customer service

Ask the Readers: What's Your Best Experience With Customer Service?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 08:30:06 +0000

We often hear horror stories about terrible customer service, so let's shift gears and talk about the companies and reps that went above and beyond to make sure you, the customer, had a great day.

What's your best experience with customer service? What led up to the encounter, and what were your expectations? How did the company or service rep exceed them? Did this experience change your opinion of the company?

Tell us about your best experience with customer service and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

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Good Luck!

Tell us about your best experience with customer service and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways Gamers Can Make Extra Cash

Ashley Eneriz — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 08:00:11 +0000

If your parents ever told you that playing video games is a waste of time, the joke might be on them. Many video game lovers have turned their passion into profits and anyone can follow suit. While making extra cash on video games is a lot more work than you might initially imagine, here are the top ways to do so.

1. Livestream your game play

You can invite fellow video game fans to watch you play during livestreaming with Twitch. While you can upload prerecorded videos of yourself playing, most of Twitch's viewers are there for the livestreaming.

How do you make money on Twitch? There are a few different ways. You can make money through ad views, similar to how individuals make money on YouTube. You can also include Amazon affiliate links for the game you are playing. Twitch streamers with large followings also get paid to do sponsorships, sell their own merchandise, and collect donations from fans.

2. Post YouTube videos

YouTube is notorious for making expert gamers into millionaires. Popular gamers Daniel Middleton, age 26, earned $16.5 million in 2017, and Evan Fong, age 25, earned $15.5 million — all through posting videos of themselves gaming. What earns the top gaming channels big money is expert game-playing skills paired with a winning personality and great video editing.

YouTube is overflowing with gamers, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for new content. Find your "in" by finding a unique slant for your channel. Even though 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, 5 billion videos are being watched every day. Therefore, individuals wanting to start a new YouTube career will have to work hard to build up their views and subscribers, but ultimately, more and more people are looking to YouTube as their source of entertainment and consuming more video content daily. (See also: How to Make Money by Creating YouTube Videos)

3. Beta test games

Game testers play new games and give their honest feedback. While game testing sounds like a fun experience, keep in mind you won't be playing your top choice games — and instead of enjoying the gaming experience, you are essentially hired to hunt down glitches. Apply for game beta testing positions at PlaytestCloud and VMC Global Beta Test Network.

4. Sell in-game items

Popular games like Counter-Strike, Dota 2, and World of Warcraft have allowed players to profit on collected in-game items, such as weapons and skins. Marketplaces like Steam and Gameflip make it easy to list popular game items. Recently, a scorching talon from Dota 2 sold for just over $53 on Gameflip, and certain Counter-Strike weapons sell for over $1,500 on Steam.

5. Write walk-throughs and guides

With so many free game walk-throughs available, it can be hard to stand out. However, creating guides on games that are not as mainstream can help you make a name for yourself. Look at Twitch's directory to get ideas on what content to create. For example, Fortnite has almost 20 million followers and guides are easy to find online. But games lower on the list have much fewer followers, and guides may be harder to come across. Creating one and selling it on Amazon could prove profitable.

6. Compete in tournaments

The best gamers eventually find themselves playing in tournaments. There are tournaments for several popular games and the prize money is substantial. For example, prize pools for the Call of Duty World League have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to competitors.

7. Apply to be gaming support

What's a gamer to do when they run into a problem during game play? Contact customer support. Companies like Sutherland Global and VMC hire gaming support agents. Some of these positions are fully remote.

8. Become a gaming coach

Gamer Sensei connects pro-gamers with players who need one-on-one coaching. Individuals sign up for coaching to improve their game-play strategy, usually in the hopes of performing better in a tournament. Some coaches charge as much as $187.50 per hour.

9. Create gamer crafts

Being a gamer gives you the inside information of what other video game fans want and love. Pair that with crafting skills, and you can create profitable video game paraphernalia. Etsy seller ForeignRealms has created a map of Zelda's Hyrule burned on leather, while seller PropsCom offers Fallout-inspired objects, like a mini nuke bomb storage box. (See also: The 5 Best Sites to Sell Your Arts and Crafts)

While making money off video games sounds like the easy life, it can be quite the opposite. To build up a fan base, create content, or make products that gamers love, it takes time and effort. Gaming won't make you a success overnight, but if you have a strong passion for video games, there are creative ways for you to turn your controller skills into a nice side gig. (See also: How to Make Money as a Superfan)

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This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Fine Art of Negotiating With Your Financial Institution

Annie Mueller — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:00:22 +0000

We recently sold our house to buyers who were eager to move in. No problem; we scheduled a quick closing date and began making arrangements. We called the bank to request a payoff statement, something that's usually accomplished in a matter of minutes.

"Sure," they said. "It will be there in three days."

That seemed a little weird to us, but we had four days until the closing. We called the next day and were told it would be there in 24 hours. "Even better," we thought. We were so naive.

The night before the closing was scheduled, the title company let us know they still hadn't received the payoff statement. By this time, the bank's service center was closed. The next morning — the day of the closing — we were on the phone once again.

"It's in the queue," they said this time. "It will be sent soon, but it's impossible to know when, exactly."

The bank rep told us there was no possible way to send the statement immediately. We were polite but insistent. Finally, after over 30 minutes of being told it was impossible, they transferred us to a manager.

"What do you need? Your payoff statement? Sent immediately?" she asked. "Sure, no problem. I can do that right away."

The title company had the statement in less than five minutes.

Why we're bad at negotiating

I share this little story with you because people are often intimidated by financial institutions. There's complicated terminology — legalese, corporate jargon, and specific "money terms" that sound like you need a doctorate to understand them. Plus, people often feel out of the loop when it comes to particular money matters, which can lead to hesitation and uncertainty. If you're not sure of your own financial footing, how are you supposed negotiate with the pros?

