customer is always right

[Spartacus Maximus]

There certainly are situations and business interactions where "customer is king" applies, but besides customer service or the hospitality industry it probably does not apply very well. In the case of martial arts instruction, which is a specialty service, must accept and trust the instructor's ability to teach skills, manage and supervise everything within the school.

This is the same as other specialty services such as the construction example given by Matsu. The customer may have preferences, but if something cannot be done or is only possible provided that XYZ, the customer MUST accept expert/experienced judgment or go elsewhere. Whining, complaining or threatening to sue will not make an unreasonable or impossible request happen.

[The Pred]

So it seems like we are all in agreement with each other !

[Alan Armstrong]

I must admit that have not read everything posted here.

From my personal point of view, is that most definitely the customer is not always right.

It is advisable to give your expert advice and not to humor clients, in just telling them what they want to hear; this is irresponsible.

To be cruel and blunt with answers, isn't going to make you popular, or helpful either.

Helping the client to make the right decision, with different levels of options can be beneficial.

Not everything is black or white there are many shades of grey.

Giving expert advice is paramount to put their requirements first; gaining trust.

If and when your advice is ignored (and the client fails) at least you know that you have done your very best.

[sensei8]

In business, I can be affable to a point, and not beyond that point, in which I can't afford blind affability; but at all times, I can be professional across the board!!

[Montana]

I had a sign in my dojo that read...

DOJO RULES

1. The Sensei is ALWAYS right!

2. If Sensei is wrong, refer back to Rule #1.

[Nidan Melbourne]

2 hours ago, Montana said:

I had a sign in my dojo that read...

DOJO RULES

1. The Sensei is ALWAYS right!

2. If Sensei is wrong, refer back to Rule #1.

Lol As much as i agree with that; there should be a Rule 3. 

If Sensei is wrong; they will correct their mistake and provide the correct information when it comes to teaching their art. 

[KarateKen]

Not at all.  I see customers that are wrong all the time in every type of business.  People are wrong constantly.  

[Nidan Melbourne]

7 hours ago, KarateKen said:

Not at all.  I see customers that are wrong all the time in every type of business.  People are wrong constantly.  

 

I'm glad that majority of the time Martial Arts Clubs (or at least in my experience) we're pretty lucky that we rarely have this. 

I've had more Wrong Customers when I was a Stadium Supervisor for my old basketball association than my karate club.

[KarateKen]

14 hours ago, Nidan Melbourne said:

 

I'm glad that majority of the time Martial Arts Clubs (or at least in my experience) we're pretty lucky that we rarely have this. 

I've had more Wrong Customers when I was a Stadium Supervisor for my old basketball association than my karate club.

I used to work in a nightclub and believe me, I saw a lot of customers who were wrong! We had to ban many of them. 

[Nidan Melbourne]

5 hours ago, KarateKen said:

I used to work in a nightclub and believe me, I saw a lot of customers who were wrong! We had to ban many of them. 

NIghtclubs are definitely a big one, i'd say some choice words but I don't want to get in trouble here. lol