Customer Service??

[habernac]

Originally Posted by moncton golden flames

customer service type? does that mean call centre, retail or do you have experience directly related to the subject we are discussing (tipping at a restaurant)?

I've worked them all from restaurant to retail to telephones, etc. I think I have more patience than most as I've been in their shoes. It also makes it easier for me to pick out the ones who actually give a crap about their customers.

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Cactus Jack

In the US I also find the service to be better (NYC, LA, etc) but people FROM the US are extremely rude. It's unbelievable the a-holes that the average New Yorker is - especially those that work in public transportation. People from the US really don't have the same regard for others we have in Canada.

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Again, for those that can't seem to comprehend, its NOT that Americans are d-bags or whatever you want to call it. Americans are as helpful as just about any other society, they just don't aren't as polite as Canadians and don't use please's, sorry's and thank-you's as much as Canadians.

I should have said a-holes, not d-bags i guess...

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by peter12

That's even worse! So in your grand travels around the United States did you carry a little politeness odometer with you? Maybe we are just seeing an example of confirmation bias.

Sorry, I guess I just happen to have skills such as observation and memory that you lack, and thus you need a measuring aid to make your way through life.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Sorry, I guess I just happen to have skills such as observation and memory that you lack, and thus you need a measuring aid to make your way through life.

Whatever, man. I just hope you have more fun in the US then you are letting on. Because that is all that matters, anyway.

[moncton golden flames]

Originally Posted by habernac

I've worked them all from restaurant to retail to telephones, etc. I think I have more patience than most as I've been in their shoes. It also makes it easier for me to pick out the ones who actually give a crap about their customers.

i find i am very picky when it comes to service, especially at a restaurant, so i understand where you stand. i just can't stand it when ignorant people make 'poor service' comments, you on the other hand, i can respect, cause you've been there. if you feel the tip is not earned, then i can live with that, but most people don't understand what really goes on and how a restaurant works, thats the frustrating part.

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by peter12

Whatever, man. I just hope you have more fun in the US then you are letting on. Because that is all that matters, anyway.

Meh you know what, I've gotten used to it. You learn different societies and their manners, and Americans just happen to be more blunt and don't see manners as big of a deal, and they don't take things personally. Canadians tend to be more critical and whine alot more, and they do take little things like being cut off in traffic really personally. Asians are over polite in business (can't say the same all around) and trying to work with them as Canadians is tough because they are too afraid to upset you by disagreeing with you. I don't need a meter to figure that out, its just the way society interacts, and from all my "grand travels" I've learned to integrate myself into a society rather then whine about how its not integrating to me.

[peter12]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

Meh you know what, I've gotten used to it. You learn different societies and their manners, and Americans just happen to be more blunt and don't see manners as big of a deal, and they don't take things personally. Canadians tend to be more critical and whine alot more, and they do take little things like being cut off in traffic really personally. Asians are over polite in business (can't say the same all around) and trying to work with them as Canadians is tough because they are too afraid to upset you by disagreeing with you. I don't need a meter to figure that out, its just the way society interacts, and from all my "grand travels" I've learned to integrate myself into a society rather then whine about how its not integrating to me.

Now that is a good post. So after all that, we agree. Good points.

[Ozy_Flame]

To answer the OP's question at the start of this thread...

I found the customer service level was of two kinds in Japan - quiet and fast, or friendly and fast. There was no other option. Bad service is a considered a dishonor to the patron and and an even bigger no-no to the shopkeep. Reputation and legacy is huge in Japan, and most businesses want you to keep coming back for repeats visits.

That said, I've traveled enough in Asia to know that tall white guys also seem to get some preferential treatment too. One time I was my brother and I were walking through a snake market in Shenzhen, China, and we had security officers volunteer to walk with us to order in keep the girls at bay (I'm not kidding you, this actually happened.) It was like the only time they saw two blonde white twins in real life. The best part is the security officers didn't even ask for any sort of payment. It was their duty to do it.

For those that haven't been to Asia, try flying an Asian airline (Korean Air or Singapore Airlines come to mind.) They are miles....even EONS ahead of Air Canada or any North American carrier.

