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Customer Service Complaints On The Rise

Shoppers Unhappy With How They Are Treated

POSTED: 9:04 pm MST November 10, 2009
UPDATED: 9:02 am MST November 11, 2009

It's something we've all experienced -- a rude salesperson or getting stuck on hold over the phone.

Bad customer service isn't something you just see on TV. It's in restaurants, retail stores and over the phone.

Melinda Dunn, like many Valley shoppers, is wondering what ever happened to customer service?

"I don't see why I should give anyone money if they can't be respectful and nice," Dunn said.

A recent online survey exposed the major companies with the crummiest customer service. The businesses were graded on their staff's knowledge, friendliness and service after the sale.

Bank of America, Qwest, Sprint Nextel and AOL all ranked near the bottom in customer service.

Steven Koeppel is the owner of the Scottsdale Jean Company.

He insists "good customer service" still exists, it's just that some businesses are so concerned with the bottom line these days they've forgotten how to take care of customers.

Koeppel prides himself on training his sales people to not only be friendly and knowledgeable, but to adapt to every customer.

"We really personalize it for each individual," said Koeppel. "If they want more attention they get it, if they want less we give less."

Topping the list of major companies that provide great customer service include Southwest Airlines, Apple, Nordstrom and Whole Foods.

Julie McGough with Whole Foods said the company stresses good service just as much as good food, but the real key is hiring the right people.

"We hire people here with big personalities that are very nice people," said McGough. "Everything else you can train."

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