by Sarah Harris

Created on: October 26, 2008

I have worked in the retail industry for a few years. And since my first day I've been told that:

' The customer is the most important person.' As they pay your wages.

' The only person who might actually talk to them and listen to them all day could be me.' In a few cases this is true. One man used to come into my shp everyday. As we were the only ones all day who talked to him.

' If we don't stock it, then find another product or order it in especially in.' There is always an alternative.

' The customer is always right.' Even if sometimes you know that they have no idea what their on about.

Customer service is an art form. And maybe a dying art form at that. You have to treat people with respect and dignity, even if that person is abusive to you. I have served people who I know are about to steal from me. But you still treat them with courtesy (They might not steal from you then if they know your watching them) You must look after some customers as if they were a child, going out into the big world of retail for the first time. You must always smile and say Good morning or Good afternoon. I work in the outdoor clothing and equipment retail industry. I've met people who are climbing everest and the other huge mountains. I have seen the same customers over the years. Some i have seen there children grow up. I have delighted in their good news. And grieve with their sad news.

I find that the British customer is ignorant and looks down on you because of where you work. And the North American customer is the nicest person with good manners and a big smile. That might not be everyone but thats my opinion based on my own experiences.

You could give people customer service training until the cows come home. You could do everyting by the book. But then you always need something from the customer. I've had customers being abusive due to things beyond my control. I have even had death threats from two people who decided to use my store as a place to have am argument.

So maybe there should be training for the customers on ways to behave and not just the people behind the tills. I think everyone just after they leave school should do two years working in a shop of some sort. Kind of like national service of common courtesy. And then maybe the world would be a better mannered and happier place. As everyone would be pleasant and a little more respectfull to everyone.

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