Comments on: Customer Service Should Be Important to Banks

By: Green Panda

Green Panda — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:56:59 +0000

@ Tammy: I’m not sure, but I would contact ‘The Consumerist’ for some information and tips.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 19:32:43 +0000

I have been trying to get info on my grandfather from a bank in Oklahoma, which goes back to 1945. This bank does have paperwork on him, and it has been requested by Oklahoma Unclaimed assets,proof he banked at this bank. The vice-president said she would send me the info, then she turned around and refused. I know this must be a power trip for a small town hick bank to deny giving out this info, but this info is over 50 years old and my grandfather has been dead since 1952. Any suggestions?

By: Green Panda

Green Panda — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:43:57 +0000

@Jason: I think taking pride in your work has taken a backseat for some people. I also worry about companies that have apathy as part of their culture. The Golden Rule would definitely resolve most problems.

By: Jason from MoneyTheory

Jason from MoneyTheory — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:38:33 +0000

I am always amazed at the lack of quality customer service evident in so many places, and especially in banking. I have worked for a company for many years who has always placed the utmost importance on delivering the best possible customer service during every interaction, no matter how small or simple. I am used to working with this philosophy, and regardless, just being nice to people and using manners was something ingrained in me as a child. Why would it be any other way?

It seems “The Golden Rule” was thrown out the window a long time ago – it’s more common to see a lack of manners anymore than people actually using them. Quite unfortunate.

By: Green Panda

Green Panda — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:01:07 +0000

@ Craig: I agree that businesses should have a high standard of service. I’m not expecting Bank of America to eliminate the fees, after all they are a business. I just found their prices ridiculous .Their policy of having high fees has alienated many customers and encouraged them to leave, us included. It became more about the money than the customer. I think Allpoint’s business model shows that banks can offer a convenience to customers without charging an arm and a leg.

I got the sense that BofA were more interested in feeing good customers than giving good service when we were with them. After they withdrew a bill from the wrong account, they charged another fee. We contacted them about the problem. I was looking at my screen and saw what the bill pay instructions have (we were correct), but they refused to budge. The customer service representatives have a script and do not deviate.

(As you can see, my experiences with BofA’s customer service didn’t go well.)