But it's important that you learn. If you don't negotiate, chances are every agreement you enter with a financial institution will favor that institution far more than it favors you. Insecurity about your poor credit, past financial mistakes, or a current bad hair day can make you feel like you don't have the right to ask questions or stand up for yourself.

The consequences of not negotiating can be dire. In our little story, if we hadn't pushed until we got what we wanted, we might have lost the sale of our house. So let's learn how to negotiate. (See also: 8 Negotiating Skills Everyone Should Master)

Get to the right person

Negotiating with a financial institution is a lot different from negotiating with an individual — like, say, your landlord. Individuals make decisions based on many factors. They could be influenced by something as simple as how good — or bad — of a mood they're in. It all comes down to the person.

Institutions operate, presumably, on a set of rules. The individuals within the institution are motivated to adhere to the rules because it's safer for them. The less secure they are in their role, the less willing (and sometimes able) they are to negotiate.

The workaround is to go as far up the chain of authority as you can when negotiating. Generally, the more authority an individual has within a business, the more job security they have and more freedom to make decisions. You want to work with someone who doesn't feel threatened by your request. If you feel that the person you're working with is unable or unwilling to meet your terms, keep asking for the next person up the ladder.

Find the real rules

There are rules, and then there are the real rules.

Generally, the first people you talk to are working with the rules. There are lots of these rules, and most of them sound like "No." They are designed to protect the institution from loss. They are written into the scripts used to train the people who work there.

To negotiate effectively, you'll need to keep asking questions until you push past the script and find the real rules. For example, you might be told, "There's no way we can offer that kind of discount to you; it's against our policy." This is your cue to ask for a supervisor; someone who can override the policy.

When you get to that someone, you find out the real rules, which might be quite different: "Well, we don't usually offer discounts like that. The only way I could do that is if you sign a two-year contract with us." Now you know the real rule, which is, "Only offer deep discounts to get long-term contracts."

Once you know the real rules, you can use them in your negotiating: "I understand you need to get a long-term agreement in order to give me the discount I want. But that's a big commitment for me. I'm interested, but I'll need a lower interest rate in addition to the discount." (See also: 10 Negotiation Mistakes That Will Destroy Your Deal)

Be excruciatingly courteous

Bad manners really won't get you very far. Good manners alone will not win your negotiation, of course. But they can open the door. They can help you get to the right person. They can help you extend the conversation so you're able to see your options.

Good manners can also keep you from having to start the negotiation process over again. If you are kind and courteous when you speak with someone, they're more likely to do what they can to help you. They may not be the person with the authority to make the ultimate decision, but all help is valuable.

Being courteous can get you a direct phone number to call rather than the catchall service line, information on general policies that will help you negotiate better, and notes left in your account which get passed up the line with you. These little things will all nudge you forward toward your goal.

Prepare to repeat yourself

You will have to repeat yourself. Over, and over, and over.

Really, negotiating with a financial institution is a test of patience and how many times you can say the same exact thing without snapping. Parents of young children have a real advantage here.

If you want to talk to a person with more authority, you may have to ask five times. That's because of the value at stake in any individual's time. Entry-level people get paid less. Their job is to maximize the gain for the institution and minimize the (potential) loss. It's well worth it for an hourly worker to sit on the phone with you all day long if they can get you to agree to their preferred terms by the end of the call.

And most people will give up — either on getting to the right person, or on getting to an agreement that benefits them — far too soon. Be clear about what you're asking, and be prepared to ask for it over and over.

Remember that you're in charge

There are many scenarios that can involve a negotiation. Maybe you need a business loan, or you're looking for a better interest rate on an existing one. Maybe you're looking to buy or sell a property. Maybe you need to negotiate payment or contract terms. In all of these cases, the institution will make more money by doing business with you than by refusing you. Some interest is better than no interest; any payment is better than no payment. You hold the power here, even if you feel like you are in the subordinate position.

If they won't meet your terms, go elsewhere. Be prepared to do so, rather than just making empty threats. Knowing that you have options is important. When you know you have other avenues, you can feel more confident. And that will make you a better negotiator.

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This article is from Annie Mueller of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How Authenticity Could Make or Break Your Small Business

Denise Hill — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 08:30:10 +0000

Owning a small business is no small feat. There are hundreds of articles written on how to effectively market yourself, attract customers, and drive traffic to your website. With so many gimmicks and tricks out there, it can feel impossible to determine what you should actually do in order to be successful.

The best piece of advice I have found that works for all successful small businesses is: Just be you.

Be authentic. Be genuine. Be true to who you are and work to ensure your business embodies and reflects this. Authenticity is the thing that can make or break your business.

Don't be obsessed with making a profit

I love supporting small businesses — and not just because I own one. I love the personal touch and the intimacy that comes with working with small business owners. As you think about your business, especially while your business is in its infancy, you've got to take your focus off the bottom line. Turning a profit has to come second behind establishing good business practices and customer rapport. Remember, people come to you for a product or service, but the experience is what brings them back.

As a "for profit" entity, making money is on the mind of every business owner, as it should be. But for the truly successful small businesses that have stood the test of time, profit is never the number one goal. If you operate with integrity, put the customer first, do a decent job, and stay true to who you are, the profits will come.

This also means that there will be times when your profits may suffer. If you make a mistake, refund the customer's money, and do the job again — for free. This shows that you genuinely care about the customer and about the product/service you provide. (See also: What Small Business Owners Can Learn From Top Forbes Entrepreneurs)

Let your love for your craft show

If you're in business just for the money, it'll show. And you won't be in business long. Pause for a second and think about a business or service you've sworn off. Think about that horrible restaurant server, drive-thru attendant, or cabdriver that made you swear you would never use that business again.

Now, consider what made you so angry. For most of us, it all comes down to how we were treated and how we were made to feel during the experience. Some waitstaff aren't in love with what they do. But the really good ones love people and want to ensure that you have a pleasant experience while you are at the restaurant.

