Complaints Are Actually A Good Thing!

Nobody likes to get complaints. They make you question your judgment, they can ruin your day, and they almost always leave you in a bad mood. But what if I told you that complaints are actually a good thing?

Really! I'm not kidding. Complaints are one of the best forms of research you can perform. Complaints are also one of the best sources for new product/service ideas. How so? Most people who complain are upset. When people get upset, they are more likely to speak their minds. Most people who complain also like to tell you exactly what you've done wrong AND tell you how they would do it better. While your customers' attitudes may not be something to look forward to, their hidden suggestions are!

Let's look at this complaint:

"I can't believe you are sending these huge files through email! How ridiculous can a person be!? That clogs up the emails of those of us who are on dial-up for at least 20 minutes. I don't have time for this. You know, if you had a brain in your head, you'd know about XYZ.com. They burn CDs for about $0.30 each and will ship them to your customers for about $1.00 each. Anybody can afford that price. I've deleted your email. When you decide to operate like a real business and send me a CD, I'll look at it."

Yes? it's a harsh email. But most people who complain don't have very good manners, now do they? But take away the emotion. Take away the temper. Take away the insults, and what do you have left? A VERY good resource for CDs!

This person has just given you a resource that can:

(a) solve your problem with huge downloads

(b) be a new product to sell (CDs instead of downloadable files)

(c) offer you a solution that can benefit you and your customers

All for free!

How about the complaints that say, "You know, you really ought to?" Well? Maybe you really ought to. Have you thought about the customer's suggestion? Yes, it was probably hidden beneath a pile of profane words and threats? but look deeper. In all honesty, is this unruly customer doing you a favor?

It happens more often than you might think. People, in general, have a bad habit of trying to show those they are upset with how big and bad they are. More times than not, you'll get great ideas buried inside a wrapper of rudeness.

The next time you get a complaint, unwrap the package, and you just might find that the complaint is a blessing in disguise. If you remove the ugliness from the message, you could very well have some terrific ideas for improving or expanding your business!

Copyright 2004 Diane Hughes

About The Author

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

FREE Report: Amazingly Simple (Yet Super Powerful) Ways To Skyrocket Your Sales And Build Your Business Into A Tower of Profits! ==>> http://madmarketer.com/diane

Latest News


International Business Times

Intec Appoints Andrew Meyler as VP Customer Services
MarketWatch - 17 hours ago
The new Customer Services role at Intec will play a key part in delivering operational value, and help our customers respond to market challenges. ...
Parature Releases Free White Paper on Cutting Costs and Improving ... PR Web (press release)
all 18 news articles

Transite Technology Signs Deal with MCR Safety to Provide ...
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
Transite's products and managed services ensure the least-cost mode and carrier for every order while increasing management and customer service by ...

Anything Brands Online Offers Its Commercial Clients Viable ...
MarketWatch - 18 hours ago
... tools and leading service partners, Freight Shares provides transportation capacity, shipment management and superior 24 hour customer service through a ...

E-Commerce Sites Are Focusing on Customer Service
CIO Today, CA - 15 hours ago
By Patricia Resende In a rocky holiday season, e-commerce sites need to focus more on customer service. Good service helps a company, while bad service can ...

Rohm and Haas Uses Elemica's Terminal and Warehouse Solution to ...
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
Fewer errors, along with accurate data on inventory levels, results in less overtime and rush shipments to meet customer service expectations. ...

City's budget wrangling continues
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - 3 hours ago
Monday, the council voted 5-3 to restore six customer service centers, which offer residents a neighborhood stop to pay city bills or ask questions, ...

Popeyes hopes to rebound with improved customer service
QSR Web, KY - 14 hours ago
The major draw was the flavor of the chicken and red beans and rice, but the stores' customer service was lacking. Bachelder is heading a plan designed to ...

Sify

Orleans County banking service center to stay open
Buffalo News,  United States - 10 hours ago
The former Washington Mutual customer service center in Albion will stay open with full staffing, guaranteeing jobs to more than 800 employees in Orleans ...
WaMu didn't live up to 'friend of the family' Seattle Post Intelligencer
WaMu losing 9200 jobs San Antonio Express
all 334 news articles

PR Web (press release)

M5 Announced Landmark 900th Customer Win with Addition of Airport ...
PR Web (press release), WA - 13 hours ago
This real time tool allows CAS to manage and measure staff performance according to customer-defined service level agreements. CAS president Mike Duffy ...
M5 Hits Milestone with Addition of its 900th Client, Airport Cargo ... TMCnet
all 4 news articles

Frost & Sullivan Recognizes Martek Biosciences for Unique and ...
MarketWatch - 13 hours ago
This Award recognizes the company's successful sales entry, customer acquisition and service strategies, and the degree to which those strategies have met ...

Resources