Interview question?

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between a rude and a dissapointed customer. Either way, there are a few things that you need to do.

1. Listen to them - give them the opportunity to voice their concern and then say it back to them to let them know that you understand. Most of the time, frustrated customers just want to be heard. The more compassionate you can be about their situation, the easier it is to diffuse their frustration.

2. Let them know what you can do for them to resolve their issue. If you can't, let them know that you understand their situation, but there are limits to what you can do for them and ask them if they'd like to talk to someone who can (supposing that there is a superior who has more descretion in solving their problem)

3. As for just rude customers. For the most part, just take it. Try to ignore them and move on - if it's definitely abusive (beyond a shadow of a doubt and not just your opinion), simply state that what their doing is not appropriate and contact someone to deal with them.

If you try to fight back with rude comments of your own, you're going to get fired. Don't waste your time.

There are many ways to handle rude customers.

1. Brush them off and treat them like everybody else.

Not my favourite approach but employers would rather it be this way.

2. Be rude back. It can be fun, but could ruin the rest of your day by getting you in a bad mood.

3. Be overly cheerful and polite. This is my favourite way as it gets on rude people's nerves. After serving them, always say with a big smile, "Have a WONDERFUL day!"

I kill them with kindness. I am as nice to them as I possibly can be, and if things get out of hand, I call my supervisor in before they have a chance to ask to see him. If you are as nice as you possibly can be to a customer and they're still rude, it is their fault they got bad service. Good customer relations is as dependent on the customer as it is on the employee.

Just work a little faster to get rid of them. If they are complaining about something, listen and tell them you'll do what you can or ask if they want to see the manager. Being nice to them will infuriate them but it is worth it.

"I'm so sorry you are upset Mr. Jones, I'll be sure to tell the manager of your concerns. Please have a wonderful evening" Smile big and run to the washroom to vomit.