FEAR & GREED | Business News Five Questions: Is the customer always right?
Mar 28, 2026
Rapid-fire questions about customer service spark stories of brilliant support and bewildering failures. Tales range from a helpful phone agent and coffee shop loyalty to clever retail staff who go above and beyond. The conversation pits ignored customers against over-served ones and weighs protecting staff versus pleasing demanding shoppers.
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Ignored In Store Then Helped By A Helpful Staffer
- Michael Thompson experienced being ignored by two young store staff while trying to buy shoes, causing awkward hovering and self-doubt about asking for help.
- He contrasted that with a different shop where a staffer who didn't have the shoes personally directed him to another store that did, exemplifying proactive service.
Vodafone Called Back And Fixed Messages
- Adam Lang called Vodafone about messages not working and got a helpful agent who fixed the issue and followed up with a callback to confirm it worked.
- The follow-up call and friendly tone turned a frustrating tech problem into an excellent customer service moment.
Bunnings Staff Unpacked A Pallet To Help
- Michael Thompson needed timber panels at Bunnings and staff located a pallet buried in the middle of a cube, unpacked it with a forklift, and sent him away with the right items.
- The staff's willingness to do heavy lifting and rearrange stock made a big brand feel personal and helpful.