South Africans expect bad service

[rpm]

South Africans expect bad service

South African companies have set such a low base of customer expectations, that SA consumers are shocked when they receive good service, according to Paul Galatis, director of Yuppiechef.com.

 

[F1 Fan]

This was proven a few years ago if I am not mistaken. We generally just expect less, but I don't think it is an SA thing. I think the same applies globally.

 

[Wezzy777]

True, I am always shocked when I get receive good service.

Between government and SA companies the bar is set really really low.

More so in government though, IMO.

 

[Compton_effect]

My youngest picked up a bug over the weekend. Took him to the pediatrician that is treating him for a immune deficiency, got a prescription for some really strong antibiotics. Filled the prescription at a local pharmacy that is part of a national chain.
Yesterday his condition had worsened so much that we arrange a follow up consult at the pediatrician (R750 a visit).

She takes one look at him and worried that his immune system has weakend - recommend that he be taken up and put on a IV to see if his condition improves.

Luckily we took his prescription with us. While arranging on the phone for his admission - she idly picks up the bottle, looks at it and asks us why the dose on it is lower than it should be. He was supposed to be on 9 mg, the mix the pharmacist gave us is only 3... He'd miscalculated the dose.

And when we go to the pharmacy to get the correct one - he admits to this and tells us he'd noticed the mistake and had forgotten to phone us about it - on Monday! He was very cavlier about it. Unfortunately for him - his bosses are not. :twisted:

Mistakes happen - I'm from a family of doctors, seen and heard the stories - but forgetting to contact us after noticing the error?

 

[TJ99]

This was proven a few years ago if I am not mistaken. We generally just expect less, but I don't think it is an SA thing. I think the same applies globally.

It doesn't. Go to Europe. If a cashier at the till is talking to (or screaming at) her colleagues instead of helping the customer, they get fired. Waiters are extremely friendly. If you return something that's broken, the shop doesn't make you jump through hoops to prove you're not a scumbag trying to scam them.

 

[F1 Fan]

It doesn't. Go to Europe. If a cashier at the till is talking to (or screaming at) her colleagues instead of helping the customer, they get fired. Waiters are extremely friendly. If you return something that's broken, the shop doesn't make you jump through hoops to prove you're not a scumbag trying to scam them.

I would say there are a few exceptions in first world countries yes, but still, majority receive inferior service. In SA, we have a lethal combination of terrible companies+lazy unfriendly people.

 

[WishfulThinking]

South Africans expect bad service - I don't.

.

 

[TJ99]

I would say there are a few exceptions in first world countries yes, but still, majority receive inferior service. In SA, we have a lethal combination of terrible companies+lazy unfriendly people.

Then you'd be wrong. There the exceptions are poor service. Walk into any random shop or restaurant and you're much more likely to receive great service than some rude douchebag just going "eh" when you ask them something, or refusing to show you a product before you buy it. Try talking to tourists in SA, ask them if they think our service is on the same level as they're used to.

 

[HavocXphere]

I find that in SA being hyper polite (but casual) does wonders. e.g. I address all the okes with "Sir". Do that with a lawyer & he won't even notice. Do that with a petrol attendant & he sees it as showing respect. Instant better service.

Also>


Its incredible how much of a difference "powerful" outfit makes, especially if you exude confidence. Again - instant better service. Hell - random people start greeting you with "good morning sir". And then I'm like >> :erm: