How to Get Customer Service to Love You (and Therefore Get Whatever You Want!)

Earlier I talked about how to get the cashiers, technicians and receptionists of the world to hate you. (See post.) Now on a more positive angle, I'd like to tell you about how to get every cashier, technician, and others on your side. I think this will be the more helpful post.

1. When there is a problem or hang up in your customer service issue, ask what the options are. 
A lot of people come with an issue and then lay out what they deem a good solution is, and then are upset when the business doesn't accommodate them. While suggestions as to how to resolve problems can be helpful...what you might not know is that there are laws that regulate certain how things can be handled (you would be VERY surprised) or that company policy dictates certain things take place.

Your customer service rep handles these things every day at work and knows how to best work the system, so instead of getting frustrated at the "how the world ought to be" work with the agent not against. Ask them to help you find a solution that's both legal and acceptable for them to offer and helpful for you.

2. When greeted with a "How are you?" reply, but even better ask them how they are.
From my work in customer service experience, I know I appreciate in general those people who take a little time in their brief interaction with me to ask me how work has been. A little friendliness goes a long way. You don't have to be chatty, but a little acknowledgment that the people behind the counter are human is good for everyone. No one likes asking "How are you?" and being met with utter silence and no eye contact.

3. Take your time
So many people are in a huge hurry. Being rushed leads to anxiety, anxiety means stress, stress often manifests as anger and anger just isn't an effective tool for getting what you want. It just creates more anger. When you're out interacting with people, make sure you either have time or make time for those people.

If you say "take your time" and are patient...yes, they might take advantage of your willingness to wait for a few minutes but you'll get better service and actually will end up getting service very quickly. It will be a lot quicker than if you pressure or rush them.

To be frank, if you rush them they might work on it right away, but they might also purposefully delay you a little. It's not nice, but it's something that happens if you rub someone the wrong way. It is best to avoid it. Slow down your life and relax, friend.