We are watching a show on TV at the moment about service

[i]Out of 15 matradees in his restaurants, only one is English.[/i]

For 3 years in the UK we have been appalled at the general level of service in this country

I normally bite my tongue on the topic, as some people get offended

The thing that amazes me most about it, is how ‘socially acceptable’ it’s become

sure, people get annoyed when BT or Virgin send them around 5 different call centers, but they are never surprised

it’s the norm

restaurants, shops, call centers, everywhere

I know I come from a country where ‘service’ can be a career so the standard is high. Afterall, NZ’s entire tourism scene is built on service

and Asia in general is a place where service is king.

The US have their own solution in tips, bad service = no pay at the end of the day.

The UK seems just full of people who turn up to work to get paid, with no interest in their customers at all.

So, I thought I’d take a few moments to say how refreshing it is to have some good service recently.

I emailed EPOS with a very technical question about speakers and series resistors. A knowledgeable engineer sent a full and helpful reply almost instantly. How refreshing to have someone who knows their stuff actually come back promptly and politely.

S1 found some food packaging hidden in her spinach at the Marlow Bar and Grill. Ok, so not the best start, but man did they do an impressive job of making good of the situation. I’d go back there in a heartbeat.

Newbury tyre and exhaust… ok, so not the most glamorous of places, but the lady on the desk has the most pleasant phone manner it’s infectious. Likewise, the boys in the yard clearly take an interest in their work, know their stuff and are happy to have a chat with the customer, making it just a nice place to shop.

Top work from those three places! Such a nice change from what, after three years, I’ve almost resigned myself to accept as ‘service’.