Passion translates. You can see it. You can feel it. You can sense it whenever you are around someone who has it. As a business owner, if you don't love what you are doing, you may want to consider alternate employment. Allow your passion for your craft to show. Take extra time and care to show your customers that you're not just out for a quick buck. The service you provide is also a labor of love.

Surround yourself with authentic people

Who you hire, your business associates, and even your friends affect your ability to remain true to who you are. Think back to the era of the stereotypical "used car salesmen." They were categorized by their willingness to do and say anything to separate you from your cash. They were despised, ridiculed, and became a caricature for the disingenuous.

If you surround yourself with people who are constantly following the trends, doing what is in, and live life by an ever-changing set of rules, that is what you will do. As a business owner, your word truly is your bond. We no longer do business in a "handshake" environment, but you should operate as if you do. Your word should be solid. Everything you say (website, correspondence, contracts, marketing, etc.) should be the clear and simple truth.

It is also important to be true to who you are because you attract people who are similar. If you make a habit of being shifty and sly, you'll attract shifty and sly people. And this is dangerous for a small-business owner. (See also: How to Hire Your First Employee)

Establish core values and stick to them

Your mission and vision should articulate who you are and what you believe. They don't need to be catchy, erudite, or full of words that have no real meaning. Sounding good and being good are two different things. People are smart enough to quickly spot the difference.

Establish who you are as a business. Determine what you believe, how you will operate, and say exactly that. No fluff, no sleazy catchphrases. Just open, honest, and direct communication. Cute and corny may attract customers, but it won't keep them. Trends will come and go, but who you are at your core shouldn't change.

As your business grows, you may find yourself drifting in a direction that isn't you. When this happens (and it will), stop, regroup, and rechart your course. The key that underpins your success in business and in life is to be genuine and remain authentic.

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This article is from Denise Hill of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Is Your Small Business Targeting the Wrong Customer?

Elaine Pofeldt — Thu, 04 Jan 2018 09:30:11 +0000

You've met with a potential client, had a couple of great conversations by phone, and followed up. So why isn't your prospect ready to start work? The problem may not be you. It may be that you're talking to someone who will never buy what you're selling.

There could be many reasons. Maybe you're talking with a serial researcher who may never make a decision. Or perhaps the person has no budget to spend or an unrealistic understanding of what services like yours cost to deliver. It's easy to waste hours by spending too much time with tire kickers, so the sooner you recognize you're talking to the wrong customer and move on, the better. Here's how.

Know how to spot your ideal clients

Regardless of your industry, your ideal clients will probably have two characteristics: They're great to work with, and they're profitable. In many cases, they may also be repeat buyers.

Look beyond these factors to identify if there are any common threads in your customers' industries, company size, or location, so it's easy to spot them when they're in front of you. You can use popular accounting software programs like FreshBooks and QuickBooks to sort your clients this way. You may spot some interesting patterns you had not noticed, like one particular state where you get a lot of business.

Look a little deeper. If, for instance, you sell marketing services and most of your clients are big companies, peruse the job titles of the clients who have signed contracts with you. Perhaps buyers in these firms tend to have a certain level of seniority in their organization. This doesn't mean you should ignore prospects with more junior titles, but if those junior buyers seem to be moving slowly, you may need to involve more senior people on their team to move a project along. (See also: 8 Common Myths About Starting a Small Business)

Ask qualifying questions

Learning as much as possible about why clients are considering buying your product or services can save you from spending a lot of time with someone who is highly unlikely to move ahead or won't turn out to be a good fit.

I do this when people ask me to ghostwrite books for them — a process that takes a lot of time and energy for both the author and myself. In our first conversation, I might ask: "Why do you want to write a book?" If the author is eager to share ideas they're passionate about with the world and says they've already done a rough outline of the book or lectures on the topic, those are positive indicators.

However, if someone says that colleagues, a spouse, or friends keep nudging them to write the book, I'll suggest a smaller project first to make sure they are truly motivated. Even if someone has the budget to hire me, I don't want to work with someone who is likely to lose steam and see the project fail.

There are many other qualifying questions you can ask to weed out people who are not serious. You might, for instance, ask if they need a project by a certain deadline — which will naturally give them an incentive to hire you. You might also ask what their expectations are. If they would like to receive certain services you don't offer and that you don't want to start providing, that's a disqualifier. (See also: 6 Helpful Tools to Manage Your Small Business)

Be transparent about pricing

Many business owners hesitate to talk about what they charge because they're afraid of scaring clients away. That can be a big mistake. Many potential clients could be price-sensitive, so being direct and upfront about what you charge, by sharing it early in your conversations, can save you a lot of time.

If someone's budget is too small to afford your highest-end products or services, be prepared to suggest other creative alternatives. For instance, instead of the yearlong retainer contract you usually offer, what about a three-month version? That way you won't have to turn away clients who you might otherwise enjoy working with.

Watch out for clients who don't value your time

When you hire outside professionals — whether to do your social media or clean your house — do you expect them to donate their time? I didn't think so.

One sign that you're talking to the wrong clients is that they want you to "prove" yourself by doing a project for free. Someone who does not understand that you need to get paid for your work now will never respect your time and is likely to become a nonpaying client later. If prospects want to get a chance to see what it is like to work with you, suggest they work with you on a very small, paid project instead. (See also: How to Get a Small Business Loan)

There's one exception. If you're selling clients access to a service many people haven't tried yet, such as a specialized type of fitness class, there's nothing wrong with offering one free trial class or even a discounted monthly membership to make sure they know what they're buying. Just make sure you're offering an experience they will value enough that they want to come back when they have to pay full price.

Relying too heavily on bargain hunters for your cash flow could lead to a crowded atmosphere that drives away clients who would be willing to pay you a little extra for some elbow room and tranquillity. Experiment until you find the right approach to attract great new customers and keep your ideal ones coming back. Once you find the right balance, you'll enjoy your business a lot more.

