THE Manchester Evening News is today inviting readers to let us know about the best - and the worst - customer service you have received in our region.
This is your chance to praise employees who have gone above and beyond the call of duty when you have ventured on to the High Street.
And it is also an opportunity to tell us about any surly employees who have been rude when you are shopping or perhaps out for a meal.
Britain's service industry, which incorporates the retail sector, has now become the biggest in the world after the United States.
Paul Clarke, spokesman for Usdaw, the Manchester-based Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said more than 3.1 million people now work in the retail sector.
"There is a massive number of people working in the retail sector now and this figure grows every week as new shops and supermarkets open their doors," said Mr Clarke, whose union represents 341,000 of those workers.
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"Retailers know only too well that their staff are their greatest asset in getting customers back through the doors so they make sure that they have the tools to do the job.
"It is in their interests to ensure that staff feel valued in their job as this means that they consistently give the customer excellent service."
Yet a survey into customer service conducted last year by an independent firm of consultants called Grass Roots discovered clear evidence that retailers are finding it difficult to maintain the levels of service customers are seeking.
Their survey found that a minority of staff didn't bother to smile during a transaction and some didn't have good product knowledge - allegations which were roundly dismissed by Usdaw.
YOU can write to Ben Rooth, News Room, Manchester Evening News, 164 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3RN, or email him here.
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I am a Canadian who lived and worked in the UK for nearly 13 years and returned home just over 3 years ago. I was not primarily employed in the service industry during my time in the UK but did work in a Pub for 6-8 months when I first landed so I can speak about the service industry "from both sides of the counter" as it were.
My comments on the industry are not limited to Manchester, or the North West for that matter but actually are representative of the UK as a whole.
In one word or less "horrible" is the service offered in the UK. I was continually appalled at the level of disinterest and ignorance displayed by the vast majority of the staff in any position where they were required to deal with the public.
While working at the Pub I provided polite, promt service that I considered representative of that which I had grown up with. To my amazement I would be serving about 85% of the customers in a very busy pub while the other staff also working those shifts stood by idly chatting amongst themselves.
I think this situation alone highlights what a lack of interest and basic manners the average service person in the UK provides on a daily basis (as the average customer in non-trendy pub would line up to be served by someone who is curteous and prompt rather than ordering a pint from one of the other available staff).
As a customer myself I lost count of the number of time my wife (British) and I would leave a place of business rather than spend our cash on whatever item we were intending to purchase due to complete ignorance on the part of the staff being paid to treat the customers like dirt on that particular day.
Please do not think this is sour grapes but rather see it for what it is, a statement on just how poor service really is in the UK. If you have never experienced anything better than the Status Quo no doubt seems pretty OK but trust me when I say "horrible" is just the tip of the iceberg.
I have worked in both sides of the service industry ,and i have found that most people employed in the service industry see themselves as slaves,they see themselves as subservient? i find that most people who work with the public dont really like the people they serve or even the job??? which i find very uncomfortable .the service in th uk is terrible compared to other european countries ...We have a really bad attitude towards customers in britain.we need to get back our politeness
I went into a PC World in Trafford a few months ago and the assistant ??oehelping" me was eating his M +Ms at the desk, at the same time, and then had the audacity to pass me onto somebody else! Consequently I left the shop and will think again before buying in PC World.
The worst service I have ever received was at Audi Stockport on Saturday 15 April 2006 when having rang to find out if a particular car was available and informed it was decided to visit and make an offer.
On arrival I was informed that could not get access to car following an armed robbery and keys having been taken. They knew this when I telephoned why did they advise me visit? On seeing price on car understandably wished to haggle, coment made about me being Scottish and price displayed is price to pay, new one on me, haggling is part and parcel of car buying... eventually salesman disappeared/reappeared with a ??250 reduction on a ??15k car. Insulting...
Later went to Audi Old Trafford offered immediate ??1k off price on a newer car than that viewed at Stockport with 8K less miles and a better part exchange without the need to haggle.
Audi Stockport I wouldn't give a 4xxxx
I found that most sales staff in clothing shops in Manchester think they are God's gifts to all of us. They confuse exclusivity with contept. It is much more pleasurable to shop on Bond Street where you are actually served than in Manchester's shops.
Echoing the experience of clothes shops etc, but in a positive light. Crombie! Staff superb, attentive and a great help. Looking for a suit and the designs, the fit, attention to detail as well as 3 staff having an opinion and giving advice lead to a rare treat with regards to customer service. Save your money and your stress, dont shop at so called designer outlets that employ kids. The staff seriously know their stuff. Well done Crombie in Manchester, you have a customer for life.
I think generally service in Manchester is poor. I've now stopped paying 10% tips when I don't recieve the service I expect and I have to say that it annoys me when places automatically add a service charge!!!
Having been a waitress and worked in a bar for a number of years I take the view that I'm paid to do a job and part of that job is to smile and be courteous, at the very least. People wishing to purchase goods be it food, drink, clothes, etc, want to be treated in a polite and friendly way - this is why people who work in shops, bars, etc are paid to work so please service people of Manchester - give us a smile and if you can't - go get a job in a call centre where no one can see your sullen faces!!
I'll finish on an up note as it's not all bad.... I think you pay for what you get - the service in Choice, Castlefield really can't be faulted and this is true of most of the more exclusive restaurants in the city including The Lime Tree (Didsbury), Lounge 10, Simply Heathcotes, Le Petit Blanc and Stock (Town).