Is Customer Service Really Dead?
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Yesterday, I took my son to buy flowers for his girlfriend. You know how young love is; he wanted to make it special. I asked him why he didn’t buy me flowers.
“Now, Mom-you know you ain’t gon’ take care of them” he replied. I’m so glad he knows his mother, LOL.
Anywho- we made a stop at H-E-B because his sister wanted sunflower seeds in this specific blue bag. Kids and their specificities, right? Anyway, we grabbed the sunflower seeds, and as we got to the cashier, I did what I always do—I greeted the cashier with a friendly smile and a "Hey, how's it going?"
You would've thought I asked her the meaning of life because she looked shocked. Like, genuinely surprised that someone was talking to her. It was almost as if she didn't know how to respond. And that got me thinking: is customer service dead?
It feels like we're living in a time where basic human interaction is becoming rarer than finding a parking spot at a crowded mall. We swipe, tap, and go, and somewhere along the way, we've lost that personal touch. It's like we're all on autopilot, and customer service is just a relic from a time when people actually looked each other in the eye and had a conversation.
What Happened to Customer Service?
Let's be real; we've all had those customer service experiences that leave us feeling like a number instead of a person. You know the ones—cashiers who barely acknowledge you, store employees who seem like you're bothering them, and that automated voice telling you to "Press 1 for more options." It's a vibe, and not a good one.
So, what's the deal? Why does it feel like customer service is a dying art? A lot of it has to do with the fast-paced, digital world we live in. People are so focused on efficiency that they forget about the experience. But here's the thing: efficiency doesn't have to mean cold and impersonal. We can still be quick and kind.
Bringing Customer Service Back to Life
So, how do we bring customer service back from the dead? It's all about going back to basics and making people feel seen and valued. Here are some ways we can step up our customer service game:
Greet People: It sounds simple, but a genuine "Hello" can go a long way. It's the first step in making a connection.
Listen: Put down your phone, make eye contact, and actually listen to what the customer is saying. People want to feel heard.
Be Present: Be in the moment. If you're ringing someone up, focus on them. No one likes to feel like they're just another transaction.
Empathize: Sometimes, all it takes is a little empathy. If a customer is upset, try to understand where they're coming from and offer a solution.
Personalize the Experience: Use names if you can, and remember little details. It shows that you care and makes the interaction memorable.
Go the Extra Mile: Whether it's offering a bag, helping someone find an item, or just giving a compliment, these small gestures can make a big difference.
Customer service isn't just about the transaction; it's about the experience. It's about making people feel like they matter. So next time you're at the cash register, whether you're on the giving or receiving end, remember that a little kindness goes a long way. Let's bring customer service back to life, one smile at a time.
To your continued success,
Javonne