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This article is from Elaine Pofeldt of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Costly Pitfalls of Hosting on Airbnb

Holly Johnson — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 08:30:05 +0000

Renting out your spare room or property through Airbnb can be a great way to supplement your income. For example, New York City hosts earned a median income of $5,474 from the service from June 2015 to June 2016, according to Airbnb data. Other home-sharing services such as VRBO, HomeAway, and FlipKey all work in a similar way to connect property owners with renters through an online platform. (See also: Best Websites for Renting Out Your Extra Space)

Unfortunately, hosting on Airbnb or one of its competitors isn't just puppies, rainbows, and profits. While there is money to be made, renting out a home, an apartment, or even a room requires a lot more skill — and patience — than many realize. There's a lot that can go wrong any time you're working with the public at large. (See also: 13 Things I Learned From Renting Out My Home on Airbnb)

We reached out to several Airbnb hosts to find out the biggest hassles, the most annoying downsides, and the worst things that can go awry. Their insights provide some valuable lessons on what you should really expect if you get into this business.

1. Rude and unruly guests

Renting a home or room to an Airbnb guest is a lot like running a hotel. You'll get your share of polite and courteous renters who want to enjoy themselves without making their presence a hassle. But you'll also get people who will never be happy no matter what you do.

Airbnb host Zeona McIntyre owns properties in Boulder, Colorado and St. Louis, Missouri, and says she's experienced both the good and the bad. Some have even made her cry.

"Most guests are friendly, excited for their vacation, and really grateful that you are opening your home to them." says McIntyre. "A very small group of them are entitled, rude in exchanges, and unrealistic."

"I have had guests message me at all hours of the night, expecting an immediate response and I've had guests make me drive over in a snowstorm to change a light bulb."

If you ask any Airbnb host, you'll find that none of this is rare. In fact, dealing with an occasional bad egg is really just par for the course for any Airbnb host or landlord. Before you decide to rent a room or your home, make sure you're prepared to deal with whatever — or whoever — comes your way.

2. Bad reviews

One of the major components of any Airbnb business is customer reviews. While good reviews can help attract new renters, bad reviews can cause the opposite reaction. Either way, the review system is an integral part of the equation since it's the only way for new renters to learn what your rental experience is actually like.

As McIntyre notes, however, the review system can be a tough pill for a new owner to swallow — especially if you're transitioning a long-term rental into an Airbnb. With a long-term rental, your tenants tour the property ahead of time and know what they're getting into. With Airbnb, this is not the case.

"People all of a sudden feel empowered to critique your design sense, mattress choice, and even cleaning products," notes McIntyre. Occasionally, even simple choices like these cause renters to leave bad reviews when it's completely unwarranted.

"Constructive criticism makes us better, but it does not need to be hurtful or exaggerated," says McIntyre. But whether you like it or not, becoming an Airbnb host means learning to deal with negative feedback. (See also: This Is How You Rent Your Place on Airbnb — And Succeed)

3. More work than people realize

Too many people jump into their new Airbnb business with the false idea they're going to have it easy. List your Airbnb property for a profit, hire staff to keep it clean in between renters, and you can sit back and collect the checks, right?

Wrong. According to Airbnb host and real estate expert James Carlson, renting a home or even a room can be a lot more work than people realize. And, Carlson should know. Not only is he a realtor, but he runs several properties of his own and teaches classes on becoming a profitable Airbnb host.

Unless you hire out all the grunt work, you'll be doing laundry, cleaning kitchens, and making beds every few days. Not to mention being responsive to future guests and to your current guests' needs. "Remember, they don't have a concierge service," says Carlson. "You're it, so you need to be available."

Depending on the number of units you have, you end up putting fires out a lot, says McIntyre.

"If a unit is not as clean as it needs to be, you need to get another cleaner there right away. If a toilet plugs up and a guest is only in town for the weekend, they need it to be functioning," she says. "The key is not to lose your head."

Most of all, be prepared for an array of inconvenient situations. It's not a matter of "if" they'll happen, only "when."

4. Basic logistics

While unruly tenants and late-night calls can put a damper on your experience, sometimes it's the normal everyday logistics of running an Airbnb that cause the most hassle and stress.

Landlord and Airbnb host Elizabeth Colegrove, who owns multiple properties and blogs at TheReluctantLandlord.net, says some of the hardest problems to solve are the ones that should be simple but aren't.

"One of the biggest pains in the beginning was figuring out trash," notes Colegrove. "Tenants don't take the trash out to the curb and get really upset when there is trash left over from other people."

But, since her properties are mostly single family homes, there's no dumpster and turnovers aren't always around the time of trash day. To avoid miscommunication with tenants about the trash, Colegrove added a notice to her welcome packet so tenants knew they were required to take trash out to the outside bin. She also upped the fee she paid her cleaning company so they would take the trash to the curb on trash day.

Then, there are logistics that have to do with tenants themselves — for example, some tenants want to stay a single night but need to check out at 6 p.m. "Basically they want to pay for one night but get two days, which does not work for same-day turnovers with cleaning," says Colegrove. "We have had to get very strict on turnover and are even thinking about imposing a fine if not out by turnover."

5. Tax consequences

Abby Eisenkraft of Real Life Tax Advice is a tax professional who helps new Airbnb hosts prepare their taxes every year. She says that, especially the first year, Airbnb hosts are rarely prepared for the tax implications of running their business.

Eisenkraft says she's seen a few different scenarios play out over and over. First, many Airbnb hosts never set aside money to pay taxes on their Airbnb income. Unfortunately, this can mean owing more in taxes than they planned for. "They are always surprised — and many are tearful — when they see their tax bill," she says.

Second, new Airbnb hosts tend to be confused about what they can write off, so they try to write off personal expenses that have nothing to do with their Airbnb. Eisenkraft's job is explaining what they can and can't write off, and her answer doesn't always please her clients.

