Complaining customers, a right painful opportunity

Seth Godin posted a blog “The complaining customer doesn’t want a refund” and it reminded me of a lesson I learnt many years ago.

Back in the mists of time when I was doing a stint in a sales office when one of the reps received a call from a disgruntled customer. The rep, while raising his eyes to the roof, tried some platitudes but this was a serious complaint. The rep decided he’d had a enough and transferred the call to the area manager (sitting in the same office as it happened). What a difference. He was only in the phone for a couple of minutes with the customer. Hanging up he grabbed his jacket and drove the 100 or so miles to visit the customer. He arrived back a few hours later, not only with an appeased customer but with an order for mush more than the original one. We also used the feedback to put in place procedures so that wouldn’t happen again.

Customers who complain are likely to value what you offer – those that don’t just walk. The complaining customer can become your best advocate.