Service me!!

[Colapop]

I was going start this thread with "I am getting so pissed off with..." but there's too much of that around sometimes so instead a question for all of you;
How important is service to you? And What difference does it make?
The scenario:
I took my daughter into Subway (Karori) for a treat last night (better than greasy's) and she got a 6" sub and me a salad. The staff were the worst I have encountered since I was last in the Warehouse (J'ville). They made her sub and just stuffed the filling in then as he was about to wrap it he puts his hand on top of it and squashes it down. I was at the other end of the making station watching the other guy make a salad. He starts off with a half a handful of lettuce, and when I said "you're allowed to out more than that in aren't you?" he get's shoved aside by the other guy who gets about 2 handfuls worth. He gets 4 bits of each of the other salad stuff, tomato cucumber gherkin and one chicken fillet thing. I'm standing there thinking WTF?
I don't give a flying f*ck how many people are waiting in line, so I got him to make it again. He just stared at me as if I was retarded! I told to forget it and walked out. I ended up taking my girl out to dinner at cafe 162 (marsden village) it cost 5 times more, but service was great. The waitress came to our table and was polite (and buxom), I didn't have to repeat myself 3 times, all the staff were smiling, all in all a far better experience.
Now I know they're not in the same category but I've been into other fast food outlets were the staff have been at least cheerful and courteous. I like good service and I won't go back to somewhere where I've had poor service. It doesn't take much to be polite, even when you're busy. I've worked as a manager for KFC before so I've been on the other side of the counter too. Occasionally you get f*tard customers, but I have never had a customer go away unhappy after they've spoken to me (Haven't had to hit many either!)
So, how much does service, good or bad, make a difference to you?

[judgeshock]

You are absolutely right, they pay for monkeys and get them. Down here we have staff who can't seem to raise their voices above a peep and you have to repeat yourself lots.
As you say subway better than greasys but they need to tidy their act up on staff training.

[MSTRS:Me]

Good service comes ahead of good product in my book. However, I will not knowingly buy a poor product just because the service is great. I will try to find a happy median, even if it means going a bit out of my way.

[ManDownUnder]

Service is where it's at.

Look at McD's - they've made a fortune on service... the product is ok (not good... just "ok") but the service is great - in respect of them being a fast food outlet.

People go in wanting fast - they get fast. Their expectations are met.

The only exception I'd personally make where I would accept opoor (or even lousy) service is on expensive goods where I'm getting a good price. I'm willing to look past the lousy attitude to save $1,000... I look at it as 20 mins of hard work to earn me $1,000... I'll do that anytime.

[tracyprier]

It doesn't take much to be polite,

You know what, it takes more effort to be an arsehole than it does to be polite and pleasant. Some of the service in this country really DOES beggar the imagination.

[Hitcher]

McDonald's secret is consistency. You always know what you're going to get. It mightn't be the greatest burger in town, but it's always the same. Even in another town. Or country.

[Sniper]

Same as Burger King and Wendy's.

[judgeshock]

If McDs is got a secret, I hope it's not special sauce from the staff

[idb]

Queenstown has surely got the worst service in the country - and they expect you to put your change in a glass on the counter!!!!
Bwah ha ha! What's that about?
I wanted a $5.50 burger, I got a $5.50 burger, you did the job I paid for, why would I give you more money?

[skelstar]

If it hasnt been said, then flick what you wrote into an email and send it to the HO or store.

[Colapop]

If it hasnt been said, then flick what you wrote into an email and send it to the HO or store.

Yep have done - even did it politely.

[Lou Girardin]

You would think that employers don't care if you go back or not.

[Pixie]

You would think that employers don't care if you go back or not.

The employers don't necessarily know their employees are wankers

[Motu]

I guess I have different requirements for service....as you'd expect,so I'm the don't care vote.I don't frequent shops,and certainly not mall shops and food places,any shops I do go to I like to look at things and make up my own mind without someone pestering me - if they do I walk out.In my day to day work the service I expect is the least possible - I ring up and say what I want....they say it's on it's way,and in less than an hour my parts arrive - 30secs max,anymore and I'm getting annoyed.For service in any area I expect quiet confidence and knowledge of product - over exuberence and trailing my every step is a sure way to lose my custom.

Oh,and I hate being instantly on first name terms with any salesman,man that pisses me off - I've known you for 2 minutes,that does not give you the right to treat me like your life time friend....you have to earn my respect,and that's an instant way to lose it.

[Test Pilot]

Im not gana name any names but on the service front there is only 3 motorcycle stores ill deal with in AKLD cause the service is crap at all the others and the people running some of them are just arrogant pricks. Iv been to them all and cant belive the way i got treated at some of them, i felt like i was a bum asking them for money or a handout. couldnt belive that fellow motorcyclists would act like that. Cant be Kiwibikers at those stores.