Touched Music

Customer Service Essential

Why is it so tough to find good customer service these days? You’d think that with the economy in such bad shape, employees would be working extra hard to impress their superiors by offering excellent service. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I will admit there are probably some areas that don’t need as much attention. Some products sell themselves. But anything having to do with fashion, design, beauty—those industries that base their success on aesthetics—need to have a very knowledgeable, approachable, customer-oriented staff.

For instance, I was recently browsing through some decorative accents, like lamps and wall plaques, at some furniture New York store. And I had quite a pleasant encounter. I normally don’t expect or ask for help when shopping because I’m usually less than pleased, but not this time. A sales associate approached me almost immediately at the first store and asked me a few questions about what I was shopping for. She really got into my head and evaluated my preferences, my tastes and my budget (most important of all).

The home is just another reflection of you. When you walk into your home, you want it to capture your personality. This is why customer service is so important. Interior design is probably not your expertise, so when it comes to making these types of purchases, you will most likely need some guidance. No matter if it’s just a small item, like salt and pepper shakers, or something large, like a bedroom set, you want it to be perfect. And why not? These are items you care going to most likely keep for a long time.

So back to my experience buying furniture, New York sales associates at that first store helped me narrow down my selection, and I left the store with several items. I can confidently say I will return to that store for future purchases, all because of the customer service. Sometimes that’s all it takes—a smart and helpful sales force that cares, or at least pretends to care, about your final purchase.

I’ve had some not-so-pleasing shopping experiences in my life, and I just can’t understand why any company who continue to hire employees that don’t focus on their customers. I’ve worked in retail, and I know it can be a demanding at times. But when your money and the profit of your employer are on the line, why wouldn’t you want to help as much as possible? Maybe the associates at my favorite furniture store should have a training workshop for the sour employees out there. The marketplace would be a much better place!

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