Customer Service Contest Winner: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

This contest was sponsored by FreshBooks, a proud supporter of OfficeArrow. As the leader in online invoicing and billing, FreshBooks is known for providing unique and extraordinary customer service experiences.

Customer service is so powerful and that's why we talk about it a lot here on OfficeArrow. We the impact both good and bad customer service experiences can have on business, and for the last two weeks, we've asked you to share your most memorable stories. Thank you to everyone who participated. We had some great entries and are excited to announce winners for both the best customer service story and the worst.

The winner for the BEST customer service story is Donna Blaisdell (OA member: dblaisdell) of Beaumont, TX. Donna will receive:

• A 2GB iPod shuffle OR an Apple iTunes gift certificate of comparable value

She shares:

"Only yesterday I had the opportunity to use my customer service skills. I received a phone call from a very irate lady. She had spoken to one of our employees back in July regarding a past due account and was told that the problem would be sent to the appropriate person who would handle it. After a few weeks, the problem was not taken care of and she attempted numerous times to contact the person by phone and through email; our employee never contacted her. Somehow she got connected to another department yesterday who she said was extremely rude and hung upon her. I don't approve of this conduct; however, I must say the lady was quite rude. I apologized for the treatment she had experienced. I explained to her that the person she needed to speak to was out of the office but that I would be happy to take a message. She very briskly gave me the information I needed to pass along to our business manager. When the business manager called her, the lady responded that the only person that had been nice to her was the secretary who took the message. Our business manager was able to take care of the problem and the lady appreciated our help. I try to be nice and helpful to everyone, not just because it is my job, but I know nothing is accomplished by being rude or discourteous to those displaying that kind of behavior. It takes no more time to be nice than it does to be ugly. Everyone should consider themselves a customer service representative for their company even if it is not their job."

The winner for the WORST customer service story is Phyllis Tyler (OA member: Phyllis) of Portland, OR. Phyllis will receive:

• A 2GB iPod shuffle OR an Apple iTunes gift certificate of comparable value

She shares:

"I called the customer service line for a cell phone company to ask a question. The person I spoke with had a strong accent and I have minor hearing loss. I said, 'I'm having trouble hearing you.' As I was trying to add, 'Please speak a little slower' the CS Rep said, 'If you can't understand me hang up and call back another person will help you thank you for calling Cricket have a nice day.' They then promptly hung up! I went to a local Cricket store for help since their phone customer service was so unhelpful. When I asked to speak with a manager, I was told that the manager was out. I was also told that the manager would call me. A year later, I'm still waiting for that call."

Thank you again to everyone who shared their story and don't forget to check back tomorrow for another contest announcement!