Capitalism vs Customer Service

In my continued frustration with the ever-disappearing art of customer service and the degradation of what’s left of our economy, I decided to increase my research on the topics.  I was delighted to discover some recently written books on the subject.  Now, I am not in the business of reviewing books, however, if anyone is interested, I will send you the links to three books that I believe will help you better understand this disastrous economy that we are in and the death of customer service.

In all the books out there is an overarching theme that is present: the large oligarch, monopolistic corporations are either swallowing up or destroying many smaller businesses that had once given them competition.  I myself have talked about this before, as competition disappears, so does customer service.  The reduction of salaries, benefits and the degradation of the work environment and conditions offer little incentive for associates to care about the business or its customers.

At the heart of this dilemma is the ever-present capitalist system that so many in this country worship, especially the wealthy.  The capitalist system broke down in 2008-2009 and was kept alive by being put on life support, aka tax dollar bailouts.  The banks and large corporations were given new life by the money they received from the very customer whom they treat like shit today.  But this is no longer news as most of us are aware of this disgusting history.

However, what continues to happen today is the stranglehold that the few remaining corporations have put on the markets they serve, in most cases today there is no competition, just price fixing.  Entrepreneurship and small businesses in the US have all but died as smaller, innovative companies have been eliminated or new ideas do not materialize because of the difficulty to get financing as a small business person.  This reduction in small businesses and innovative ideas kill the concept of customer service as there no other places to go to get it.

My dear Republican and conservative friends hold tightly to the concept that capitalism embraces the concept of competition, which is supposed to improve product quality, price, and service.  So, what has gone wrong here conservatives?  Competition is dying, product innovation is declining, prices are going up and customer service is nonexistent.  It seems to me that capitalism is breaking its own rules.  Sure, it is still great for the 10% who still make a decent living and even better for the 1% who are buying more yachts and bunkers.

With all the above-mentioned bailouts there was going to be the creation of new, better-paying jobs with great benefits.  At least that what we were told by business leaders and our politicians.  Capitalism would be reborn, renewed and would save the day. Really?  Most of the books and many articles that I have read recently indicate that the only thing that got created was wealthy executives and even wealthier stockholders and investors.  Meanwhile, customer service has become the reward for the wealthy, I am sure you get a great bottle of champagne and the little trophy wife gets a spa coupon when you buy that yacht.

So, my friends, as you look out above the fruited plain, just bend over and smile because the oligarch-fascists control everything and we customers are treated like the dirt the amber-waves-of grain are planted in.

Talk to Ya Later