Customer Service in America is generally so poor in quality that the topic has become an embarrassment for so many businesses. The old adage, “The customer is always right” may not be true but it was a guiding light for employee behavior and response to customer issues. That phrase has been lost along with all semblance of customer-focused service and I think it is time we overhaul our thinking towards this crucial aspect of business.

I have been paying close attention to the way businesses treat their customers for quite some time now. In order to write this post, I started opening my eyes even further to see what I notice with the businesses I frequent. The problems are often simply annoying and not enough to drive me away entirely yet many are simply too much to take. Let’s take a look at some of the general problems we are all encountering and try to come together in the comments section to start a discussion on the subject.

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It is really easy for us to go out and adopt a pet from our local shelter. The cost is almost nothing and even after getting shots for the animal, toys, a comfy pet bed and all of those other fun things, we’re still not looking at a lot of money. Food is relatively inexpensive too so why not rush out and get a new friend today? Well, if you’re looking at the actual value of the money you spend at the second you spend it, you’re not taking into account opportunity cost.

Let’s take a look at what it actually costs to own a pet by using a popular example. We will look at how much money you’d have when you retire if you invest those pet dollars instead of actually adopting the pet. I think you’ll be shocked at how much you could have by age 55!

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Monday has come again and our long work week begins. As we head into our offices, we know that it will be a long week in a place we’d rather not be. In fact, most of us would rather be anywhere but our offices so how can we make that experience better? I thought about things that I do in my own office that really do brighten my days so I’d like to encourage each of you to bring a little more joy into your own work environment by using any of these ideas. You surely have your own routines and ideas that work for you at your job so please share them with the readers and me in the comments!

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Your teacher has been standing at the front of the room for what seems like hours, clicking through the day’s Powerpoint lecture. You anxiously wait for each click of the mouse knowing that you’re a step closer to class being over and regaining your freedom. People have been packing up their things and walking out early as you look on with jealousy. Finally, your professor makes an announcement that you’ve been dying to hear–”That’s enough for today. We’ll end a little early.” A strong feeling of freedom rushes through you and you quickly get your books together and head out the door, 15 minutes before the scheduled end of class.

Sound familiar? At the start of my college career, this was the story of my life. I would sit in class unable to focus on what the professor was saying because I was constantly thinking about how much time was left. We’ve all done it, but why?

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Television shows such as “Flip That House” on the TLC Network are definitely exciting to watch. They tell the story of flippers purchasing horrendous properties, going through the trials and tribulations associated with the renovation, and end with a gorgeous home and the potential for big profits. There’s always a troubling scene at the end where the proud flippers go through the finances of the deal and illustrate what was paid for the home, the cost of the renovations, and the “potential profit” figure. This number is what keeps us watching the show as it is often quite high for only a month worth of actual work on the part of the flippers.

Does this number tell the full story though? I hold an active real estate license and I’m here to tell you that it absolutely doesn’t. DailyBrilliance readers are very bright and I’m sure you already know there are other costs that the show isn’t telling you about but have you thought about what these costs may be? I have and I have put it together for you in this article. Take a look–flipping isn’t all roses.

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