Lastly, new Airbnb hosts are typically surprised when they receive a Form 1099K in the mail showing their Airbnb income. Many falsely assumed their Airbnb business was "under the radar" and thus, not subject to taxes.

Obviously, assuming any of these things can be costly. Knowing about them in advance can help you decide whether you really want to have a short-term rental on your property, with your eyes wide open to both the costs and benefits.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Ways Your Customer Service Job Can Help You Win at Life

Sarah Winfrey — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Maybe you'd hoped for a different job by this point in your life, but here you are, still waiting tables, and it feels like you will never move up in the world.

But here's the good news: While serving people may not be what you want to do forever, you will learn some important lessons along the way. These will not only make you a better person, but are also likely to make you more successful later in life.

1. You learn to be polite to everyone

When you're serving people, you have to be polite, even when they aren't polite to you. Customers can do and say some horrible things, but you still have to smile and do your best to get them what they want. Sure, it's frustrating at the time, but these are skills that you need to learn. There are, unfortunately, rude people in every walk and station of life, and learning how to deal with them will make you happier and less likely to lose your cool later, when it could matter more.

2. You learn to prioritize

When the restaurant rush is on and you're slammed, you have to figure out how to be as efficient as possible. Instead of running to the kitchen seven separate times, you learn to do things in batches. Instead of bringing all of the condiments individually, you learn to grab them all at once. Working in the service industry, especially during busy times, helps you decide quickly what is important, what can wait, and which tasks best go together.

No matter what you do later in life, these skills will help you do it better. They will make you a more productive employee, whether you are deciding which arguments are the most important in legal cases, or triaging injuries in an emergency room.

3. You learn which battles are worth fighting

At some point in your service industry job, people are probably going to treat you poorly. While these can be miserable experiences in the moment, they can help you learn when you need to stand up for yourself and when it's better to just smile, nod, and be on your way. This will help you to be a calmer person, and also to be more confident about when you should take a stand.

4. You learn to embrace pressure

Service industry jobs come with a lot of pressure, especially when it's busy and people are putting in complicated orders or making very specific requests. If you stay long enough, you will learn to thrive under this kind of pressure. You will become someone who is unruffled, even when things get hectic, and someone who can be relied upon even when life is challenging.

And life is challenging. So learning how to function well, how to control your stress reactions, and how to be kind and polite even when the heat is on will serve you throughout life. It will make you the kind of person who doesn't melt down simply because things got hard for a little while.

5. You learn empathy

I have found it to be universally true that everyone you meet is fighting a battle of some sort. When you work in the service industry, you will eventually learn this. That customer who reordered her food five times just found out she has a severe allergy and is terrified of eating something that will make her sick. The child who screams for the entire dinner just got out of the hospital. The harried parent is involved in a messy divorce.

As you work, you will hear people's stories and sometimes they will involve hard, awful things. Hearing these, and seeing how so much of our bad behavior comes from stress and pain, will teach you empathy. It will help you see things from a different perspective, which makes you a better person overall.

6. You learn humility

You are more than your job. But while you're at work, you still have to do that job. And service industry jobs are not about you, but about whatever product you are offering, and about the people you are offering it to. Service industry jobs teach you to step outside of yourself and be about something else for a little while.

Anyone who can step outside of themselves for a job can also do it for their spouse, their children, or for another job that means more to them. While you should never sacrifice yourself long term, being able to do it for a period of time means that you understand that it's not all about you all the time, and you can let life — even your life — be about someone or something else in certain times and under certain circumstances.

7. You learn the importance of manners

It only takes someone being rude to you once or twice for you to learn the importance of good manners. Even the difference between an order given gruffly and one with a "please" will astound you. As you take these lessons to heart, you will learn to use your own manners, no matter the circumstances. Being rude never makes things better.

8. You learn to work with people you don't like

You will be on a team throughout life. Even in your home, as you marry and maybe have children, you will be part of a team. Sometimes, you won't like the other people on your team (even when that person is your spouse!). But you will still have to work with them. A service industry job can help you learn how to do that.

There will most likely be people you don't like at work. But learning how to communicate with them, and how to break up the necessary workload with them, will help you succeed later in life, when working as a team may be even more important.

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This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Fire Your Real Estate Agent

Dan Rafter — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 08:30:09 +0000

Whether you're selling a home or buying one, your realtor is a key partner in the process.

When you're selling, you want your real estate agent to negotiate the highest price for your home in as few days as possible. When you're buying, you want your agent to find the best house for you at the lowest price.

Working with the right agent can help you save or make a significant amount of money in what might be the biggest financial transaction of your life. So if you're dissatisfied with your agent, it might be time to break up your relationship.

But how do you do this?

Breaking up when buying

Ending a relationship with an agent who is helping you buy a home is simple. That's largely because you don't pay these agents, even when they successfully help you find and purchase a home.

When you close on a home, your agent is paid by the seller from the proceeds of the home's sale. The listing agent and the agent representing the buyer split a commission equally. This commission is usually 5 percent or 6 percent of the home sale — meaning that the agent representing you gets 2.5 percent or 3 percent of the money. That money does not come from your pocket. It comes from the seller's.

Because of this, most buyers don't even sign a contract stating that they are working with an agent. They just start working with that agent, who will show them homes available for sale. That agent will also draw up the offer papers when buyers find a home they want to purchase and will handle negotiations to close the sale on behalf of the buyer.

If you no longer want to work with your buyer's agent, ending the relationship is as simple as telling them. Give them a call and politely explain that you don't feel that they're the right fit for you.

Breaking up when selling

Ending a relationship with a real estate agent gets more complicated when they're helping you sell your house.

