I just experienced the worst example of customer service I’ve ever
seen (or heard of, for that matter.)  I called the local Dish Network
TV provider to ask what packages they had, and what promotions they
were running.  From, “Hello.  XXXX Satellite, this is Bob.  How may I
help you?” it went downhill in a hurry.

I indicated I would like to know what their packages were.  “What’s
your name?” the person asked.    I told him.  “Okay,” he replied. 
“What’s your address?”  I figured he needed it to determine the cost of
installation or something so I gave it to him.  “And what’s your social
security number?” he wanted to know.

I said, “Wait a minute.  I’m not ready to sign up yet.  I just want
to know what packages you have available.”   “I’ll get that for you,”
he said, “as soon as I get your social security number.”  I asked if it
was impossible to give me the information on what channel packages he
offered without the social security number and he informed me it was. 
I told him never mind, I’d just use Direct TV.

The point of this discussion is that I really wanted to do business
with Dish.  They have a good reputation, they had one channel I wanted
(that Direct TV didn’t have,) but they were so hard to do business
with, I went elsewhere.  Even though you have the better product; even
though you have the better price; even though you have everything in
your favor; if you’re hard to do business with, customers (or potential
customers) will just go elsewhere.

If you really want to know if you’re hard to do business with, just
ask your customers.  They’ll tell you.  Or call someone who made a
formal inquiry, but didn’t buy.  They’ll tell you even more.  
Unreliable sources of information include employees, family and
friends.  Find out today how you’re doing.  It could save you (or make
you) a lot of money.