How to Be a Good Customer: Training for the Best of Us

This statement has been the anthem for customers all over the world. It is true that as a paying customer you deserve the proper service. It is also true that customer service is on the decline in many companies. However, it is also necessary that we properly conduct ourselves when issues arise. For some, it may be better to accept the mediocre service and move on. For others, it may be important to voice their opinions on why the service could have been better.

Practice Practice Practice
To be a good customer takes practice. You must realize that the person serving you is also human and can make errors. Employees always gripe about feeling like a lesser person because of the way they were spoken to or treated. There are very simple steps in being a great customer. The first rule is, 'Treat others as you would want to be treated.'

It is impolite to engage in a conversation on your cell phone while the server is attempting to take your order.
It extends the wait time for those behind you. This does not help should you decide to return for another visit. You will be remembered by the employees as the person who is, 'always on their cell phone.'

Do not throw your credit card or cash on the counter as payment.
Would you expect your change or credit card to be thrown back at you? No! Therefore, take the time to hand the cashier the payment in their hands. Believe me, they appreciate the small gesture.

Do not belittle the person who is helping you.
If you are upset with you order, do not proceed to tell the clerk/server/representative that they cannot do their job. Some people will actually curse at the server and expect to still be treated with courtesy or kindness. Better treatment will not result if you continue being abusive to the person on the receiving end.

A local breakfast spot has a small fixture at their register, "Complaint Department: Take a Number." After observing the neat gadget, I realized that it is an imitation hand grenade that will supposedly, 'explode' if you did take a number. Needless to say, I have never complained while there.

The Good Customer vs. Bad Service
There are great customers all over the world. It is unfortunate that sometimes, they have to settle for coach because a more abusive person wanted to take advantage and get a first class ticket for free. This article is not meant to suggest that everyone should settle for less. Of course not! As a customer, you should be able to check the fully satisfied box every time.

In our society, there are many mediocre companies that do not have customer service. Sometimes, as a customer, you can feel trampled on or cheated. This is not acceptable. One should be able to contact the upper management in order to seek out a solution.

Sometimes employees act very immaturely. They do not care for the company that they work for or the image that they are sending. Companies that hire such individuals should be cautious. People are not likely to return to an establishment where they feel uncomfortable.

Perks that Lead to Being a Good Customer
As a long time server, I have always felt it necessary to reward good customers. Of course, the company that I work for is all about bringing people back. Rewards for loyalty can include freebies every now and again. Great relationships can develop. You never know who might be serving you! Being kind to others is good for the soul. As humans, we need to come to grips with ourselves. At the end of the day, we all put our pants on the same way.

Do I expect the cashier at my local grocery store to take 15% off of my order every now and then? No. But, I know that when I see her smiling face, I rather join her line than deal with another cashier.

Genuine customers make working fun and exciting.

Closing Thoughts
Today's job market is full of turnover. It can be hard to retain quality employees and still keep their pay competitive. You can help companies recognize great service by sending a comment or two to their headquarters.

The world needs customers to build better businesses. We can all be better customers by practicing the golden rule, "Treat others as you would like to be treated."