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Apr30
Not Very Surprising Customer Service Statistics

Here are a couple of interesting customer service statistics...

According to The Retail Consumer Dissatisfaction Survey, 33% of people can't find a salesperson when they shop and 25% are ignored by associates (Source).  These stastics are not surprising to me because I experience this every time I go shopping.  Just the other day I walked into a Radio Shack and two salespeople looked up from their post behind the counter...but did either one say anything to me?  They just looked up and then continued on with what they were doing. 

Louis%20Vuitton%20store Flickr photo by Richard Faulder However, it's interesting to note that luxury brands are changing their mindset on how to treat customers.  I bring this up because these types of stores are where most people experience being ignored by associates.  You may recall my post last year about Louis Vuitton's less than satisfactory service.  I still have yet to revisit any Louis Vuitton stores since that post, but I have visited Burberry a couple times and associates there are more welcoming. 

These types of issues are easily fixed and all it takes is just a little more coaching and training by management.  However, in regards to not being able to find a salesperson signifies that perhaps many retailers are operating on "skeleton" crews - meaning that they schedule just the bare minimum of employees needed.  It's a common scenario in retail - especially now with the economy the way it is.  The 25% statistic mentioned above may even grow higher in the months ahead...

Photo Credit: Richard Faulder

Apr30
Are Your Employees Empowered?
In a recent post titled, "Engage or Die" I talked about how companies are using social media to increase customer satisfaction.  Well, after reading Geoff Livingston's JetBlue experience, I'm beginning to realize that engaging with your customers online simply isn't... Continue Reading
The Difference Between a Mediocre Business and an Outstanding Business
Not too long ago Donna Cutting, author of The Celebrity Experience, "dropped by" here to give us some examples of companies who provide outstanding experiences.  Well, recently I came across a video with Donna talking about one of those companies... Continue Reading
Apr29
The Word of the Day: Accessible
At the top of my list of the most accessible CEOs in the fashion/retail industry is Tony Hsieh of Zappos.com.  I'm learning that he spends quite a bit of time hanging out with his Twitter followers.  Tony is so accessible... Continue Reading
Guest Post and Giveaway: Stellar Service Recovery
This is a guest post by Joe Heuer, the "Rock and Roll Guru" who is also a motivational speaker and author of several books - which you have a chance to win!  Read on...One of the fastest and surest ways... Continue Reading
Apr28
More Good Ole Fashioned Customer Service
Ok, we're on a roll now!  We've got some good customer service stories in the radar...Where I used to live a few years ago there was a little convenience store a block away.  A cute little store run by guys... Continue Reading
Customer Service Carnivale: The Juicy Stuff Edition
Well, we may have less submissions for the Customer Service Carnivale this week, but they're all good and juicy ones!  I really, really like this "lunch program" for internal customers that a tech company started.  Read more about it... Continue Reading
Apr27
Two Stories That Will Restore Some Faith in the Airline Industry
I know, it's been awhile since I've shared with you any good customer service stories - especially about the airline industry.  However, Chris Brogan offers a little light at the end of the tunnel with his Thank You Continental Airlines... Continue Reading
Apr26
All It Takes Is a Piece of Chocolate...
...to surprise and put a smile on your customers' face - that is, if they like chocolate!  Yesterday I went to a cafe to do some writing (free wifi will always bring me in!) and ordered a turkey sandwich and... Continue Reading
Apr25
5 For Friday: Customer Service Thoughts and Ideas
Here’s a collection of good thoughts and ideas I’ve come across this week that will get you thinking about how you can improve your service… "Who you will be one year from now will be greatly influenced by the... Continue Reading
Apr24
Business Relationships: An International Perspective
Doing business abroad can be a little tricky if you're not familiar with the culture that you're dealing with.  However, I think we can all agree that no matter where you are in the world, having good relationships is key. ... Continue Reading
Apr23
There's Always Time For Quality
Time is a precious commodity these days and I'm constantly hearing people say, "I don't have time!"  Tom Vander Well wrote an excellent post asking us: Do You Have Time For Quality? which I recommend reading.  It's not so much... Continue Reading
Apr22
Straight Talk For Success: Bud Bilanich Offers Tips on How to Build Strong Relationships
Each person has their own definition of success.  I’ve defined my idea of success before, but the more I think about it, I’ve come to realize that if I could choose one thing that defines success for me, it would... Continue Reading
Apr21
True or False : The Myths and Sort-of-Truths of CRM
Today we have a special blog post from Shaun Sayers, someone who has contributed insightful comments here at Customers Are Always... True or False – The Myths and Sort-of-Truths of CRM The customer is always right – false It sounds... Continue Reading
Apr18
Knowing How to Engage Is Not Enough
After many months of being in a comfort zone as far as blog readings go, I'm really starting to venture out into the blogosphere and "meet" other people.  I tend to stay within the same circles and I've been feeling... Continue Reading
Apr16
The State of the Airline Industry: Robert Roach, Jr. Has It Right
There have been many headlines in the news lately about the airlines industry.  The Delta-Northwest merger has caused instability for many customer service reps while Delta customers see drawbacks instead of high hopes for this deal.  Now we have American... Continue Reading
Apr15
Who's Talking About You on Twitter?
So, I had a few dates with Twitter this past weekend and it looks like love is in the air.  I know you're probably asking, Where the heck have you been, Maria?  Twitter has been around for ages and you're... Continue Reading
Apr14
Customer Service Carnivale: The Good Mix Edition
It's another fabulous edition of the Customer Service Carnivale with a good mix of information to help you create a customer service program to suit your business! Customer Service TipsAnya Portnik shares a recap of The Sales Apprentice 2008 with... Continue Reading
Apr11
Friday Funny: Following the Herd
It's Friday and for many of you it's the end of the work week.  You deserve a little laughter in your life, so here's a video I stumbled upon the other night that will definitely make you laugh...The same type... Continue Reading
Apr10
Another Oops For American Airlines
It's been all over the news:  American Airlines cancels thousands of flights after discovering that they have to work on the wiring of wheel wells on their MD-80 jets.  Creating havoc could be a slightly melodramatic headline, but then, who... Continue Reading
Apr 8
Link Love: Conversation Starters
I spent some time last night and today clearing out my feed reader after about a week of neglect and came across a few conversation starters that caught my attention: Dennis Snow is talking about Customer Service Initiatives and Executive... Continue Reading
Apr 7
Verizon Isn't Doing Anything Wrong?
Came across this little news tidbit today that I know will spur some thoughts.  MyFox Tampa Bay reports that Verizon employees in Tampa, Florida picketed before work this morning, but it's not about wages or benefits - it's about bad... Continue Reading
Apr 4
Build Your Online Presence: Attend SOBCon08
The best part about blogging - besides finding new customers and staying in touch with them - is that you get to meet other like-minded bloggers.  That is, if you're active in the community!  I subscribe to tons of blogs,... Continue Reading
Apr 3
Investing In Your Business: Why Gamblers Would Make Good Business People
Are you a risk taker?  When it comes to your business, are you willing to dish out the cash to improve customer service?When gamblers go to the casino, they put up cash with the hopes that the money will double... Continue Reading

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