Service

[mantra]

Is there such a thing as good service these days? The businesses who do put service first for their customers are the ones who survive whether they're big or small.

There is so much whinging from the retailers that they're going broke, but it's no surprise. They offer no better service - and it's possibly worse, than buying the same product from an online site. On more expensive items you still have to deal with the manufacturer rather than the retailer - so what's the point anymore of going out of your way to visit large stores whose service staff mostly don't have a clue about the product they're selling at a higher price.

I would prefer to deal with a salesperson from an Australian company and pay more for something if I know I'll get decent service - but it doesn't happen anymore.

This would apply to the hospitality industry as well. You'll go back to the same place over and over again if you're getting good attention even if a competitor offers exactly the same, but without the pleasant staff.

[AiA in Atlanta]

Used to be that service was far better in the States than Australia but am not so sure anymore. Department store service here has eroded greatly now that blacks have taken most of those jobs. Restaurant service is still generally better than in Australia.

[freediver]

You don't tip the department store people do you?

[AiA in Atlanta]

You don't tip the department store people do you?

I had the same thought.