The Customer is Not Always Right

I’ve written about this many times. In the September 2006 issue of Fast Company, Danny Meyer, the famous New York City restaurateur, was interviewed. Fast Company asked Danny a very direct question, and his answer was refreshingly direct. The asked, “So do you impress on your staff tha the customer is always right?”

Danny’s response was, “The customer isn’t always right. Sometimes the staff is.”

Danny went on to explain that one of the concepts he instills on his staff is making sure people feel heard. He said, “People don’t need to feel agreed with, so long as they know you took it in, looked them in the eye and were thoughtful in the process.”

What he is saying is what I’ve been preaching for years. The customer is not always right, but they are the customer. So if they are wrong, let them be wrong with dignity and respect.

Shep Hyken, CSP is a professional speaker and author who works with companies who want to develop loyal relationships with their customers and employees. For more information on Shep's speaking programs, books, tapes and learning programs please contact (314) 692-2200. Email: shep@hyken.com – Web: www.hyken.com – Click here for information on The Customer Focus™ customer service training programs (www.TheCustomerFocus.com).