Because you are the one who pays your agent, you'll have to sign a contract. Most contracts between a homeowner and real estate agent are "exclusive right to sell." These contracts state that the listing agent receives the commission when the home sells no matter who finds the buyer. The contract will also state the commission you'll pay, usually 5 percent or 6 percent of the sale. It will also state the duration of the agreement, perhaps three or six months. Typically, you'll want this duration to be as short as possible. Then if you're unhappy, you can simply end the relationship by not renewing the contract.

Ending the contract early

Before you sign a contract, ask your agent what happens if you are unhappy with the service. Will he or she will let you cancel the contract before its end date? What conditions need to be met to allow a quicker break of the contract? Agents might agree to let you out of your contract if a certain number of showings aren't scheduled or offers aren't made during a set period of time. This is important: It's easier to break a contract if you can prove that your agent isn't fulfilling the duties listed in the contract.

Some agents will let you end the relationship early simply because they don't want to work with a client who isn't pleased with their services. Agents rely on positive recommendations from past clients; they don't want to take the chance that an angry client will spread negative information about them.

If you're unhappy with your agent, contact them immediately. Explain, politely, why you want to break your contract. Maybe you don't think your agent is doing enough to market your home. Maybe you aren't happy with the photos they took or the online listing they created. Your agent might be willing to make changes in the service he or she is providing to resolve your differences. If the differences can't be resolved, the brokerage in which your agent works will usually provide you with a different agent from its office with whom you can work.

If you don't want to work with the brokerage at all, you'll have to rely on its mercy when trying to break a listing contract before it expires. Some brokerages will let you break your contract if you're not happy. Others won't. Remember, your agent and brokerage have no legal obligation to let you out of a contract as long as the agent is fulfilling the duties listed in it. You can hire a lawyer to break a contract, but there is no guarantee that you'll succeed. Pursuing this option will also be costly.

Sometimes your best option is to wait out the contract until it expires. This is why signing a contract with the shortest duration is the smartest move.

This article is from Dan Rafter of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ask the Readers: What Was Your Best Experience With Customer Service?

Ashley Jacobs — Tue, 09 May 2017 08:30:10 +0000

Editor's Note: Congratulations to Davalyn, Raina, and Susan for winning this week's contest!

Stories about terrible customer service — and terrible customers — get a lot of mileage, but it's worth recognizing the times when customer service gets it right.

What was your best experience with customer service? What was the initial issue, and how was it resolved? If you've been on the "service" side of customer service, what are some of your favorite memories of interacting with customers?

Tell us about your best customer service experience and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Win 1 of 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards

We're doing three giveaways — here's how you can win:

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Good Luck!

Tell us about your best experience with customer service and we'll enter you in a drawing to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

This article is from Ashley Jacobs of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

11 Easy Ways to Earn More on eBay

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 27 Jan 2017 10:30:32 +0000

Selling unwanted items on eBay is a great way to clear away clutter and make some extra money on the side. Use these tips, and you'll start making even more.

1. Take Clear Pictures

Clear, sharp, and well-lit pictures are important. This is the first thing buyers will notice when looking at whatever it is you're selling. While it's a good idea to include the manufacturer's photo of the item, you'll also want to include some of your own so that bidders will know exactly what they're purchasing. They will also be looking at the background in the photos, so make sure to take them in a clean, well-lighted space.

2. Write a Good Description

Write an accurate, thorough description. Make sure to specify the brand, type, size, color, material, and other important keywords for the item you're selling. You will also want to clearly specify the condition of the item. In the description field, highlight the benefits of the product and what makes it different from another seller's listing. Check for misspellings in your description, which can throw off your keywords and make your item more difficult to find.

3. Determine Your Pricing

To set a price, first do some market research to see what identical items in similar condition are selling for, and how it compares to the original asking price. Be sure to also factor in the cost of shipping, packing supplies, and calculate any fees.

4. Timing Is Everything

You can set the time that your listing will begin and expire on eBay. It's important to take into account that you may have bidders on both the East and West Coast, so you want to set your listing to end at a time that is convenient for both timezones.

According to eBay, buyers are most active between 5 p.m. PST and 10 p.m. PST. In most cases, it's wise to end your listing between 6 p.m. PST and 9 p.m. PST. This allows bidders to place their final bid once they are home from work, but before they go to sleep, regardless of which coast they are on. Sunday is generally the best day of the week to end your sale. Weekends see the most traffic on eBay, and Sunday evening is the most active.

5. Set Unsuccessful Listings to Resell

eBay will allow you to relist items that didn't sell up to three times at no extra charge. If you set each listing to seven days and choose the option to resell unsuccessful listings, your item will be up for a total of 21 days at no fee.

6. Bundle Items Together

Whenever possible, bundle items together. This makes it seem like buyers are getting a better deal, and can help make your listing stand out. Best of all, it can save you time and money on shipping. This is especially effective around the holidays when shoppers are looking for gifts.

7. Have Positive Feedback

Bidders will look at your feedback, so it's important that you have some positive reviews. If you haven't sold anything or don't have any reviews yet, consider selling some smaller items first so that you can build up some positive feedback. This will allow buyers to be more confident in you when considering a high priced item.

8. Offer Free Shipping

According to eBay, most buyers are looking for items that offer free shipping. It allows buyers to see the total price easily rather than having to factor in an additional cost. If you don't want to offer free shipping, then offer cheaper shipping.

Make sure to ship through your eBay dashboard. This will make it more convenient for you, and results in shipping discounts of up to 24% on Priority Mail and up to 37% on FedEx shipments. It also allows the buyer to automatically track the shipment and can charge your PayPal account for the shipping fees.

9. Ship Items Quickly

By shipping your items quickly, you can get more positive feedback, which is important to future sales. International shipping can be expensive and time-consuming, so you may want to turn international shipping options off when selling your item.

10. Answer Buyers' Questions

If a potential buyer asks a question about your product, it's important that you respond quickly and accurately. If you take your time answering, the buyer may have moved on to another seller and you'll lose out on a sale.

