Stuffed Giraffe Shows What Customer Service Is All
About
Most people have experienced
outstanding customer service in one form or another -- an attentive
server at a restaurant or a retail store
employee who goes the extra mile. A thriving industry comprised
of consultants dedicated to training
companies how to adopt exemplary customer service has blossomed
over the past couple decades. For
example, The Walt Disney Company Institute will help bring some
of that "Disney magic" to your business.
At my company, we've always pushed
our employees to go the extra mile for clients because the
ripple effects of terrific customer service
extend beyond mere satisfaction and retention. Exemplary
customer service distinguishes your brand,
builds repeat business, combats price competition, and
even improves
employee
morale.
Hotel chain Ritz-Carlton has a
storied reputation for great customer service. Many companies mimic
its training programs, and one often
hears executives saying they want to be known as the "Ritz-Carlton"
of their respective industry, be it a
law firm, car dealership or plumbing supplier.
Recently, my family and I experienced
the Ritz-Carlton signature customer service in a way that
will be talked about in our family and at
my company for many years to come. My wife and two
children spent a few days at the Ritz-Carlton
on Amelia Island (Florida) while I was in California
on business -- sadly unable to make
the trip with them. Upon returning, we discovered that our
son's beloved stuffed giraffe, named
Joshie, had gone missing. As most parents know, children
can become very attached to special
blankets, teddy bears and the like. My son is extremely fond
of his Joshie, and was absolutely
distraught when faced with the idea of going to sleep without his
favorite pal. While trying to put him
to bed the first night home, I decided to tell a little white lie.
"Joshie is fine," I said. "He's just
taking an extra long vacation at the resort." My son seemed to buy it,
and was finally able to fall asleep,
Joshie-less for the first time in a long while.
That very night, the Ritz-Carlton
called to tell us they had Joshie. Thankfully, he had been found, no
worse for wear, in the laundry and
was handed over to the hotel's Loss Prevention Team. I came clean
to the staff about the story I told
my son and asked if they would mind taking a picture of Joshie on a
lounge chair by the pool to
substantiate my fabricated story. The Loss Prevention Team said they'd do it,
and I hung up the phone very
relieved.
A couple days went by, and we
received a package from the hotel. It was my son's Joshie, along with some
Ritz-Carlton-branded "goodies" (a
frisbee, football, etc.). Also included in the package was a binder
that meticulously documented his
extended stay at the Ritz.
It showed Joshie wearing shades by
the pool (my original request/suggestion)...
Joshie getting a massage at the
spa...
Joshie making friends with other
critters...
(Stuffed and real)...
And Joshie driving a golf cart on the beach (who knew giraffes
could drive?).
My son's Joshie was even issued a Ritz-Carlton ID badge, made an
honorary member of
the Loss Prevention Team, and was allowed to help by taking a shift
in front of the security monitors.
Needless to say, my wife and I were completely wowed by the
Ritz-Carlton Loss Prevention Team.
My son, on the other hand, didn't care so much about the binder and
was just happy to have his Joshie back.
I'm sure he'll have a greater appreciation for it as he grows
up.
It goes without saying that the Ritz-Carlton can count on my family
to be repeat customers. But I'm also
telling you (and everyone else who happens to read this story).
This is something I've always told my staff --
create an experience so amazing that someone can't help but tell
others about it, and you're sure to succeed.
I'd also venture to say that Aaron (of the Ritz-Carlton Loss
Prevention Team) and his cohorts had a pretty
good time documenting Joshie's vacation, and employee morale is a
huge part of creating a great customer experience.
All this from a stuffed giraffe who got lost on
vacation.
