Deflation and Rumination
Please alert your loved ones about the coming price deflation. Assuming that mainstream economists are correct, tomorrow's sales signal the beginning of the end.
Ah, yes, the quality of customer service during holiday shopping. Customer service is the result of consumer valuation of service versus price. Quality service is still available, but I'd rather face the uninterested clerk if it means I save a few percent on the sale. To say that businesses do not have the money to train staff is to say that the customer is unwilling to pay for that training. Quality service is a scarce commodity, but it is a commodity that is available to all who value it.
Comments (15)
I long ago learned that people respond to kindness and that includes those in customer service. I always try to establish a relationship with the clerks in the stores that I frequent. I ask them how their day is going or how they're doing in school. If I haven't seen them for a while, I inquire after them and ask someone to pass along my regards. On one occasion, a cashier was unable to void a transaction (the manager tossed a magnetic card at her and just walked away). So I got behind the register and together we figured out how to do the void. Everyone was hysterical laughing.
By taking the time to acknowledge the sales help, I get wonderful service, pleasant conversation, and I have on many occasions received additional discounts.
Published: December 26, 2007 1:56 AM
Thanks, this information it was very useful to me.
Published: December 26, 2007 6:44 AM
How is this information helpful?
Your a trader!!!!!
this is a disaster for our country. Things are getting bad and the officials don't care or their in denial. What are we to do? Form our own town and print our own currency, maybe susceed from the union. This makes me very sad. I love this country and I would do what ever it takes to preserve it.
Published: December 26, 2007 2:26 PM
Personally, I see just as many customers being rude to sales people even when the salesperson is trying their best to provide good service. The door swings both ways, as IMHO points out.
I believe some of the blame lies in the "us vs. them" mentality held by a lot of consumers. They assume they're going to be overcharged and under-served, so the slightest misstep by a salesperson brings out the worst in the customer. Would that everyone understood the nature of voluntary exchange.
Published: December 26, 2007 2:48 PM
tom, your typo is funny.
yes, they are a traitor, just as the American revolutionists were traitors to Great Britain.
Published: December 26, 2007 3:11 PM
Ron,
Nice article at your blogsite about your customer service experience with your car dealership.
Published: December 27, 2007 1:39 AM
Go to UK why are you here you trader!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Published: December 27, 2007 12:08 PM
Go to Britain or china where ever your from you make fun of people in this country you are an emeny hang huang....What ever you are?
Published: December 27, 2007 12:11 PM
IMHO,
Thanks! It's always reassuring to receive an object lesson in the very principles we preach. A buddy of mine, who is an econ professor, liked it so much he's now using it in his classes.
Published: December 27, 2007 12:26 PM
Tom,
You were unclear as to whom you were calling a "trader".
"What are we to do? Form our own town and print our own currency,"
I suspect you'll not find many here at Mises who would approve of fiat currency.
Published: December 27, 2007 1:27 PM
Ron
It's always reassuring to receive an object lesson in the very principles we preach. A buddy of mine, who is an econ professor, liked it so much he's now using it in his classes."
Well, there's no question as to its suitability for classroom instruction. It was very well written. Please let us know when you write another piece. :)
Published: December 27, 2007 1:38 PM
To IMHO
i'm very pleased to inform you that
you've a clone here in Italy. Me !!
Probably i should have done exactly
what you did.
Greetings fm Italy
Pietro
p.s. i beg you pardon for any
mistake, english is my favourite
but i've to learn a lot more...
Published: December 30, 2007 6:58 AM
Greetings Pietro!
Please don't worry about your English. I only pointed out "Tom's" English, because he was referring to people as traitors without specifying why.
Have a Happy New Years!
Published: December 30, 2007 8:02 AM
Apparently it's a clash of two entitlement-centric generations.
The old bags should just start shopping online, then those who want to keep their jobs in customer service will start acting different.
Published: January 2, 2008 7:46 PM
VanMind,
I'm one of the "old bags" of which you speak, and I see nothing wrong with people treating each other with respect. Since the word "respect" does not appear to be in your vocabulary, I would hope that your first employer has the good sense to keep you far away from his clientele.
Published: January 3, 2008 12:48 AM