11. Offer Good Customer Service

If you are frequently selling items, issues are certain to happen from time to time. As the seller, you have the responsibility to make an effort to provide customer satisfaction. This may mean accepting a return even when you feel you were accurate in your description, or providing a partial refund to satisfy a complaint. Do your best to remain respectful and calm, even if you feel the buyer is being unreasonable.

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Switch to a Better Bank in 5 Easy Steps

Dan Rafter — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 10:00:06 +0000

Switching banks is a pain. You have to close accounts, research new banks, and rework all those automatic bill payments you've set up at the financial institution you'd like to leave.

But sometimes making the switch is the right move. Maybe your bank has raised its fees. Maybe it's closed the branches that operated near your home or work. And if you're moving, you might have no choice but to make the switch.

Yes, switching banks does take a bit of work. But it's relatively simple work.

If you need or want to switch to a new bank, follow this simple step-by-step guide. Doing so will ease any stress from jumping to a new financial institution.

1. Research a New Bank

Before closing any accounts at your current bank, make sure that you spend some time researching a new home for your money. Choose a bank that offers online bill pay and direct deposit, of course. You also want one that offers free checking and higher interest rates on savings accounts — relatively speaking, since interest rates are still near historic lows.

Customer service matters, too. Search for a bank that has plenty of ATMs near you and that still operates branches within a short drive of your home or office. You might also consider investigating a credit union or an online bank, both solid alternatives to traditional banks.

The key in this search is the checking account. Make sure you know exactly how your new checking account will operate. Is there a minimum-balance requirement? Are there fees if you make too many withdrawals during a month? How large of an initial deposit do you need to set up your new account? These are all key questions that you should answer during your research.

2. Open Your New Checking Account

Once you select a new bank, start the switching process by opening a checking account there. Do this before you close the checking account at the bank you are leaving. You might still need money in your old account to cover payments that haven't yet cleared.

To open a checking account, you'll need some basic information. You'll need to provide, of course, your name, address, and date of birth. But you'll also need to provide your Social Security number and one official piece of photo identification. Usually, this will be your driver's license. But banks will also accept an official state ID card or your passport.

Your bank will then require you to make an initial deposit into your new account. How big this deposit must be will vary by bank.

3. Cancel Automatic Payments at the Bank You Are Leaving

Once you've established a checking account at your new bank, it's time to cancel any automatic payments that you've set up at the bank you are leaving. Do this right away, so that your creditors don't try to take money out of an account that is either empty or has been officially closed.

Then set up the same automatic payments with your new bank. You'll need your bank's routing number and address and your checking account number to do this.

If you had signed up to have your paycheck deposited directly into your old account, cancel that direct-deposit arrangement, too. Then contact your company's human resources department to move your direct deposits to your new checking account.

4. Close Your Old Account — When the Time Is Right

You can now close your old account, if all of the checks you've written against it have cleared. Compare your check register against your online account to make sure.

If you don't do this? Any checks that have not yet cleared will bounce if your old account is closed. The companies that you were paying might charge you late fees if this happens. This danger is why it usually makes sense to wait at least a month after opening your new checking account before closing your old one.

5. Get It in Writing

When you're sure that all your checks and payments have cleared, you can officially close that old account. Doing this in person might be the best choice. That way you can instantly receive written verification that your account has been closed. You'll want this documentation in case your former bank reopens your account or claims that it was never shut down in the first place.

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This article is from Dan Rafter of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Sam's Club or Costco: Which Warehouse Club Is Right for You?

Kyle James — Tue, 06 Sep 2016 10:00:12 +0000

Costco or Sam's? The debate has raged for years and typically involves a pricing breakdown of each warehouse retail giant. But what most comparisons fail to cover are all the intangibles that a membership brings — things like the return policy and member services that you probably didn't know exist. Well, until now, that is. Here's how the two warehouse giants stack up so you can make an informed decision.

Return Policy (Winner: Costco)

Costco has a legendary return policy which states they'll allow you to return any item, at any time, no questions asked.

Unfortunately, their policy was abused in recent years, especially on electronics, and has changed to a 90-day return policy on computers, TVs, tablets, cameras, cellphones, and the like. But what makes Costco's return policy so amazing is that you can bring items back for a full refund without the original packaging, and without your receipt, as they have a record of all your purchases in their system. I was recently able to bring back a Keurig coffee maker that stopped working six months after I purchased it and they gave me full refund, no questions asked. The only items you flat-out can't return at Costco are alcohol, cigarettes, and special orders.

Sam's Club return policy is solid but not quite as attractive. Like Costco, you can return most items at any time for a full refund. But what makes their return policy less attractive is their long list of exceptions. For example, similar to Costco, you have 90 days to return electronics like TVs, computers, and cameras. But this 90-day policy at Sam's also extends to unopened movies, music, and software. Also, you only have 14 days to return connected devices like cellphones and tablets and they must be returned to same store where you purchased them.

Furthermore, unlike Costco, Sam's highly recommends that products are returned in their original packaging and you have your receipt in hand. If you don't have either, they claim they'll do their best to process your return, but they reserve the right to deny it. Popular items that you can't return to Sam's Club include alcohol, prescriptions, tickets, tobacco products, and gift cards.

Credit Card (Winner: Costco)

Both stores offer a co-branded credit card. However, Costco’s Credit Card includes bonus rewards for Costco purchases which, is really the whole point of using a co-branded card. Why would you sign up for a Sam’s Club credit card if it only gives you the minimum 1% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases and any cash rewards credit card could offer? (See also: Best Credit Cards to Use at Costco)

Lower Prices (Winner: Toss-Up)

The brain-trust at Consumer Reports recently did a head-to-head pricing challenge between Sam's and Costco. Interestingly, they found that both clubs offered comparable prices across all departments in the warehouse. Many of the pricing discrepancies were merely regional and didn't hold true across all stores. Thus, they essentially called the two stores' pricing a tie and gave a slight advantage to Costco overall due mainly to customer service and product quality of the Kirkland brand. But keep in mind that this slight advantage to Costco comes with a $15 a year higher price tag, as membership starts at $60 while Sam's starts at only $45. (See also: Wal-Mart vs. Sam's Club: Who Actually Has the Better Deals?)

