjoy their food or deal with the servers.
Sadly, we’ve become a society that can’t put the phones away and be mindful of the moment. Thanks for stoping by!
I worked in retail and customer service for many years and these are all good tips. Especially the phone one. That is so incredibly rude!
Thanks Holly! There have been times I have wanted to jerk the phone out of people’s hands. It’s just rude!! (Of course I haven’t – but I think about it a lot!).
This is so perfect Sheryl! So often people think about how others can give better service but not how their attitude can actually change the service they get! I worked at McDonald’s through high school so I’ve been at the bottom of the barrel in customer service and I now try to make a point to always smile and give my full attention to those that I talk to in CS. Thanks for sharing this list!
I am like you and always make it a point to be nice and give my attention to the CS staff. I sometimes feel like I do it to compensate for the others who pay no attention. I’m one of those individuals who will not go into a store if it is too close to closing and try to wait until it will be less busy to exchange something. I received the negative end way too often when I was working in the field.
Brilliant views and tips – it’s always about how to ‘give’ good customer service so it’s great to turn it on its head and show us how to be recipients of good customer service!
Thank You – I originally wanted to title this “How to Be a Good Customer” but my husband didn’t like that one. I truly feel it is a relationship and we are responsible for part of it.
These are such great thoughts! I used to work at a restaurant so I’m so aware of customer service these days. There are a lot of times when people just lack common customer service but a lot of the time people can do things to help make their customer service experience much better!
I always try to put myself in the other person’s place. It takes so little to smile and be polite and by doing so I feel we may help another customer receive a positive experience.