Customer Service..Does it still Exist?

Does anyone remember when customer service was priority to a business? Seems like less and less remember that a happy shopper is a repeat shopper. Most have gone to the “draw them in for the cheap prices” angle and customer service was got to hell for it. As a Best Buy tech (many years ago) , I didn't miss lead the customer into buying stuff they just didn't need (yes even as a tech I would go to the sales floor and help customers) I would ask them “What are your needs for this equipment” then I could guide them to the equipment that best fit that need. I ended up with customers, to this day, (10years later) that still call me for tech service and advise. Best Buy would tell the computer sales guys “ You can't recommend one brand over the other, it would make our vendors mad”. Ok, but nothing said that I couldn't give a customer a computer review/comparison website to find the best product. And I did that with software and accessories too. I can't believe how stupid these companies have become, when it comes to their customers needs.

How about examples of poor customer service outside of the computer arena, like Home Depot. When I walk into Home Depot and it's nearly impossible to find anyone to help you with questions. Or how about, Winn Dixie, you know the guys with the “lowest prices”. Well just about every one of these stores I've gone into smells weird, seems poorly cleaned and customer service is almost non existent. We have the power to show these companies that we won't put up with this! In the case of Home Depot, I now shop at Lowe's which seems to understand what customer service is and shows it. Winn Dixie, well now its Publix, were it smells clean and there always seems to be some there to help me. We can do the same when it come to our computer needs too. Use the Internet to search for reviews on computer equipment you want and then buy it online! Then goto the those “Superstores” and tell the manager that you got better customer service and information online than you did in their store!! Go another step and get the district managers contact information and let him know what you thing of their service, better yet put it in writing!!

And start checking out some of your local tech support shops in the area. Many have websites and you can might find some info on them by doing a search. Check out the Better Best Bureau on these shops and the ones that come up “good”, give them a try. We need to support the small business guys because many of them do know the value of customer service. Remember, you have the power to change things by being a smart shopper and showing these “Superstores” that if they ignore your needs, you have a lot of alternate places to shop that will listen to you.