Is Giving A Free Meal Good Customer Service?

By: Patricia Farnham

Are you saving restaurant customers when you comp meals or are you losing money? It depends on what they given situation is so you need to be open to the idea. Sometimes it is the right course of action to take and other times it is a waste because that was the intention of the customer to begin with.

Many customers just want you to take notice of the problem so it doesn't happen again. They may be annoyed but they certainly don't expect a free meal. If you offer it they will be very gracious about accepting it. Those that demand it though are the ones you need to watch out for. They may just feel that is what is deserving but they may have this down to a science as well.

It is less expensive to give them one free meal and have them come back then for them to avoid your restaurant in the future. When you calculate the number of people that they will tell of the negative experience who also don't come it you really are better off paying for their meal.

It also shows good faith in your customer service values. It lets your guests know that mistakes can be made but that there are solutions. It shows that you really do care about more than just their money - you want them to have an amazing dining experience. Most people are willing to let the issue go if you find a way to make it right for them.

However, it is important to understand that there are people out there who will take advantage of this. They will go to a restaurant with the intension of not paying for what they ordered. They will complain and often create a scene. Of course the restaurant wants to keep them quiet to paying for their meal is often offered.

People brag online about doing this several times a week at various restaurants. It works best for them in larger cities where they have more selection. They will choose busy times of the day or night too. That way dealing with them is something that the staff wants to do rapidly so they can get back to taking care of their other guests.

Each restaurant should have certain policies in place about such matters. Only the managers or the owner should be allowed to make such a decision. This helps to keep it all in perspective. It also removed the burden of this decision from the shoulders of the staff members. Even when it is busy in the restaurant you need to take the time to evaluate all of the details of the situation.

It can be hard to tell though sometimes what really took place. In such instances the customer should get the benefit of the doubt. It is more important to keep genuine customers happy then it is to worry that a scammer got one over on you. Free meals aren't something your restaurant wants to offer all the time, but they can certainly help to smooth over some types of situations that arise.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

About the Author:
Patricia Farnham is a restaurant business veteran. Before you decide to http://www.restaurantpitfallsandprofits.com/buyrestaurant.htm">buy a restaurant, you might want to read some more of her insights on the restaurant industry on here website.

Tags: small business, restaurant industry, restaurant business, restaurant, restaurant for profits, small business, own a restaurant, buy a restaurant, hospitality, food and drink, entertainment, restaurant, restaurant business, restaurant for profits, small business

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