Five Worst Words in Customer Service

It never ceases to amaze me when I go to a fast food restaurant how frequently customer service seems to be a lost art.

I was at Subway the other day and I was standing in line... it was my turn. With a glazed look, the girl behind the counter said, "May I help who's next?"

I was the only next person.

There was no one else she would likely consider helping and she asks to help who's next and not how can she help me.

Contrast that with a restaruant that has a more personal approach. One of my favorite restaurants is Costa Vida. We have a location not far from where we live. When I went the first time and approached the counter, my first interaction with the staff was, "Hello, sir, how can I help you?"

It is so much more inviting to be addressed directly. It is the simple acts of customer service that can make the largest difference.