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5 Comments

Is it wrong to hate your customers?

Let me start this conversation by clarifying that I do not hate all of my customers; it's just one in particular whom I have strong negative feelings towards :(

Running a business that serves consumers (B to C) compared to one that serves other businesses (B to B) presents a notable difference.

In a B to C business, there is a closer relationship between you and the customer. Customers pay for the service themselves. Consequently, if something goes wrong while they are using your service, they tend to direct their anger and frustration towards you, regardless of fault.

On the other hand, in a B to B setting, the end user is often an employee of the business. The business owner pays for the service. The connection is not as emotional or personal. If there is an issue with your service, they will work with you to find a resolution. Emotions usually do not run as high in these cases.

It's important to note that these observations are anecdotal and based on my personal experience.

Now, let's address the customer who has been causing significant difficulties for me over the past week. This customer's behavior is erratic, as they tend to wake up in the morning and immediately send me 2 or 3 emails with their latest grievances. Today, they're accusing us of spamming them (BTW - totally false, they're actually spamming us).

Currently, I am in the process of refunding them, not because they are right and entitled to it, but in the hope of removing them from my life.

Hopefully, this action will make them finally go away and my peace of mind will be restored :)

, Founder of Icon for HelpStay.com
HelpStay.com
on May 20, 2023
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    I've read the other comments and agree you are doing the right thing. However, put something in place to ensure that it doesn't happen in the future. Were there any flags that you should have spotted? Do they fit in with your 'sweet spot' of what you offer? Need to also ask if they were really frustrated because of a lack of service, however it seems from your email that you don't think that.

    My experience is that sometimes you think of taking a customer on, even though you know they will not be good for you, purely because the money looks good. Gut instinct often tells you not to, but the lure of the money makes you ignore that.

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      Good feedback, thanks.

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    The vast majority of end users (I'm also B to C) have been amazingly positive and encouraging and constructive. There have been so few who haven't that I remember those who generate these negative feelings very well!

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      Well said, I concur 👍

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    This comment was deleted 3 years ago.

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      Well said, I agree 👍