The notion of a customer dates back centuries. The origin of the expression is ‘habitual practice’, and in The Middle Ages it meant a person or business with whom one has regular dealings. By 1830, it signified ‘made to order’ (hence the notion of ‘customise’). Tailoring a customer’s experience both during and after a transaction is […]
Customer service: The evolving art and underlying attitudes
Companies are struggling to find service success and the right balance of internet automation and skilled people who can manage complex service needs. Companies like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines are leading the way with their commitment to an one-hour response (when needed) and a 24 hour problem solving promise; KLM has been using social media as its cornerstone […]
When unpleasant customer service is worse than the initial problem
I took two colleagues to lunch to an upmarket wine bar café in South Melbourne where the atmosphere is excellent and food usually good. My colleagues enjoyed their meals (fish and vitello tonnato), my first two bites were also enjoyable, until I spotted two short black ‘lines’ in the sauce over the chicken. I moved […]