21 Recommendations For Being A Better Customer

1) Try to have a good attitude: Its not your service provider's fault you're having a bad day

2) Be on time: Never assume or expect that your time is more valuable than your service provider's. It is rude and disrespectful to waste somebody's time. Are you even aware that your doctor's office and most valuable service providers will blacklist you when you need them the most for such a faux pas?

3) Be prepared: If you are short on time then a sit down dinner may not be logical. Allot the appropriate amount of time needed to address and resolve your service needs. You may be short on time but you're only shortchanging yourself.

4) Know your territory: You are a guest in any establishment and should conduct yourself as you would as a guest in a stranger's home

5) Be patient: Wait your turn and allow a person to complete their tasks or finish servicing another patron before interrupting. You will be met with a more positive response when you raise your concern.

6) Be respectful: Respect yourself, the establishment, the service provider, and other patrons. Do NOT degrade, raise your voice, call names, make false claims, or use vulgar language

7) Know your opportunity: This may be a learning opportunity for you, the decision maker, or service provider. Be the bigger person and be a part of the solution not the problem. Many people will disagree and suggest that's the establishment's fault but this is a fundamental kindergarten lesson that is just as relevant in adulthood.

8) Know the decision maker: Do not just learn how to express complaints more effectively but also learn who you need to talk to in order for your concerns to be properly addressed and resolved. Talking to the wrong people will only serve to exacerbate your frustrations and the situation.

9) Take a step back and take a deep breath. No matter how frustrated or enraged you are you need to approach the matter with clarity, maturity, and respect.

10) Know where you are: Do not expect 5 star service from the 13 year old cashier at McDonalds or from the 80 year old greeter at WalMart. If you can't afford gratuity then dine somewhere it is not customary.

11) Be aware: If you are shopping at the Dollar Store do not demand door to door delivery, free gift wrapping, or help out to your car with your purchases. Some places offer such services at no charge but you should refrain from making a scene if they are overwhelmed

12) Read the signs: If signage stipulates that certain credit cards are not accepted, they do not accept returns, No cash refunds, final sales, a right to refuse service, a request to stand in line for service, etc.. respect those signs. In some areas those are legal notices and exceptions do not have to be made. If you do not like the rules or requests then patronize another establishment

13) Never make demands. Make requests

14) Never expect anything for free. Very rarely is it necessary to comp with freebies. When refunds are common practice for an establishment there will be specific protocols and procedures. It is your responsibility to know them or ask about them so you don't embarrass yourself by making unreasonable demands (which you shouldn't be making in the first place).

15) It is not the establishment's responsibility to ensure you are a smart consumer when you do business with them.

16) Know policies, procedures, and your obligations when signing anything or making a purchase

17) Use your Ps and Qs. Compliments, manners, and etiquette will get you everywhere

18) Two words: Pardon Me. This phrase is far more effective and less confrontational than Excuse Me, Hey You, or Snapping your fingers

19) NEVER snap your fingers, bang your table, call a server Bar Wench, or put an empty glass on your head

20) Humility goes a long way when dealing with people in humiliating positions.

21) Being polite is essential but being a pushover is not. Know the difference.