In Response To Lia Moreggi...

 Lately all I seem to notice is how poor customer service is. What happened to lollipops at the bank window, or a free piece of cheese at the deli counter? Am I being irrational or has customer service taken a nose dive?

    This is an interesting question to raise, and in particular it's funny that you bring up lollipops at the bank.  I am actually a credit union member and not only do they still give out lollipops but they also give dog treats if they see my dog with me.  Little things like that matter to customers more than some companies realize.  I know that I will not be leaving my credit union to join elsewhere because I have always received wonderful service.  So, knowing that there are still banks/credit unions that still do consider the small things like that, will you consider switching from your bank that doesn't? 

   The fact of the matter is that the hassle of switching from the current company wont be worth it to some consumers.  As far as your issues with Forever 21, do you think that you will continue shopping there after your bad experience?  I don't think that enough people care about Forever 21's unique return policy to cause them to change it.  Like you said - you love the product(s) - and a lot of teen-young adult girls do too.

   I have been a server for 5 years in a small family owned restaurant in Maine.  Our restaurant is constantly being complimented for wonderful service and cleanliness, but some customers are hard to please.  My managers feel that sometimes it is best to hold their ground.  For example, our breakfasts are some of the least expensive in the area (3.99 for eggs, toast, homefries, & meat) but we do charge extra for things like cream cheese, sauteed vegetables, peanut butter, etc.  As servers we are required to let our customers know that their will be additional charges for these things; and some customers don't react so kindly.  However, even though some customers complain about these minute charges - the prices stand - and it is up to the consumer whether or not it is worth it to them.

   As a server, customer service is a huge part of my decision making when it comes to staying with a company or not.  Unfortunately, consistently great customer service is hard to find.  Like I stated earlier, I plan to stay with my credit union because of the great service I receive.  I always give good service to my customers because the best means of marketing (in my opinion) is word of mouth.  People come in all the time because their friends tell them about the service, and 98% of the time the customers are pleased and continue to come back.