The Lost Art of Customer Service

One habit that I truly need to break is going to McDonald's. Not only is it potentially clogging my arteries, currently adding extra pounds to my hips but I am increasingly growing annoyed with the apparent lack of sound customer service training for the folks that work at these wonderful establishments. While I am somewhat ashamed to admit it, I have patronized quite a few fast food restaurants and the common thread that I have found weaving through the very fabric of these places is the absence of good customer service. Sadly, it is not just found there,this is also happening in retail and grocery stores.

On my way home one evening I decided to order some snacks from McDonald's (I am a sucker for their fries!) When I pulled up to the speaker to place my order, there was silence. No big deal, that would just give me a moment to get my order together. A few moments passed and still silence. So I polietly said, "Hello?" And the reply was a sharp, "Just a moment" as if I was disturbing the flow of the restaurant or somehow bothering them and now they had work to do. A few moments later I was told "go ahead with your order". I ordered and pulled to the second window as I was instructed. I gave the cashier my money and a smile and all I received in return was a raggedy receipt! As I pulled up to the next window to receive my food, the bag was thrust out of the window accompanied by "here you go". As I drove away I wondered to myself here you go?

WHAT?!?

Do these people realize that they are selling SERVICE? Not merely merchandise or food. But the brand, the store name, an experience? Would it kill some of these folks to smile, show a faint sense of happiness? I mean gee-whiz no one forced these people to apply for a job where you have to deal with people.

Now, that is not to say that all people who work in these places are bad. I have actually had some wonderful experiences. One time in particular, the mananger at Popeyes's treated me and my family as if we had walked into her kitchen at home to share a meal at her table. Needless to say I was extremely pleased and I even called customer service to sing the praises of Popeye's Chicken!Oh how I long for more moments like those! Instead of the norm being grumpy, sassy,and full of attitude.

My father used to say that we could make burgers at home. I am serouly thinking of taking his advice. (But I'll keeping buying those fries!)