Where is the customer service?

I know technology is a great thing and all, but sometimes I just want to talk to a real person that cares!  You can order whatever you want online.  You can purchase all types of service.  But just try talking to a live person one on one.  If you try to call the phone number they list, will you get to talk to a person?  Even better, will you get to talk to a knowledgeable person who is invested in what they do?  Chances are that if you do get that special person, it will be after you've been on hold for a LONG time.  

One of the things I like best about having my own company is providing EXCELLENT customer service.  I know, answering the phone is maybe a bit old fashioned, but the people on the other end of the line seem to really appreciate that I answered.  When I get an email, I try to answer it as promptly and completely as possible.  When I am working with a person face to fact, I try to imagine what I would want if I were that person.

In our age of automation and immediate gratification, asking for great customer service seems to be unreasonable.  Sometimes people email me several times so they can clarify and make sure they want to buy my product.  Then they apologize!  A person should not have to feel like they need to apologize for making sure they are getting the item they want.  It is their money they are spending and they should be able to make sure it is spent the way they want it to be.

I have made it my goal to treat each person as I'd want to be treated.  It seems pretty simple.  But I hear over and over again that they really appreciate it.  I think this is what sets small companies such as mine apart from the big companies.  I believe there are still a lot of people who hunger for customer service.