I was at the bank today, waiting for my turn. As I observed the scene unfolding before me, I witnessed a customer becoming increasingly agitated with a banker. The customer was trying to deposit a check, but the banker was politely explaining that the customer had filled out the wrong form.
Despite the banker’s patience and clear explanations, the customer grew more and more irate. At one point, the customer’s anger boiled over, and they nearly slapped the banker. I was shocked by the customer’s behavior, and I couldn’t help but think that the banker was well within their rights to refuse service to this abusive customer.
This experience got me thinking: are customers always right? The answer, of course, is no. While customers deserve respect and good service, they also have a responsibility to behave reasonably and follow established procedures.
As Michael LeBoeuf once said, “Customers are not always right. As a business person, you must have the nerve to not just fire your non-performing staff but also fire the wrong customers.”
In reality, some customers can be downright wrong. They may be abusive, dishonest, or refusing to follow basic rules. In such cases, businesses have a duty to protect their employees and establish clear boundaries.
This means setting clear expectations, providing guidelines for customer behavior, and establishing consequences for abusive or unacceptable behavior. By doing so, businesses can create a positive and respectful environment for both customers and employees.
In conclusion, the idea that customers are always right is a myth. Businesses should focus on providing excellent service while also establishing clear boundaries and expectations. By doing so, they can create a win-win situation that benefits everyone involved. Remember only the right customers are right!
featured image by RDNE Stock project