NORTHEAST GEORGIA BLOG

I’ve always had this really simple idea about customer service — you get what you pay for. I’m never expecting customer service when I walk into a WalMart, Target, Home Depot, or any of the other massive franchise box stores out there - they deliver on price and I’m ok with that. I am at times stunned when I actually do get some good customer service from these guys.

On the other hand…

I do expect superior customer service from the little guy. The mom and pop outfit. The local chain. I’m pretty sure I’ll pay a little more but my expectations are that I’ll get treated a little better and someone might actually know what they are talking about - or selling.

Here’s my problem. Some of these local guys are getting like the big box stores. Rude, uninformed, and taking customers for granted. They can’t afford to do this - I can walk out of their store and grab the same item for 20% less…or more. Apparently some of these folks have either forgotten that or never knew it to begin with.

When a WalMart store goes up — look what happens — dozens, often hundreds of small businesses pop up and create little success stories all over the place. Great little companies that work along side WalMart just fine. The few that end up shutting their doors are those I mentioned in the paragraph above - and then they blame it on outside influences…they complain because us customers have decided that we just as well can shop at a WalMart for alot less AND get the same treatment.

Most small businesses are fabulous - family owned and operated - community driven - the backbone of our economy. But like with everything else there are a few bad apples in the bunch.

My rant for the day.

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