Customer service?

How important is customer service to you?

If you are reading this you probably know that I own and run a small business. It is my belief that as a small business, one of the things we can do to encourage customers is to offer great, personal service. Buying something, whatever it is, should be a pleasurable experience, or at the very least straightforward and simple. As a customer you should feel valued and happy with your purchase.

I have recently had an experience with Marks and Spencer that really disappointed me. I will spare you the details (it is a very long story) but suffice to say that I will be using their services as little as possible in the future. 

It has left me wondering why big, multiple outlet retailers and services think they can get away with offering such appalling service. And how much people will put up with if they think they are getting a bargain? Or need/want something they can only buy in one place. At what point would you decide that you would rather give your money to a business that values your custom and listens to you if you have feedback? 

There are a lot of small businesses out there trying to make a go of things. If you have used one and have been pleased with their products/services, let them know. See if you can write a review for them to encourage other people to buy from them. If we all decided to support the good businesses (never mind the size or location) those that cannot be bothered commit to good service and products will not survive and the world would be a better place. Well, mine would anyway! 

Rant over thanks for listening, I feel better now!