How do rude businesses survive?

[KNH]

I think these 'rude businesses' definitely depend on new customers to bring them business. Typically these places eventually have to close down once the word that they are so rude gets out. They may be successful at first, but being rude doesn't get anyone far at all.

[rollybooz]

Good customer service definitely goes a long way in maintaining loyal customers, who would feel good paying for your goods or services. Most of these "rude" companies if we realise, are usually huge companies with a rather established brand and one thing they all have in common is a call centre. When we complain of bad customer service, this usually happens over the phone where we are either not entertained or rudely hung up on when we make requests that are not in favour of the company. I would suppose this happens not because it is the company's stand of being rude to the customer (if it was, that would be plain stupid!) but rather it is because of a lack of knowledge of such issues by the higher management. Call centre operators often do not understand the company's values and aim but are fixated on ridding any problem or complaint they receive. It is because of such a mentality that we often receive such bad service. If we could change that, we would definitely be hearing lesser of complaints, but more of praises. However, the sad truth is that this is a really difficult issue to handle since most companies would not be bothered to invest large sums of money in training their customer service officers, and they still survive simply because we either depend on them for certain essential services (telecommunication for example) or they just have such a huge customer base for their services or goods, you leaving them wouldn't make a difference!

[Farrah]

Its not a matter of being rude really. There are times you just have to be to the point. Otherwise some may take you for being weak, and attempt to take advantage of you or your business.

[livvi]

If they are rude but cheap most people will overlook the less than stellar service to save money - sad but true. If they are not cheaper, I doubt a rude business could keep on being successful no matter how many new customers it managed to attract.

[Chatter91]

As long as you provide the service properly, consumers will excuse rudeness. But it also depends on the type of service or product. If there is a lot of competition, then people will simply switch companies. If there isn't, then they will deal with it as long as they receive the proper service.

Also, switching costs would be a reason why people would take rudeness. If they don't want to go through the necessary steps which could lead to time and money, then they won't want to switch. That is the only reasons why people should deal with rudeness.

[dexterlablab1]

I think "rude" businesses survive because they simply KNOW what they have, and want their customers need. Usually it's because they KNOW that whatever the people need, they may be one of the few (or even only) ones that can supply it at the time. Because of that, they are bully like about it because the customer is backed into a corner.

[Squeesh]

Business that have rude employees are usually the bigger chains that can easily get more customers. I never see a family owned shop be rude to people, its usually the underpaid employees that work for large companies.

[dexterlablab1]

Business that have rude employees are usually the bigger chains that can easily get more customers. I never see a family owned shop be rude to people, its usually the underpaid employees that work for large companies.

Exactly, the big companies are the ones that are usually rude because they see the customers as expendable because they can always get more. Smaller places can't afford to be rude even if they wanted to.

[FlipKup]

The fact that some businesses can survive while being rude is surprising to me. I assume these would be monopolistic industries where there is no where else that the consumer can go. No customer in their right mind would go back to a business where they were mistreated - if they had a choice. I think the remedy therefore is variety and a better alternative experience offered.

[Ravenfan]

In my opinion a rude business will never last very long, if it has competition. One of the problems customers face is some of these managers that are rude to customers know that they have no competition or limited competition in the nearby area. With the increase of e-commerce though, many owners need to rethink their approaches. As the spread in pricing becomes lower among competitors, customers will go where they feel respected. Some may even pay a little extra for that respect.