by Kirk W. Johnson

Created on: January 23, 2010   Last Updated: January 24, 2010

While it is ultimately the vendor's responsibility to provide excellent customer service, there are some things that you can do to improve your chances for getting it.  As a customer, it pays to be knowledgeable about what you are looking for, responsive to the person assisting you, and most of all, polite.

Many people have had the experience of asking a child what they want for lunch and have gotten the reply, "I don't know."  You know how exasperating that can be when you aren't even given a starting point.  The same will be true of the salesperson who approaches you and receives a similar answer when they ask you that question.  You know, as do they, that you really DO know.  You came into their establishment looking for something.  You have some idea of the features or services that you appreciate and things that you want to avoid.  All of this information is vital for the person who is trying to help you.  It's ok to not know what kind of television you want when you walk into Best Buy, but you do know the approximate size, maybe a brand that you heard about, and maybe whether or not you want LED or plasma.  Telling you salesperson all of this information instead of saying, "I don't know", gives them a place to start to help you.  It also lowers their frustration and sets a good tone for the rest of the exchange.

Secondly, you want to be responsive.  You need to provide positive and negative feedback as they work with you and provide you options.  To stand mutely with your hands in your pockets while being presented alternatives again raises the level of frustration of the person that you are dealing with.  Ultimately, it will result in you being unsatisfied with the results of your encounter.  A good dialog with constant feedback and discussion will enliven your salesperson and make them more confident in offering suggestions and helpful advice.  This will improve your chances of walking away with exactly what you need.

Lastly, no one wants to deal with someone who is rude and obnoxious.  People naturally are more helpful to someone they like and someone who seems to appreciate their efforts.  Being kind and thanking the service person for their assistance, will make them more likely to want to make you happy.  It is just human nature to react that way.

So, while it is the job of customer service and salespeople to provide you with the highest level of service, there are things that you can do to make it easier to provide you with the level of service that you want and deserve.

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