PhrasesHub

The customer is always right

    Definitions

      • prioritize customer satisfaction
        Emphasize the importance of meeting the needs and preferences of customers, even if it means making sacrifices or concessions

      • customer entitlement
        Justify a customer's demands or complaints, even if they seem unreasonable, by upholding their opinion as the ultimate authority in a business transaction

    Examples of The customer is always right

    • The customer complained about the quality of the product, saying that it didn't live up to her expectations. The salesperson apologized and listened carefully to her grievances. She then offered a full refund, saying, "The customer is always right, and we want to make things right for you."

      This is a classic example of the "The customer is always right" idiom in action. The salesperson is using this phrase to show that she respects the customer's opinion, acknowledges her dissatisfaction, and is committed to finding a solution that will satisfy her. By using this idiom, the salesperson is demonstrating her willingness to put the customer's needs first, regardless of the situation.

    • When Jane visited the store for the second time to return a dress she had bought the previous week, the salesperson asked her why she was returning it. Jane explained that the dress was too small and didn't fit her properly. The salesperson listened sympathetically and replied, "The customer is always right, and if you're not happy with your purchase, we'll do everything we can to make it right for you."

      This example shows that the idiom can also be used to address customer complaints and dissatisfaction. By using this idiom, the salesperson is acknowledging that the customer's satisfaction is paramount and that she is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that Jane is happy with her purchase.

    • When the CEO of the company received a letter from a disgruntled customer complaining about the quality of the product and the poor customer service she had received, she immediately called a meeting with her team. She said, "We can't afford to lose this customer. The customer is always right, and we need to do everything we can to make things right for her."

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used at a higher level of management to show that the company values its customers and is committed to putting their needs first. By using this idiom, the CEO is sending a clear message to her team that customer satisfaction is non-negotiable and that they need to do everything in their power to ensure that the customer is happy.

    • When John walked into the store and saw the shiny new products on display, he asked the salesperson, "Are these products new?" The salesperson smiled and replied, "Yes, they're brand new. We're always striving to provide our customers with the latest and greatest products, because at our store, the customer is always right."

      This example shows that the idiom can also be used in a more general sense to refer to the overall philosophy of the company. By using this idiom, the salesperson is demonstrating that the company is committed to providing the best possible products and services to its customers and is constantly working to improve and innovate in order to meet their needs.

    • The customer disagreed with the waiter's explanation of the menu items, but the waiter remained calm and replied, "Of course, we'll find something that meets your needs. The customer is always right."

      This is a classic example of the "The customer is always right" idiom. It's a phrase used by customer service representatives to assure customers that their opinions and preferences matter, and that the company will do everything possible to accommodate them. Essentially, it highlights the importance of customer satisfaction and demonstrates a commitment to exceptional customer service. In this example, the waiter's use of this expression demonstrates his dedication to ensuring the customer's needs are met, no matter what.

    • The store's return policy left much to be desired, but the sales associate reassured the customer, "I'm sorry you're not satisfied. It's our policy, but I'll do everything I can to make it right for you. The customer is always right."

      Here, the sales associate acknowledges that the store's return policy is not perfect, but he still affirms that the company values customer satisfaction above all else. By using the "The customer is always right" idiom, he demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond to ensure the customer's needs are met, even in the face of policy limitations.

    • The customer became increasingly frustrated as she spoke to multiple customer service representatives about her account issues. The final representative she spoke to apologized, "I'm sorry you've had such a difficult time. I'll escalate your case and do everything in my power to fix this as quickly as possible. The customer is always right."

      In this situation, the customer service representative acknowledges the customer's frustration and highlights the company's commitment to customer satisfaction by using the "The customer is always right" idiom. It emphasizes that the customer's satisfaction is of utmost importance, and that the company will do whatever it takes to ensure that the customer's issues are resolved.

    • The customer was dissatisfied with the quality of the product she received and immediately contacted the manufacturer's customer service department. The representative replied, "We're sorry to hear that. We want to make it right for you. Please provide us with your order number, and we'll look into this immediately. The customer is always right."

      Here, the manufacturer's representative employs the "The customer is always right" idiom to reinforce the customer's importance and assure her that the company will take immediate action to correct the issue. By using this idiom, the representative demonstrates a commitment to exceptional customer service and highlights the company's dedication to customer satisfaction.


    Conclusion

    "The customer is always right" is a popular and well-known phrase that is often used in the context of customer service. It has two main meanings: prioritizing customer satisfaction and customer entitlement. The first meaning encourages businesses to prioritize meeting the needs of their customers, while the second meaning implies that customers' opinions and demands should be upheld as the final authority, even if they seem unreasonable.

    This phrase is commonly used in retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing industries to emphasize the importance of providing excellent customer service and ensuring that customers feel valued and respected. It can also be used to justify a customer's complaints or demands, even if they may seem unreasonable, in order to maintain a positive customer experience.

    Overall, "the customer is always right" serves as a reminder to businesses and employees to prioritize customer satisfaction and to handle customer interactions with care and attentiveness.

    Origin of "The customer is always right"

    The origin of the phrase "the customer is always right" can be traced back to the early 20th century and is often attributed to Harry Gordon Selfridge, the founder of the Selfridge's department store in London. Selfridge popularized the idea that customer satisfaction should be the top priority for businesses, and that customers should be given the utmost respect and attention in order to maintain their loyalty and patronage.

    The phrase has since become a widely accepted principle in the world of customer service and retail, and is used to emphasize the importance of meeting the needs and preferences of customers. While its origins may be attributed to a specific individual, the concept behind the phrase has become a fundamental aspect of modern customer service practices and is often upheld as a standard for businesses to follow.