Friday, September 16, 2011

How is Your Customer Service?

Today I experienced the absolute worst customer service ever! Here I was, a "valued customer," trying to place a special order, on a not-so-cheap item, and I was treated like I was a bother, a pain, and actually doing something wrong! Oh, you never heard such complaining from the customer service rep! Everything was wrong, not done the right way, and you want to use THAT coupon??? What huffing and puffing...I thought she might blow the store down! I tell you, it made me want to run out of there and never shop in that place again!



On the drive home, I mulled the situation over in my head. My initial hurt-feelings and anger turned to compassion, as I wondered what life was like for her--maybe she was going through some rough things at home, an unsettling medical diagnosis, a bad marriage--who knows? For some reason, she was unable to handle a stressful situation well.

Then my mind turned towards myself...am I l any better that employee when I encounter stressful situations at home? How is my "customer service" to my family? Do I complain about things I'm not happy with? Do I treat my children like they are a pain or bother when I am interrupted? Do I make them feel bad when they don't do things my way? DO I HUFF AND PUFF AND BLOW MY HOUSE DOWN??? Worse yet, do my "valued family members" even want to be near me when I am in such a state?



I am sure none of us would ever give such lousy customer service if we worked in a store or ran our own business. We would serve with a smile, and do all we could to make their time with us a joy, no matter the situation.

Please, dear mothers, reconsider your "customer service" to your husband and family. Stop the complaining, the huffing and puffing, and trying to get your own way. Serve them with the love and joy that overflows from a thankful heart, and instead of blowing your house down, build it up for the glory of God!



Linked up at

Far Above Rubies







Posted by at
Labels: , , ,

25 comments:

  1. SRKindredSeptember 16, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    love the post..... I huff and puff alittle too much. thanks for the reminder!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AmySeptember 20, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    A good reminder! When we're having a rough day, it can be hard to remember that we need to be gentle and loving with those who matter most to us.

    Visiting from Time-Warp Wife, btw, and I've also enjoyed seeing you over at Far Above Rubies.

    ReplyDelete
  3. PaulaSeptember 20, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Thanks so much for visiting, Amy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jacinda VandenbergSeptember 20, 2011 at 2:27 PM

    Hello Paula,

    Thanks for linking this post up to GH! It came as a painful yet timely reminder as I was just beginning to feel frustrated with my children because THEY weren't sleeping yet and I wanted to catch up on some reading! Taking a deep breath and trying again...this time with a different tune!

    ReplyDelete
  5. PaulaSeptember 20, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Thanks for sharing, Jacinda! Service with a smile is not always easy!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Melissa ParkerSeptember 20, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Great Post.... saw your link at Time-warp wife!! Of course we all get irritated by the things and people in our lives, but it's how we react to the situation that counts... I try to remind myself to breathe deeply and ask God for Guidance so that I can provide "good customer service"

    ReplyDelete
  7. PaulaSeptember 20, 2011 at 5:05 PM

    I agree, Melissa. We definitely need to remember to breathe and ask God for guidance!

    ReplyDelete
  8. CanadagirlSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Thank you Paula, I needed to hear that today. With the business of harvest I get a bit overwhelmed and I need to remember this wise counsel. Thank you again.

    Blessings in Him<><
    -Mary

    ReplyDelete
  9. PaulaSeptember 21, 2011 at 12:48 PM

    Mary, I can't imagine adding harvesting to homeschooling! Rest in Him and remember that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Graced SimplicitySeptember 21, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    Such an encouraging post! Thank you, for taking the time to share your thoughts and your heart!

    Much Love & Blessings,
    ESTHER
    www.oursimplecountrylife.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. PaulaSeptember 21, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    Thanks, Esther! :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. UnknownSeptember 21, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Before I got married I worked as a customer service representative. I was always as polite and nice to customers as possible, but have to admit that despite me being as nice as possible I got yelled at on a daily basis by customers. It was a very rough job. That being said, I think customer service reps should always be nice! It makes everything so much smoother that way. I love how you related this to real life, although I currently don't have children, I could definitely apply this to my husband! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. ShandaSeptember 22, 2011 at 2:24 AM

    OUCH...customer service at home! I think maybe I need to get some vision statements for customer service departments and post them at home!

    ReplyDelete
  14. PaulaSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    Atypical Housewife--thanks for your perspective from a real customer service rep! Their job is extremely hard, and requires a lot to keep on smiling...very similar to real life!

    ReplyDelete
  15. PaulaSeptember 22, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Shanda, I really like your idea of posting vision statements!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousSeptember 24, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    WOW! This one hit home... and hard. My attitude lately would definitely not be the epitome of cheerful and sadly, my "customers" have noticed. Thank you for putting our attitudes in check.

    ReplyDelete
  17. PaulaSeptember 25, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    You're welcome, Mom's Heart! Thanks so much for visiting! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. life just sayingSeptember 26, 2011 at 10:32 PM

    I recently had a customer service issue that lasted for 3 visits. Your post served as a good reminder. Love the blog. New follower

    ReplyDelete
  19. PaulaSeptember 27, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Life Just Saying...that sounds like no fun at all! Thanks for the follow! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousSeptember 27, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    What an awesome post...went straight to the heart.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Connie
    www.treasures-evermore.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Jessica @FoundtheMarblesOctober 7, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    What's so interesting to me is that in this day of blogs and social media, that customer service hasn't improved everywhere. It's so easy for those with an audience to spread the word about bad service which will deter others from using that brand. Isn't it easier just to provide good service in the first place?!?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Jacqueline @ Deeprootsathome.comNovember 30, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Haha!! What a wonderful analogy!!! I needed this today :) Great humorous, but truthful post!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Kasey @ Walking RedeemedFebruary 3, 2012 at 10:19 PM

    I have to tell you...reading this post was God calling me out! I've not been serving my family as valued "customers" today, but have been rather caught up in the fact that I don't feel well. I NEEDED to read this! Thank you! And thanks so much for taking the time to link it up!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Crystal @ Serving JoyfullyApril 17, 2012 at 3:48 PM

    Love this! Very true. Unfortunately, I do not always have the best customer service with my family members...and there is sometimes huffing and puffing going on at my house! lol. Definitely something to think about!

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousApril 24, 2012 at 8:02 PM

    Thank you for linking up with Workin' It Mondays! This is such a great point that I believe a lot of women overlook- we treat others wonderful but then go home and don't do the same for the most important people in our lives. Well said, thank you!

    Blessings,
    Nicole at Working Kansas Homemaker

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)