Customer service goes both ways, and sometimes it is our own behavior that determines whether or not we receive red carpet customer service. Want to be treated like an A-list customer? Then act like the star you are but leave any diva tendencies at home!

Here are 5 Ways to be a Better Customer

1. Hang up your cell phone: Most of us are guilty of being on our cell phones when we should be engaging with our waitress, checkout staff, etc. It’s so tempting to try to answer one more email or text, that we forget that there is a human being in front of us who is trying to help us. Put your phone away and engage with your service provider. It will brighten both of your days.
2. Turn up the praise: Did you receive excellent service? Make a point of telling the manager! Most times when people say, “I want to speak to the manager,” it’s for a negative reason. If you have a positive service experience, make sure management knows!
3. Take 10 to tidy: You may think you’re a rock star, but don’t trash your hotel room! And it usually takes less than 10 seconds to tidy your space before the waiter busses the table. Why leave a mess that will make a headache for an already tired employee?
4. Be honorable: Pay your bills on time. Tip the staff. Don’t make assumptions about the people who serve you and always treat them with respect. It’s ok to take the travel-sized toiletries with you, but not the hotel towels! Be trustworthy and honorable, and you’ll be the kind of customer it’s a pleasure to serve.
5. Understand that ‘stuff’ happens: Frequently, there are things that are completely out of the control of the person serving you – don’t take it out on them! Be understanding and help them, help you.

Those are my 5 ways of being a better customer. What examples or stories do you have from your life of how people can be better customers? Share in our comments section below!

Donna Cutting is the Founder & CEO of Red-Carpet Learning Systems, Inc., a consulting firm which provides tools and training to help organizations build cultures of engaged employees delivering consistently excellent customer service. She’s the author of two books on the topic, including 501 Ways to Roll Out the Red Carpet for Your Customers, and is working on her third as of January 2019. To learn more about how we can help you improve employee engagement and customer happiness, email us at STARS@redcarpetlearning.com and ask for a complimentary consultation.