[moncton golden flames]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

and we had security officers volunteer to walk with us to order to keep the girls at bay (I'm not kidding you, this actually happened.)

and where is it i should planning my next trip?

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

That said, I've traveled enough in Asia to know that tall white guys also seem to get some preferential treatment too. One time I was my brother and I were walking through a snake market in Shenzhen, China, and we had security officers volunteer to walk with us to order to keep the girls at bay (I'm not kidding you, this actually happened.)

This is a problem I would like to have...

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

This is a problem I would like to have...

Here's the funny part: the security guards said they were prostitutes and low-class peasants. My brother and I just thought they looked like normal girls, they were dressed like most women here in Canada. Some of them were actually pretty hot!

[Boblobla]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Here's the funny part: the security guards said they were prostitutes and low-class peasants. My brother and I just thought they looked like normal girls, they were dressed like most women here in Canada. Some of them were actually pretty hot!

Double bag it, problem solved.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Boblobla

Double bag it, problem solved.

Err....Triple bag it.

[calgon]

I have been fortunate to spend a few months in Japan while on student exchange, and the service was definitely second to none... for the most part. There were a few occasions when I was refused service at certain establishments; I can only assume it was because I was a foreigner. A few other places I ventured into had very odd decorations such as giant painting of Hitler; naturally I did not stick around in those places. Overall Japan was definitely the height of customer service, the food there is fantastic as well, a restaurant there wouldn’t be caught dead serving some of the crap you can find around Calgary.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by 4X4

This reminds me of the time I got congratulated by a few people after I snapped at a train station. I was at Vic Park station around midnight during stampede. Three trains went by and people were only filling it 3/4 capacity but the platform was packed. Finally I went a little haywire, put my arms out and started pushing people forward into the train. I yelled "come on people, fill the aisles, some of us want to get home tonight!!
It started a mini riot and suddenly everyone started yelling "Yeah! Fill the train! Let's go"

The train packed up like a sardine can and we took off. Then a big conversation broke out among total strangers along the lines of "some people are soo stupid. Just fill the f'n train when there are people trying to get on"

First off, wicked story!

Second, don't you find it hilarious that a "some people" are so stupid conversation broke out with everyone involved in direct earshot?

I love Calgary...

[TheyCallMeBruce]

Here's a cool story for everyone.

I lived in Malaysia in the past, but I was too young to really appreciate anything from that country. I went back about a couple of years ago and we were vacationing on Pangkor Island. I gotta say, they treated us like Kings! We had 2 servers waiting on us all night while we ate dinner. They would just stand to the corner (far enough to not intrude on us), and if we needed water, water served right away. We gave them tips (10 Malaysian Ringgit, which is like $3 cdn) for a huge meal of 6 that barely cost us $25cdn. They were estatic that we gave them 10 Malaysian Ringgit. They couldn't believe anyone would give them so much. Kept thanking us non-stop.
Also, agreed with OzY_Flame. Asian Airlines are insanely awesome. I flew on Malaysian Airlines and it was way better than anything we can offer.

[FurnaceFace]

The one area I disagree with Asian airlines being awesome is in the line up to get on. When they come on announcing "we're going to start boarding..." EVERY gets up and gets in line. Row 6 is standing in front of row 47, etc. Made for a really long process. It was therefore a treat to get back to NA and boarding rows 20-30 only to the point they kicked people out of line. Line cutters have always been a pet peeve of mine.

I've had great service and crappy service in many countries...I think I'd have to agree Japan was the most respectful though. I've also had random acts of kindness in many countries. I even had a lady in Paris of all places help carry a suitcase up the metro stairs when I was struggling with 4 bags. (I was coming back home after spending 6 months working in Europe)

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Here's the funny part: the security guards said they were prostitutes and low-class peasants. My brother and I just thought they looked like normal girls, they were dressed like most women here in Canada. Some of them were actually pretty hot!

Ha I ran into the same situation this summer except in Budapest.

Best service I ever recieved btw: Belgrade, Serbia. Waiter didn't even need to be called over when we needed him, it was like he read our minds what we wanted and when.