My Pleasure
Recently, I've noticed that a lot of vendors are stepping up their game on customer service. It could be due to the economy. Or, maybe, places need something to differentiate them selves from their competitors. Then, again, it could just be a trend in the market. Whatever the case, places seem more interested in taking care of their customers.
Below is a list of a few places where I've noticed outstanding customer service.
- Chick-fil-a - The post title was a reference to what has become the signature phrase of Chick-fil-a employees. Though the "my pleasure" can seem a bit forced, they do back it up with employees that are consistently pleasant and helpful.
Another, feature of the Chick-fil-a experience is that they have a manager walking around the dining-room offering to clear your trash away or get you more sweet tea. Personally, we have had some really good experiences with the manager paying attention to our children and entertaining them. - Auto Zone - We recently had a problem with our car. It seemed battery related, but we were not sure. I took the car to Auto Zone because they will check your battery for free. This is not an uncommon practice. They also checked our starter and alternator.
Turns out we had a bad battery. Sean came out replaced the battery and a connector. He was super nice, full of tips and didn't rush through the installation even though that meant he had to stay a few minutes past the time he was supposed to get off. - Harris Teeter - Their prices may be a little higher than other places, but 1) they double coupons everyday and 2) they provide incredible customer service. From the butcher that points out the great deals on meat to cashiers that never seem to be having a bad day, they are on it. Another great thing is that they put out samples: produce, specialty breads, cheeses and, of course, cookies.
Recently, we took a family trip to HT and the bagger asked if we would like help getting the groceries to the car. We took him up on it since we had both kids, a stroller and the groceries to deal with. When we made it to the car, I said "Thanks" and expected him to walk back in, but he said, "I can put them in the car if you want." It allowed each of us to put one kid in the car, which was a tremendous help.
So, where have you witnessed superb customer service?
Labels: auto, auto zone, chick-fil-a, customer service, fast food, groceries, harris teeter, shopping
posted by Shannon Smith @ 10/09/2009
2 Comments
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2 Comments:
I'm with you on the auto zone and chic-fil-a.
I had a very similar experience at Auto Zone recently. My car wouldn't hold a charge and I was ready to replace whatever I needed to to get down the road reliably. They tested the battery and the alternator and told me there was nothing wrong with either.
They couldn't really help me beyond that, but it saved me from paying unnecessarily for a new battery or alternator.
And I don't think I have ever had a bad experience at a chic-fil-a. They always take great care of us. I think at least part of it is that they pay their employees pretty well.
We were recently house-sitting for Stephanie's folks in Virginia, and Josiah got pretty sick. He had a cold that seemed to keep getting worse, until he looked like he was really struggling to breathe.
We took him to the closest urgent care, and that was a pretty so-so customer service experience. We were there over and hour and they made us feel like an imposition since we were the last 'customers' before closing.
Eventually, the doctor decided to send us to the ER to have a couple of breathing treatments that he said he couldn't offer in the office, and it felt kind of like he was blowing us off.
But the trip to the ER was actually surprisingly good. They got us in a room very quickly. We barely had to fill out any paperwork, and we basically had the undivided attention of a doctor and a nurse for the whole time we were there, which was only a couple of hours.
And (they said... we'll see if it turns out to be true) that they were going to bill it so that we wouldn't have to pay for the room since we weren't there very long.
So 2 thumbs up to the Walter Reid medical center in Gloucester, Va.
Speaking of out-of-town hospitals, Tallahassee Memorial was incredible when we had Palmer there. From the time we walked in until the time we left, the people were great. So, if you're looking to go on vacation and have a baby, I'd suggest you go there. They blew Rex out of the water with how they took care of us.
In general, doctor's visits are always hit or miss for me, especially, the people at the check-in/checkout-desk.
For the most part we use the SAS health care center. Most of the nurses seem to go above and beyond when it comes to taking care of the kids which is nice. They even express sympathy when they have to give them shots. Every doctor I've been seen by there also seems to "care" about you. They seem to treat you and not just your symptoms.
However, the front desk staff is different. It's check-in, have a seat, get seen, check-out, set-up the next appointment, and that's it. It's rare to have them say more than 10 words to you. I guess you could say they are all business.
Two medical places where I think the front desk does a great job is at my dentist and at Kim's OB. At both those places they acknowledge you and are willing to chat it up a little.
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