Life is not perfect in customer service land and sometimes we "slip up" and don't perform to the best of our abilities. But instead of going through the drama and headache of arguing with a customer (can you see those dollars slipping away already?), why not just fess up and admit that you offered bad service?
Here's a company who boo-booed and is actually trying to make up for it by offering free service for six weeks:
"...Suzie will understand that we are different. Right now, we just seem desperate. Maybe we are. But I'm embarrassed and I hate being grouped in with other cleaning companies. Mistakes happen.
We're not perfect all the time. I accept that fact. But I still don't have to like it. My pride means a lot more to me than my money."
One thing I might emphasize here is that if you're going to admit your mistake and apologize to a customer for any wrong-doing, be sincere about it. Don't offer an apology if you don't mean it. And for the sake of your sanity, just admit that you were wrong! Don't try to be a person that has to be right all the time. You'll save yourself a heart attack in the future ;)
Here's a fun little poll I found at BestandWorst.com:
Comment Preview