Good Customer Service
I love when you call customer service to find somewhere to get a replacement product, and you get much more than you bargained for. I had recently purchased some different bottles to combat my daughter’s gas issues. They worked wonderfully (if only they would work for spit-up too, but that’s another story) and I’ve been very happy with them. Unfortunately, the other day we lost one of the parts, which makes using three separate bottles a little difficult. I called Playtex to ask if there was somewhere I could get a replacement part. I didn’t get a place to go. Instead, the customer service rep is sending a complimentary replacement (it’s only a 50 cent part, but still) and an order form in case I need other parts in the future. THAT is how you make your customers happy. And THAT is what sets most American customer service apart from the rest of the world. A small thing, but something that makes my life a lot easier. Thanks Playtex!
Comment by alysha
April 27, 2005 @ 11:44 pm
That’s very good of them indeed. Best way to make customers loyal is by providing excellent customer service.
I can’t speak for other countries, but Australian customer service is just as good as American. I’ve had companies send free things with customer service enquiries/responses. One of the best examples was when I wrote to a chocolate manufacturer because I liked a dress used in their tv commercial. I asked where it came from but the customer service people didn’t know. So they sent me a copy of the commercial so I could get it made up from that and they sent me a large box of chocolates - I wasn’t even a customer per say! :)
Comment by Karin
April 27, 2005 @ 11:46 pm
I’m glad to hear there is good customer service elsewhere. My friend from England was amazed when he was here at the customer service because I guess customer service is basically nonexistent there. I don’t get that, though, cuz you get a lot more customer loyalty from being nice and helpful than from being nasty. But then again, from what I’ve seen, I get the feeling Aussies are just overall nice people!
Comment by alysha
April 28, 2005 @ 12:39 am
I can’t remember where I read it (and it was a few years ago) but there was an interesting study carried out on customer service. The researchers found that if a customer had a bad experience with either a product or the company itself, quick intervention by customer service to resolve the problem would result in a customer that is more loyal to the company than a customer who had never experienced any problems.
I wonder why the customer service is so bad in the UK, seems crazy!
It’s a different subject altogether but speaking of the UK brought it to mind; I watched an episode of Jamie’s School Dinners (Jamie Oliver) last night and was totally appalled by what the school children were being fed as well as the attitude from some of the dinner ladies. Is that series being shown in the US? Quite interesting, even though we’re outside the UK.
Comment by Karin
April 28, 2005 @ 1:11 am
I’m not sure if it’s being shown here or not. I have heard of it from some of the UK sites I read on a regular basis, though. I do know that our government has “standards” for what the kids are supposed to eat, and here in Arizona they just passed a law banning all junk food in schools up until high school. It’s still not always that appetizing, though. The school I used to work at had the meals done by a catering service, and they were actually pretty decent. Not sure what they are doing now that they have a dedicated cafeteria. Lunch ladies (we call it lunch here) can be good or bad. Just depends on who you get I guess. ;)
Comment by alysha
April 28, 2005 @ 3:10 am
Lunch here in OZ, too! I always get confused with the UK terms for meals, they seem to use lunch, dinner _and_ supper! I’ve no idea which is which :)
I find the stories about school canteens/cafeterias in the US and UK interesting too because in Australia we don’t have them. We do have a canteen which sells things for lunch like meat pies, sandwiches etc but we don’t have a cafeteria that serves full meals or places to sit down at tables. Lunch was/is usually brought from home and we ate in the outside seating areas (benches, seats etc). I guess some private schools may have a cafeteria, but public schools typically don’t.
It looks like a good idea anyhoo, serving kids a good meal at lunch. Always makes me wonder why it never caught on here. Quite fascinating the differences between countries, even small things like school lunches. :)
Comment by syndromes
April 28, 2005 @ 4:29 am
*rabble rabble*Apple*rabble rabble*
Comment by Karin
April 28, 2005 @ 4:34 am
Yes I know you had an issue with Apple, but every time I’ve encountered their customer service, it has been terrific, and Coachman raves about it all the time. In fact, he spends $$$ to call Apple American customer service because Apple UK customer service sucks so bad. So I would have to say your issues with them are the exception and not the rule.
Comment by syndromes
April 28, 2005 @ 4:36 am
*rabble rabble*Apple s’more*rabble rabble*
Comment by Karin
April 28, 2005 @ 4:41 am
Hmph.
I would LOVE me an iPod. Actually I would love me an iPod photo! Shoot, while I’m dreaming I’ll add a Powerbook to my list as well although I’d settle for an iBook.
*sigh* *drool* *dream*
Okay, back to reality.
Hmph.
Comment by syndromes
April 28, 2005 @ 4:47 am
*rabble rabble*Apple give me no love*rabble rabble*
Comment by Karin
April 28, 2005 @ 4:49 am
You rabble rouser you!