No skills in dealing with public

THE EDITOR: I would just like to express my views on what should be good customer service and what I think it should be like. First of all, I’d like to know why there are so many people in the customer service field, whether they are government employees, store clerks or private company’s front-men who are the ones interacting with the public, yet show no admirable skills required for their position of work. Shouldn’t these people be kind, courteous, willing to be helpful and above all, have general knowledge pertaining to their field of work? I have found that many of the people in this position are not qualified to carry on the duties necessary to ensure that customers are satisfied.

For example, store clerks sometimes let personal matters affect their emotions in the work place. Most times we receive an unpleasant reaction and it’s not fair to customers to walk into a place of business and be treated with a negative attitude. Business owners should train employees, reinforcing proper social conduct with regards to greeting and attending to customers. I would like an attendant to greet me with a simple genuine smile, “hello, good morning/afternoon, may I help you?” If I choose no help, they can then tell me, “well, my name is...... if you need my assistance I’ll be right over there, feel free to call on me.” I think that is a most appropriate greeting instead of an attendant who either ignores me or one who constantly badgers me trying to get me to buy something. That’s all I have to say, thank you very much.

KAREN   ALI
Chaguanas