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Customer Complaints and Types of Customers

Derek Farnsworth, Jennifer L. Clark, Allen Wysocki, Karl Kepner, and Michelle Glasser


Release Date: 10/7/2020

Reviewed At: 1/17/2024

DOI: 10.32473/edis-hr005-2008

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Abstract

This document discusses the importance of handling customer complaints effectively to provide superior customer performance. It identifies five types of complainers: Meek, Aggressive, High-Roller, Rip-Off, and Chronic Complainer, and offers tailored responses for each. The article emphasizes the need for organizations to acknowledge, identify, and handle complaints positively, suggesting a seven-step procedure for resolving complaints. It concludes by highlighting the necessity of training customer service personnel to manage complaints efficiently and encourages feedback for continuous improvement. Published May 2001.

About this Publication

This document is HR005, one of a series of the Food and Resource Economics Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date May 2001. Revised October 2015 and July 2019. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

Derek Farnsworth, assistant professor; and Jennifer L. Clark, senior lecturer, Food and Resource Economics Department; Allen Wysocki, associate dean and professor; Karl Kepner, former emeritus professor; and Michelle Glasser, former graduate research assistant; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Farnsworth, D., Clark, J., Wysocki, A. F., Kepner, K. W., & Glasser, M. (2019). Customer Complaints and Types of Customers. EDIS, 2019(4). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-hr005-2008

Authors

Derek Farnsworth
Derek Farnsworth
Specialist
University of Florida

associate professor, agricultural economics, UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics, Gainesville, FL

Jennifer Clark
Jennifer Clark
Specialist
University of Florida

senior lecturer, UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, Gainesville, FL 32611.
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Allen Wysocki
Allen Wysocki
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, agribusiness sales, marketing, & management, UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department and associate dean, UF/IFAS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gainesville, FL 

Karl Kepner
Karl Kepner
external
University of Florida

professor emeritus, UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department, Gainesville, FL 32611.
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Publication #HR005