What steps should companies take to ensure that their employees are not the victims of customer abuse?

Question

What steps should companies take to ensure that their employees are not the victims of customer abuse?

Answer 1

physical barriers where possible and insurance because sometimes it is inevitable. Also depends with the business and laws of the state

Answer 2

Run an honest business. Remember, the customer is always right. Don't try to scam your customers. The public does not accept that.  

Answer 3

Comprehensive training to ensure the staff know the consumer laws and are knowledgeable  enough to inform the customer what they are legally entitled to.(refunds,credit notes etc).

Clear signage where appropriate so the customers know the terms of sale before purchase.

Training in dealing with customers, even to the point of skills to defuse a situation.(body language  can be important).

Always ensuring that a senior member of staff is available to step in as psychologically it helps if a customer feels they are being passed up a chain of command.

A good system to process customer complaints and feedback.ie being able to give a customer an official looking form to take away.

Well trained security guards.

Answer 4

I think you need to be a bit more specific with this one. Are referring to any type of customer service job? Are you referring to verbal or physical abuse?

Answer 5

Companies who ensure that their employees are not victims of customer abuse are no longer in business. So long as one is dealing with the public, you are going to get the " pushy ", the customer who feels he/she is above the grade of the employee who is serving   and the idiot who feels only he is right.. Unfortunately, that is the nature of retail.