The Customer is Always Right 👔
Definition:
A commercial paean to the buyer. Introduced in the 1930s by H. Gordon Selfridge, an American who founded Selfridge’s, a large department store in Great Britain. This phrase became a retail doctrine advocating that staff always defer to customers, regardless of their correctness.
Synonyms:
- Buyer’s always right
- Customer’s king
Antonyms:
- Employee is always right
- Management knows best
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.”
— George Carlin
“People shop and learn in a whole new way compared to just a few years ago, so marketers need to adapt or risk extinction.”
— Brian Halligan
Proverbs:
- “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
- “The pen is mightier than the sword, but the receipt reigns supreme.”
Fun Facts:
- H. Gordon Selfridge was an American who set up shop in Britain—talk about taking your business acumen overseas!
- Despite its wide adoption, some contemporary businesses believe this idiom has run its course and suggest alternative customer service mantras.
Educational Highlights:
Understanding this expression helps us grasp the customer-centric model and its importance in building a successful business ethos. But remember, not every customer is constructed from pure Rationalium.
Related Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Books: “Be Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service” by The Disney Institute
- Movies: “The Intern” (2015), “Jerry Maguire” (1996)
- Songs: “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
- Poetry: “Ode to the Mart” (Original composition)
Quizzes! Ready to Test Your Knowledge? 🤔✨
Thank you for exploring the zany, yet venerable, world of commercial expressions with us! Remember, the ultimate customer transaction involves a little laughter and a lot of heart.
✨Keep shopping smart and may the returns policy be ever in your favor!✨
💡 “Great customer service does not mean that the customer is always right, it means that the customer is always honored.” - Chris LoCurto
