When I was 19, I got accepted into a five month college internship at Disneyland where I spent eight hours a day in a booth selling tickets and annual passes (in a costume I might add!). The training was intensive and I had a spiel I had to repeat to the every guest (hundreds a day). It was an incredible opportunity and I learned so much about customer service. 

I was security at a casino in Las Vegas almost 10 years ago, now. I learned the fine art of ruining a drunk's good time and having them still happy enough to thank me as I'm walking them out the doors. It was a great experience dealing with bad customers, at their worst and still having to maintain a positive demeanor and a good customer service attitude. 

What I learned was that the customer was not always right, but that doesn't mean I need to lose control and drop down to their level. Regardless of their behaviour I need to always be a professional. 

The positive side of that, is learning that even in a job that isn't traditionally a role designed to keep people happy, I could make a positive difference. Understanding the customer's needs and adding a touch of humor can really build up a positive relationship. It wasn't the big things, it was the small surprises that helped to improve someones experience. 

How quick a customer pays you for your services. The faster the payment the more responsive to them you become. Have to love the customer who hands you a check on your way out the door!

@Raywhite28 -- I especially like that your most valuable customer experience is one that informs how you do business all the time!

@Adam_Fenner What a great experience that you can apply to all aspects of your life! Not everyone would take away from a Las Vegas security guard position what you did. Good on you! 

One word: waitressing. After years supporting myself in college and beyond with waitressing, I'm convinced everyone should spend some time as a "server." It's a crash course in service, sociology, anthropology and human psychology!

@WillowOlder I have heard this from many, many servers! I used to do catering back in the day and it's amazing how much I learned about everything you mentioned (service, sociology, anthropology and human psychology) in just one shift. 

@Bookkeeper4Hire Ah there is nothing like working for someone who is patient and wants to teach you. :smileyvery-happy: What was your job and what was the most valuable skill you learned from that boss? 

Ordered a custom seat for my harley, expensive to say the least.

There were problems with fitment so I called the company.  They shipped that seat back and forth to me several times, each time on their dime, until I was satisfied.

When I called to tell them how much I appreciated the customer service, the owner (I had moved up the chain to the owner by then) he said something that has been with me ever since.

Customer service is easy when it is a normal event, it is how you handle the exceptional that will make the difference long term, even though you will never buy another seat from us (lifetime warranty), you deserve our best.

Needless to say over the years I have recommended them on every forum I am on.

@Rustler that is a fantastic experience and an amazing quote! Although you may never buy another seat from them, the word of mouth referrals they will receive from you and other happy customers will certainly benefit them long term. What a wise business owner!

Our current business! Customer Service is everything in the small business world. 

Example: We shipped an order. Perfectly packed and sealed. By the time it got to the customer, it was completely destroyed and product ruined. (Customer send pics) It wasn't technically our fault, but more on the shipper. But if we don't replace the order we lose a customer, if we replace the order we loose on the whole order and don't make a penny on the customer. However, we chose to try to please the customer and replaced the order and reshipped. We now have a customer for life (and more). They said that they now tell all their friends and relatives how great our company is. :)

@jessbru99568 That's what I am talkin' about!! Once again, your business owner instinct was on point and I am happy to hear you've benefited from this selfless decision in more ways than one. :smileyvery-happy: