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As we all gear up for the holidays many of us will be frequenting stores and using services that will either make our lives easier or more…shall we say, difficult? This year, for the second year in a row, the “Consumer Reports has compiled a holiday report card of customer service policies that it deems either “naughty” or “nice.””
As a company that prides itself on lasting quality and service, we wanted to share with you those companies that “stacked up” this year and those that did not. Here a few highlights of interest to the I.T. community:
The “nice” list…
- Cablevision Telecommunications companies are a frequent target of consumer displeasure, but this industry giant offers more to subscribers who sign up for its Optimum Triple Play — Internet, phone, and television service. Perks include free movie tickets on Tuesdays and deeply discounted tickets on other days. Plus, customers who sign up for Cablevision’s free Optimum Rewards program get discounted popcorn and soda at participating theaters.
- Crutchfield The electronics merchant offers help with installation, setup and troubleshooting around the clock, and technical support at no extra charge, for the life of the gear purchased.
- Microsoft If someone buys and installs software on his or her computer, most retailers won’t give a refund, no matter how much the customer hates the product. But consumers dissatisfied with a Microsoft software or hardware purchase from any retailer can send it back to the company within 45 days for a refund and reimbursement of shipping costs up to $7.
And “naughty”…
- RadioShack When a Consumer Reports reader shopped for an HDMI audio-video cable, Mr. Marks said, the store price was nearly double the online price. A customer service supervisor said he couldn’t do anything about the discrepancy, and directed the reader to the fine print on RadioShack’s Web site. (The company acknowledges that it sometimes charges different prices for the same item.)
So before you close your doors this season, remember the customer may not always be jolly but they should always to be held in high regard. For in this digital age, positive or negative feedback about your services can make or break a small business, not to mention a large company.
CLICK HERE to read more about this year’s Naughty and Nice companies.
