Politeness Pays: The Customer Service Hack You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
Imagine you’re on the phone, juggling a glitchy order, and the voice on the other end snaps like a twig underfoot. Now flip it: you’re the one in the headset, swallowing insults while trying to fix someone’s mess. Common decency should be a given, but in the wild world of customer service, politeness isn’t just nice—it’s a golden ticket. One Redditor spilled the tea on how a little kindness can save you cash, while rudeness gets you the bare minimum.
This isn’t just a hunch—it’s a two-sided tale from someone who’s been both the frustrated caller and the underpaid hero. Treat the person on the line like a human, and they might dig up discounts or rush your fix. Act like a jerk, and they’ll stick to the script, no extras. It’s a simple equation with big stakes—let’s break it down.
‘LPT: Always be nice and patient with customer service people. We have a lot of tools to help you, but we will conveniently forget them if you are rude’
Customer service is a battlefield, and politeness is your best weapon. The OP’s seen it—snap at the rep, and they’ll do the job, nothing more. Smile through the line, and suddenly there’s wiggle room: a discount, a faster fix, a little humanity. It’s not about sucking up; it’s about respect. The rude ones? They get the robotic “policy says no” treatment—fair, but frosty.
Psychologist Dr. Amy McCart, a workplace behavior expert, puts it bluntly: “People mirror how they’re treated. In service roles, discretion is huge—kindness unlocks it, hostility shuts it down” (source: Psychology Today, 2021). Stats back this up: 70% of service workers say they’ve gone above and beyond for nice customers (Zendesk, 2023). Rudeness? It’s a brick wall.
This isn’t just petty revenge—it’s human nature. Reps aren’t robots; they’ve got limits and egos. The OP’s trick—doing “only the job” for jerks—mirrors a universal truth: effort flows where appreciation does. Want a pro tip? Say, “I know it’s not your fault, but can you help?” It’s magic. Readers, ever charm your way to a win? Tell us below.
See what others had to share with OP:
Reddit didn’t hold back—here’s the crowd’s two cents: “Hot takes incoming, straight from the Reddit trenches.”
From “be nice, it’s free” to “I caught a money launderer being rude,” these gems range from practical to savage. Are they onto something, or just venting? You be the judge.
Politeness pays—literally. The OP’s lived it: kindness unlocks perks, while rudeness gets you squat. It’s a dance of dignity in a world where reps hold more cards than you think. Next time you’re on hold, will you sweet-talk or steamroll? How’s it worked for you—ever snag a deal with a smile? Drop your stories below—let’s swap some service survival tales!
