Is the customer always right?

I guess the idea behind this blog is that I, as a person who comes from a different background than all of my Irish compadres, might have a fresh view on things. There's one facet of Irish consumer habits that has irritated me for as long as I can remember. It seems that in Ireland, the moto 'the customer is always right' doesn't really seem to hold much importance. A few examples:

1. On numerous occassions, I encountered really annoying problems with my (ex) mobile phone provider. Handy for me, they have this nice hotline I can ring; how good of them. When I switched to bill pay, not only was I essentially told I was 'wrong' (not necessarily in those words) about several issues (from an additional deposit needed for roaming charges that I wasn't told about, to a mixup porting my number over even though I was on the same network originally) very rarely did they feel they had wronged me. Only after I complained, a lot, did I finally get to discuss things with some type of manager. All the while, the staff made me feel like me ringing them was quite bothersome. How very helpful.....

2. One time, myself and my family were 'lucky' enough to get to dine in one of Dublin's supposed 'best' restaurants. As our table was not ready when we arrived we went up to the bar for a drink. My brother orders a drink not very common in Ireland called a Tom Collins. "Could I have a Tom Collins please? The reply? No. Ummmm, sorry? No you can't. What do you mean, no I can't?" And back and forth for a bit until the young bartender finally felt it prudent (after my brother began to lose his temper) to explain the fact that he didn't have the necessary ingredients. Wouldn't that have been easier to say instead of just: No?

3. Last one. No particular example but something that is extremely common in Irish shops. Clothes shops, dvd shops, food, games, books etc.... I should point out that I'm not saying that this is an absolute occurrence, just a bit too common for my liking. In some parts of the world (the USA) attendants come up to you straight away and say "Can I help you?" Though some find this annoying, it's a simple matter of just saying "No, I'm ok thanks" and the pestering attendants will leave you alone and find another customer (or get distracted by something shiny). In Ireland, I often feel asking the shop attendant for help is highly impertinent of me....rude even! They'll slouch on over and mumble a one word response to all of your questions all the while texting on their phones and looking around. Sorry to bother you mate, my mistake.

All in all, whenever I've had a job, I make 100% sure that customer is always right. The customer may be an idiot, and trust me once they leave I'll turn to someone I work with and say "What a jackass" but while they're there, I'll make sure they get whatever they need. In the past this has resulted with better tips, increased sales figures and a more pleasant overall work atmosphere.

In conclusion, it's a small little thing to be helpful to customers. And if you don't like doing it, well, I suppose you don't have to. Oh wait, you're getting paid to so stop being an asshole to me when I walk into your shop!!!

Manuel

First Post

Right so; for a long time I wasn't sure what to write about in my blog. Beyond that, I wasn't sure anyone would want to read it either. But my good friend Ed (his very informative blog can be found at http://cube1986.blogspot.com) encouraged me to write about anything that I find interesting. To that end I don't suppose this blog will have a theme as such, just whenever I find something good to write about, I will. I hope people enjoy it.