Hold Companies Accountable!

I believe that each and every voice counts. Wherever you choose to shop, you are making a statement that you like the way that store does business. When you choose to purchase a product, you are saying that you like that product and what the company has provided.

I am not a complainer by nature. However, I do believe that customer service is extremely important. There are certain stores and restaurants I refuse to go to because their customer service is so poor. I want to spend my money in places that respect their customers and provide a pleasant shopping or eating experience.

I am a big survey taker. At the bottom of many receipts there are surveys you can take to get free food or some surveys that give you a chance of winning money to spend at their store. I try and take those surveys, not just for the incentive, but to acknowledge great customer service. I know that sometimes those salespeople get recognition if they are singled out in those surveys. I also try to give people kudos in the stores and restaurants as well to let them know I appreciate the good job they are doing.

I also believe in letting companies know when their team members are not providing good customer service. I do not mean yelling in the middle of the store or restaurant causing a scene and causing discomfort to those around you. I mean calling the location later and speaking with someone about the situation or filling out a survey and letting the company know about your visit.

I also believe that we should use our voices to make products that we buy as good for the earth as possible. I once contacted a company about the amount of plastic they were using to wrap paper towels. It was a warehouse store that had bundled twelve rolls together in plastic, but then each roll inside was wrapped in plastic as well. What an excessive waste of plastic! They did respond back to me with their reasoning. I did not agree with their response, but they said they would share my opinion with the powers-to-be. Who knows if they really will, but at least I spoke my opinion to the company. If they get enough complaints, maybe they will re-think about the way they package them in the future.

Don’t be afraid to let companies know how you feel about their products and services. It is the almighty dollar that speaks volumes, so make companies earn the money you spend in their establishment.