Steve Marr.org

Some establishments post cartoons or humorous posters that make jokes out of customer service. Many of these bring a chuckle to employees who may have experienced similar situations.  However, the danger is that customers may not see the humor.  They may consider them representative of your negative attitude toward the people that keep you in business.

Consider the following examples:

·      Customer Complaint Line Call 800-GET-LOST.

·      The sign reads: For Customer Complaints take a number. The picture shows the number       pasted to a hand grenade pin. 

·      The cartoon shows a small toilet with the sign “Suggestion Box.” Slips of paper with ideas on them are dropped into it.

·      The caption reads:  push button for customer service. The carton shows that the button is inside a mouse trap.

I like good humor as much as anyone, but when we post this type we send a negative message to our customers that we don’t take their complaints seriously. Such signs only send high blood pressure higher.

Cartoons tend to present an unprofessional look. Paul instructed, “Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” (Ephesians 5:4, NIV) My view is that cartoons and other customer-focused humor, regardless of the motivation, fall into the category of foolish talk and course joking.  Better to stay away from it.

Steve Marr, Your Christian Business Coach

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