How important is customer service? - Retail Rumblings - schuster80's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Apr 4, 2007 at 03:04 PM : Customer service does...

Customer service does impact me. I won't go back to stores where clerks stand around and ignore you and you have to threaten their knees with a baseball bat to get a little help.

Apr 4, 2007 at 03:04 PM : Posted by Drummel: ...

Posted by Drummel:

Customer service is huge in my book. If the business is going to get a dime from me, they better be courteous and acknowledge my presence.

Apr 4, 2007 at 04:04 PM : I hear Nordstrom has...

I hear Nordstrom has great customer service. But I went there once while I was in college and was completely ignored by sales staff, who kept chasing after a guy in his 40s wearing khakis who looked like he must have more money than I did. It was humbling, but I still bought a $30 shirt there (which I still wear to this day).

Apr 4, 2007 at 05:04 PM : This happened to me...

This happened to me TODAY!! I bought a large tool cabinet at Sears. I paid and was told I needed to pick it up at their warehouse off of White Ln. I had limited time, but I went ahead and drove over there anyway. As the workers were loading it into my truck, I saw the color was different than what I asked for. They said I would have to go back to the main store and have the receipt fixed, as they could not help me there. I blew a gasket! I came home and called the hardware department manager (Derrick). I explained my situation and told him I did not have time to run around to fix his salesperson's mistake, and said I wanted the correct cabinet, and I wanted them to deliver it to me, at no cost. He quickly agreed. I would have canceled the charge on my credit card if he would have said no, but as a result of what he is doing, I will continue to shop at Sears.

Apr 4, 2007 at 08:04 PM : Sales people need to...

Sales people need to learn the fine balance between being available for help, and hovering over you like vultures. Either one will send me looking elsewhere.

Apr 4, 2007 at 11:04 PM : Customer Service needs...

Customer Service needs to be balanced against Customer approach too. All too often I see people demanding more than they are paying for as if it is a god given right that they get something more without payment. In addition, when mistakes are made, all too often the clerks bear the brunt of the wrath, even when it's the ticky-tack procedures set up by management to slow down return processes and such. Remember that it's not always the clerk's fault about a delay, most clerks I know would be happy to get you your money back or your exchange immediatly. I know many managers who would rather see if you'll berate his poor clerk, run out of time, and buy another one anyway.

Apr 16, 2007 at 08:04 AM : Customer service is...

Customer service is definitely lacking everywhere. Something so simple as a smile would be a big change. Please do not act like you are doing me a favor by waiting on me. I am doing you a favor by shopping at your place of employement, so you will have a job. I have stood in front of a cashier who is on the phone and watched this person continue their conversation for over 5 minutes while totally ignoring me. I have next in line and watch the person go on a break without even a comment to me. I will usually find the manager and let them know.

Apr 17, 2007 at 05:04 PM : The Taco Bell on...

The Taco Bell on Panama and Wible has nothing but idiots working at it. And the manager at in and out on panama is an idiot also.

Apr 17, 2007 at 06:04 PM : I agree when we fellow...

I agree when we fellow rocket scientist come through the driveling, we get no respect.

May 8, 2007 at 06:05 AM : Jim Burke Ford...

Jim Burke Ford "lost" my brand new car when I took it in for an oil change and warranty service. It took the better part of two hours to locate my car. It wasn't until I informed the service manager I was going to call the police and report my car as stolen that they quickly "found" it. - At the entrance to the service bay. My guess is they used my car to deliver parts or pick up lunch. They had done NO work on it and wanted me to leave it so they could complete the work. I couldn't believe their nerve.

My son had an oil change performed there on his brand new Ford Focus and thought everything was OK until he got another oil change done at the Ford dealership in Salt Lake City, Utah. The dealer in Utah just notified my son Jim Burke Ford installed the incorrect oil filter and incorrect oil in his brand new car. (I've heard of drumming up business, but this is ridiculous!)

He had the dealer in Utah write a letter testifying their findings and he is going to contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair in Sacramento and file a formal complaint.

I wouldn't take my car back to Jim Burke Ford again for any amount of money!

May 8, 2007 at 06:05 AM : I've had good...

I've had good experiences with Jim Burke and my guess is you'll find someone who has had a bad experience with any one of the car dealers here in town. One exception was back in 1977 when we bought a new pickup and I had to take it back to them to have the A/C installed. (they didn't all come that way back then.) When I called to set up the appt. they told me to have it there early and it was a one day job. I lived in Tehachapi at the time and had my infant grandson with me. My sister picked me up, we shopped, and ate, and visited until time to pick up the truck. When I got back there at 5 pm I was told "oh no..it's always a at least a two day job." I was furious..not to mention being stranded here in Bakersfield with an infant. They said they didn't do loaners. I hopped up and down and hollered and threatened until they found me car one of the salesmen had been using. Because they finally accommodated me, we bought an additional truck there the next year.

When I bought my Sonata there a couple of years ago there was some minor thing wrong with it after a few days (so minor I even forgot what it was) and my salesman had me bring it right back and gave me a loaner. Weird little suv'ie type thing with the grearshift on the dashboard. Anyway..they did right by me and it wasn't even a new car..or a Ford. Also, since I didn't use my other car for a trade in and my family was out of town, they drove my old car home for me. I sure can't complain.

May 8, 2007 at 10:05 AM : Hm...Jim Burke...

Hm...Jim Burke Ford. My ex-husband and I purchased a car from them in 1986. It was an '83 Cadillac Coupe de Ville with approximately 30,000 miles on it. Four months after we purchased it, we had to have the entire engine replaced to the tune of over $4,000. 6 months later, we also had to have the transmission overhauled; another $1200. That was it for me and Jim Burke Ford, AND General Motors.

And about 4 years ago, one of the limos of the company I work for was taken to JB Ford for work. Trustingly, the half-full alcohol decanters were left in the car. When the car was returned, the decanters were empty.