In today’s world, great customer service is not just expected—it’s demanded. Companies pour time, resources, and training into making sure their employees deliver the best service, often regardless of how they’re treated by customers. But I’ve noticed a strange irony: the more we prioritize customer satisfaction, the more entitled some customers seem to feel. It’s as if simply being a customer automatically grants them a license to demand excellence, without necessarily holding themselves to a standard of respect or kindness in return.

And that got me thinking: Shouldn’t being a good customer matter too?

The Cycle of Entitlement

Think about it: we live in a world where “the customer is always right” has become a business mantra, almost like an unbreakable law. But when companies bend over backwards to meet customer needs, they often inadvertently encourage entitlement. Some people start to feel that no matter how they act, they’re owed the best service. This creates a cycle where customer expectations only increase, sometimes pushing respectful treatment of workers right out the window.

This entitlement doesn’t only make things hard on customer service workers—it affects the whole experience for everyone involved. Rude or demanding behavior from one person can set the tone for a negative environment, and customers who come in with a positive attitude might have to deal with longer wait times or stressed employees because others are treating the staff poorly.

Practicing Good Customer Etiquette

Now, I’m not saying that everyone has to go out of their way to be the perfect customer. But a little thoughtfulness can go a long way. A simple “please” or “thank you” can make a big difference to someone who might be dealing with a line of impatient customers. Recognizing that the person serving you is human and showing a little empathy not only improves their day but also makes the entire experience more pleasant.

Here are a few things we can all practice as customers:

• Show basic respect – Kindness and respect cost nothing. Smiling, being polite, and practicing patience can set a better tone.

• Give feedback constructively – If something is wrong, explain it calmly. Most customer service workers genuinely want to help.

• Remember they’re people, too – Everyone has off days; a little empathy goes a long way.

Companies: Rethink the Customer Service Model

Businesses also play a part in this. When companies constantly reinforce the idea that the customer is always right, they may unintentionally put their employees in a position where they have to accept poor treatment. By establishing more balanced standards, companies can show that they value their employees’ well-being just as much as customer satisfaction.

One approach could be training that empowers employees to set boundaries with customers when behavior crosses the line. Another could be focusing on fostering loyalty by rewarding customers who treat employees with respect. It’s possible to create a positive customer experience without giving in to entitlement.

A Mutual Exchange of Respect

At the end of the day, customer service is a two-way street. Yes, companies should aim to meet customer needs and provide great service. But it’s just as important for customers to practice gratitude, patience, and respect in return. Just because a company’s slogan is “the customer is always right” doesn’t mean we should take that literally. If we all take small steps toward being better customers, we can create a friendlier, more respectful experience for everyone involved.

Being a better customer not only helps the people serving us but also contributes to a kinder world. And who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?