Times are tough. With an economy comparable to a landfill, consumers are stingy with the money they dole out, and the services they choose. Now more than ever, businesses are forced to compete for that dollar, and offer the consumers a deal they cannot resist.

There are bargains galore out there these days. Sales, deep discounts, customer incentive to BUY BUY BUY. But it seems with the increasing price decrease, something else is also lowering - the standard of customer service. Consumers do not just deserve the appropriate level of care, but are entitled to it. There is no reason for them to give their money to a company that cannot sell itself behind the product it promotes.

The reality, sadly, is this: retail workers turn away indifferently. The employees on sales floors are annoyed with customer inquiry, and rude. Or nowhere to be found. Clerks are on the phone and unfriendly, and thankless as they yank the bills out of their paying customer's hands. When the business is scarce and hard to drum up, the customer should be treated with respect and appreciation. After all, if treated unfairly, who knows what a consumer could do?

Dave Carroll was one such scorned customer. He was on a United flight to perform with his band, sitting on the runway waiting for takeoff, when a fellow passenger noticed the baggage handlers throwing guitars down on the ground! After a long flight, he arrived at his destination in the early hours of morning. And guess what? His guitar was damaged. Dave attempted to file a complaint, but was stonewalled by several employees at the airport. Tired, he went to his hotel with his band, and on his way. Because a formal claim was not reported within the normal 24 hour window, United refused to pay for damages to Dave's guitar.

Unhappy customer? Yes. So Dave dealt with it by doing what he does best: he wrote a song. See the link below. This is the video that Dave posted on YouTube. "United Breaks Guitars" immediately hit the jackpot on YouTube, and United quickly responded - a rep called Dave and apologize, even asked if they could use the video in training employees on providing great customer service.

As consumers, we are entitled to a reasonable level of service. After all, the purchases we make trickle down to the very employees that is assist us. So why not give back to the customer? Why not maintain a competitive edge, and stand out from other retailers not only with price, but with something better - exceptional service, and customer care. Consumers expect decent service, and will definitely use word of mouth (or YouTube, in Dave Carroll's case) if they have a bad experience. So do your jobs, if you are a retail or sales emloyee - sell the product, but also remember to sell yourself and the company that you reflect. No one wants to end up looking bad in front of millions of viewers. In the end, the customer usually is right!