Devoted to customer service and the principles of exceptional customer services

$1,000 monthly to an employee who provides great customer service? Wow. What *exactly* does that employee have to do?

The imagination certainly runs wild...

In all seriousness though that seems like a very big incentive. I've usually found Home Depot people to be friendly and helpful, although a bit rushed because there's a lot of customers that need their attention...

I absolutely agree that something other than cash is usually remembered longer by the employee. But I like the idea of reinforcing good service behavior. Most retailers experience significant turn-over (some have over 90% turn-over). I think that rewards are a great way to remind new and old employees alike that customer service is a critical aspect of keeping the Home Depot brand elevated in customers minds.

Unfortunately the days for seeing a customer smile being enough are long gone in most businesses.

I thought $1,000 was pretty high myself... My Home Depot experiences have been pretty mixed lately. It will be interesting to see if the incentive will work. I would prefer a trip to Europe!

Maria, you really got me to think about what my company was doing on the incentive front - we have a program that rewards "above and beyond" service with cash, but I'm going to look at your link with great interest. Thanks!

You may be right about the smile on the customers face, but if you have an organization that is stalled and unable to generate those smiles a good priming works wonders.

It's like priming an engine with a little gas to make shure it fires up when it turns over.

Sometimes a spark (idea) alone isn't enough to get buyin from your staff. A little incentitive with goals attached etc will get the job done. This is especially true when trying to change a corporate or business culture.

I am a Home Depot employee and good customer service should be rewarded. It takes a lot to really wow someone enough to be mentioned by name. Why shouldn't those who go beyond have the chance at something great. It is in no way a bribe. But it is very seldom people mention the good they experience instead of only complaining. Many businesses have incentives, what in fact is commission? This $1000 reward also benefits the customer because they also are entered for a chance to win $5000. Maria I think you are completly wrong in your statements.

I work for Home Depot. I actually like my job, despite being treated by a low class, second rate citizen by most of my customers. I have been to college, have management experience and do have a large chip on my shoulder tonight. As a HD employee I will say we don't get paid much. We don't get discounts. We do not in any way get "rewards" unless you count a twice yearly bbq. When I was first hired we had merit badges. They were awarded by management to employees for doing something that deserved extra merit. Nardelli did away with that.
Good customer service is a talent that not everyone is capable of giving, no matter where you work. It takes talent to deal with the public on a daily basis and not want to strangle the next customer that comes up and starts swearing at you becase THEY screwed up something and want us to FIX it. AND NOW. Please be aware that while "You can do it, we can help." is our slogan, none of us profess to be experts and while we do receive training, we aren't doing the job with you.
I would say that at least 5% of customers have no common sense and should not even get out of bed much less attempt to do anything around their home.
As far as rewards go, this is how this particular incentive program works... If you get mentioned on the voice of the customer survey your name is put into a drawing for the thousand dollars. Not everyone who is mentioned gets a thousand dollars. My name has been mentioned several times and I have yet to win. I don't care. Why? Because despite what most customers seem to think there are still a lot of us that do enjoy working with the customers. Why....after my night tonight. I am not sure. Please think about that the next time YOU are rude to the person trying to help you. Customers should know that they are not always right, but they should always leave happy.

I work for Home Depot. I actually like my job, despite being treated by a low class, second rate citizen by most of my customers. I have been to college, have management experience and do have a large chip on my shoulder tonight. As a HD employee I will say we don't get paid much. We don't get discounts. We do not in any way get "rewards" unless you count a twice yearly bbq. When I was first hired we had merit badges. They were awarded by management to employees for doing something that deserved extra merit. Nardelli did away with that.
Good customer service is a talent that not everyone is capable of giving, no matter where you work. It takes talent to deal with the public on a daily basis and not want to strangle the next customer that comes up and starts swearing at you becase THEY screwed up something and want us to FIX it. AND NOW. Please be aware that while "You can do it, we can help." is our slogan, none of us profess to be experts and while we do receive training, we aren't doing the job with you.
I would say that at least 5% of customers have no common sense and should not even get out of bed much less attempt to do anything around their home.
As far as rewards go, this is how this particular incentive program works... If you get mentioned on the voice of the customer survey your name is put into a drawing for the thousand dollars. Not everyone who is mentioned gets a thousand dollars. My name has been mentioned several times and I have yet to win. I don't care. Why? Because despite what most customers seem to think there are still a lot of us that do enjoy working with the customers. Why....after my night tonight. I am not sure. Please think about that the next time YOU are rude to the person trying to help you. Customers should know that they are not always right, but they should always leave happy.