Consumers are the royalty of Joburg
Bad service is one subject that gets Joburg residents riled up.
Having a smile, being polite and doing one’s job is what makes individuals, small businesses, government organisations and large corporates successful.
The consumer is a powerful individual, but this power is not being used to its full potential. When customers encounter bad service, many don’t speak up about their unhappiness. Most don’t complain, or put enough pressure on management. No, they simply pay for what they need and privately tell their friends, family or anyone who will listen.
Likewise, Joburg residents have extremely low expectations, especially of government organisations such as the post office or licensing department – and for good reason. The service is almost always inefficient and the people who are there to help are mostly unhelpful. Is it not time citizens took a stand and demanded the service they deserve?
Just because it is a government department, this does not give civil servants the right to treat citizens with little or no respect. While it is understandable that government employees feel unappreciated and underpaid, this is not exclusive to governmental departments.
It is time consumers and citizens started holding those in charge of these civil and business organisations accountable. Demand good service – and respect.
Consumers also need to voice their grievances publicly. If you experience bad service at a bank, tweet about it (and be sure to add their handle); if service is below standard at a hotel, write a review on tripadvisor.com; or if you feel that a mechanic conned you, post about it on hellopeter.com. Yes, this will take time out of a busy day, but if everyone started doing it these organisations would hopefully start being more proactive. Likewise, if a public servant or private company goes the extra mile to help you, acknowledge it and thank them.
With sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the consumer has more power than ever before: customer is king, and this is more true than ever before.
Consumers and citizens, you have influence: use it to make Joburg the first class African city it says it is.
