by Kat Ballew

Created on: January 03, 2010

Customers are what make a business successful, for without them there would be no business. However, the saying that customers are always right may not always hold true, and there are times when customers are wrong.

Courtesy is imperative when dealing with customers, at the same time everyone should practice this manner. It is wrong for a customer to think they are more important than the employee who may be serving their needs. Being rude and downright abusive to a salesperson or representative of a company is uncalled for, and intolerable. Most companies will do whatever it takes to comply with customer's wishes and sympathize with their complaints in order to reach a compromise. However, an irate customer who refuses to cooperate may also be invited to take their business elsewhere.

While a salesperson's responsibility and success is solely dependant upon keeping the customer happy, this does not give customers the right to make unrealistic demands. It is important to maintain a friendly relationship and keep a constant eye on the needs of customers; meanwhile a customer who plans poorly and wishes to put the blame on the services he received is irresponsible. While unexpected circumstances may arise and salespeople can make exceptions occasionally, demanding a service should not be permissible. Making threats to take their business elsewhere because these demands are not met is often a strategy that customers will use, but sometimes a salesperson's hands are tied when making promises that are not realistic or attainable, and will be grounds for termination.

The same goes for a customer who demands special concessions just because of his loyalty. A customer who demands service and expects to be put ahead of anyone else, or who throws his weight around and makes impractical appeals is overstepping his boundaries.

Some people, may not get along with others, or for some reason just does not like another person. It may be because of race, character or gender. This often happens with customers, in turn, they may demand another salesperson, vendor or waiter, whatever the case may be. However, getting out of hand, making sexual innuendos, racist remarks or rude comments is not acceptable and can be quite an embarrassment.

Customers have rights, but as with anyone else, voicing these rights should be done in a professional fashion. There is no excuse for being rude or to antagonize someone. Treating people with respect should always be exerted, and the same courtesies a customer would expect should be extended to people in business as well.

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