How Much Customer Service Do You Really Want?

From the Community…

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  Posted by me Thu Nov 5, 2009 7:57am PST

  Actually I find this to be really good service. This gives you the opportunity to say yes, but I know just what I'm looking for or yes, but I have no clue where to start!

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  Posted by ARA2006 Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:17am PST

  I like finding things for myself. So, I like when sales associates stop at pointing you in the right direction at the beginning. If I have more questions, I'll flag someone down to help when I need them. I hate when they hover over you.

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  Posted by circlegirl Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:36am PST

  I suppose it's better that not getting anyone's attention when you need help. I'm finding staff to be more attentive everywhere these days, even at home depot, where in the past, you had to go to the customer service desk to ask a question.

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  Posted by Erin Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:40am PST

  A good sales/customer service person's job is to give a customer what they want, whether that be space, a point in the right direction, or hand holding all the way. Someone who is good at this job can read a customer's needs: customer does not even want to make eye contact, I'll leave them alone, customer turns to face me and is asking me questions, hold thier hand, etc. I personally like to be pointed in the right direction and left to peruse the products on my own, and would have found that second sales person a bit invasive. As long as she gives me the opportunity to decline her help easily, and I am not subsequntly approached by a third fourth or fifth sales person, I think it isn't a big deal.

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  Posted by t Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:48am PST

  I agree with you Erin. I work in customer service and those are the specifics in customers we look for when looking to help them. But we must also greet each and every person who passes our way just to ensure they don't have a terrible shopping experience.

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  Posted by Erin Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:48am PST

  Actually, what I find really irritating, is when you just walk through the door and a sales person yells "HELLO! HOW CAN I HELP YOU?!!" at you across the whole store. I have actually left establishments immediately because of this. I want to shout back: I JUST WALKED IN THE FREAKING DOOR, LET ME TAKE A BREATH, LOOK AROUND, AND I'LL LET YOU KNOW!!

  It does not make me feel special or welcome to have someone shout at me making everyone in the store turn and stare as I walk in. It is actually kind of comical.

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  Posted by E. Boost Thu Nov 5, 2009 8:58am PST

  I personally hate when some people do that. I walk into a store, they say "Hello, is there anything you're looking for?" and I thank them and say I just want to look around. I walk maybe 4-5 steps and another lady approaches me with the same question. I personally don't feel comfortable shopping at places that do this anymore, I feel like they are watching me behind my back at everything I pick up and look at. I went to a Macy's one time, I was simple checking out the makeup counter and this lady kept on asking me if I wanted to purchase something. I said, NO THANK YOU for the 100th time, and she never walked away and kept her eyes on me the whole time (as if I was really going to steal a germy makeup sample).

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  Posted by eccc Thu Nov 5, 2009 9:07am PST

  Honestly, I HATE it when sales associates follow me around and constantly ask me if I need something. If I need it I'll ask. But its a part of their job so I don't throw a tantrum or anything. If they weren't following people around, we would all be complaining about the lack of customer service. Catch 22!

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  Posted by Jailyn Thu Nov 5, 2009 9:22am PST

  i think its important to gage by the situation. as a salesperson,its our job to sell stuff. i'm offended by rude people who treat me like crap. if they dont want my help all they have to do is say so. often times, we pass off a customer to another associate so that they can receive more care. often, the customer knows what they're shopping for but i personally think it helps when they have a better idea of the options that they have.

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  Posted by Lexie Thu Nov 5, 2009 10:00am PST

  I work at a retail store that is prided on its attentive customer service. While I perfer not to hover, we are expected to check in with all customers ever 2-4 minutes. An older woman got angry with me yesterday for checking in on her a second time, and was incredibly rude about it. People tend to forget its our job, I don't ask "Still doing alright?" all day for the hell of it.

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