Better Coupons (Winner: Toss-Up)

In recent years, both wholesale clubs have gone to an "instant savings" coupon booklet which automatically loads club member's cards with discounts on specific items. That discount is then taken at the register and you're not required to clip a coupon or even have the coupon book in your possession. Both club's coupon booklets last about 24 days before expiring. The Costco coupon booklet gets the nod in terms of savings on furniture, electronics, and gadgets, while the Sam's Club booklet has better savings on grocery and household items. In other words, one is not necessarily better than the other; they'll just appeal to different shoppers.

Services Provided (Winner: Costco)

Both clubs offer member services that extend way beyond a low price on toilet paper and chicken thighs. For example, both memberships come with pharmacy services, optical services, hearing aid services, auto buying programs, identity protection, insurance programs, and business payment processing to name a few. But Costco gets the overall nod here as they also offer a highly regarded mortgage service. Many members like it because it removes the guesswork out of the often murky loan fees associated with home mortgages. Their fee schedule is simple; $350 for executive members and $650 for gold star members. (See also: 10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know You Could Buy at Costco)

Membership Fee Discount (Winner: Sam's Club)

Costco rarely, if ever, offers a discount to entice new members to sign up. Sam's Club, on the other hand, is always throwing a bone or two to get new shoppers to test drive a membership. For example, they just recently had a deal where you could score the basic $45 Sam's Club membership along with $95 worth of upgrades and freebies that included a $20 gift card, free pizza, free cookies, and a free upgrade to the "Plus" membership. Don't sneeze at the membership upgrade — plus members are granted $10 back on every $500 spent, five free prescriptions per year, and early morning access to the warehouse. They seem to run these types on "new member" deals and upgrades quarterly, so keep an eye out on their promotions page. (See also: These 6 Costco Items Will Easily Cover Your $55 Membership)

This article is from Kyle James of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Beat Bad Customer Service

Amy Lu — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 10:00:14 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on ways to beat bad customer service, grocery items you’re overspending on, and how to do a wedding for less than $10,000.

6 Brands With the Best Warranties

Brittany Lyte — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 09:00:10 +0000

It's a huge letdown that we've all faced: You've invested in a reputedly quality-made product and it breaks, malfunctions, or otherwise falls eons short of your humble expectations. (Cue the sad trombone.)

Fortunately, if you're shopping the right brands, there's a way out of this situation. There are a handful of companies that not only make durable gear, but also back those claims of durability with warranty programs to facilitate repairs, returns, exchanges, or money-back guarantees and are fair and easy. Okay, some of these warranties aren't exactly fair. But rest assured that with these brands any unfairness is rigged in favor of the consumer, bar none. (See also: 7 Retailers With the Absolute Best Customer Service)

1. Sears Craftsman

In 2016, the Sears Craftsman brand of hand tools for lawn and garden maintenance was named America's brand of the year for power tools by The Harris Poll, a respected and academically vetted index of superior brand quality. And with a warranty program like the one offered by Craftsman, it's not hard to see why the company ranks so high.

When Craftsman hand tools hit the market in 1927, the company instituted an unlimited lifetime warranty under which any Craftsman item can be returned, replaced, or repaired, free of charge, for any reason — no proof of purchase necessary. "We stand behind the warranty — complete satisfaction — period," says David Figler, vice president of Craftsman tools. Of course, complete satisfaction is hard to define. In fact, it's really quite subjective. But Craftsman vows to leave it up to the consumer to gauge his or her own satisfaction. This generous guarantee is all about keeping the customer content.

2. LL Bean

Catalog retailer LL Bean will take anything back, for any reason, in any condition, and replace it. It's unbelievable what people will send back: a 40-year-old T-shirt that has worn a small hole, muddy and rain-soaked camping gear, or perfectly good bedding that's no longer needed because the consumer upgraded to a king-size bed. The list goes on and on and on. The folks who staff the LL Bean returns department are under strict orders to refrain from passing any judgement on the people who bring back things with which they were clearly satisfied — so satisfied, in fact, that they wore the items out over a lifetime of heavy use. Alas, LL Bean vows not to play the moral police. If you say you're unsatisfied with an LL Bean product, no employee will question you. Rather, they will bestow upon you a new version of the thing you wore out, or full store credit.

3. Aldi

Discount grocer Aldi doesn't just guarantee its products — it double guarantees them. If you're not fully satisfied with an item, the store will both replace the item and refund your money. This uber-generous warranty simply requires that consumers return the product packaging and any unused product to a local store manager. It's as easy as that!

4. Cutco

Probably the least exciting household item you'll ever have to replace is your cutlery. Here's how to avoid it: Invest in Cutco knives, which are backed by a forever guarantee. Like heirloom jewelry, Cutco knives are intended to be passed down within families for generations. To that end, the company will sharpen or repair its products, a service that costs $9 in shipping and handling, and vows to return them to you in like-new condition — no receipt or registration required. If you're not satisfied with a product's performance, the company will correct the problem or replace the product. All you have to do is mail the product back to the company with an explanatory note. And should you damage your Cutco knives through misuse, the company will replace the item for half of its current retail price plus any applicable sales tax.

5. Dr. Martens

Ranging from the whimsical to the industrial, there's a Dr. Martens boot style for just about everyone. In fact, that's one reason why the brand's combat boot, available in a huge range of colors and patterns, has been named one of celebrity stylist June Ambrose's top must-haves for back-to-school. And while Dr. Martens aren't exactly inexpensive, parents can rest assured that a Dr. Martens purchase is money well spent. That's because the brand's footwear is backed by a lifetime guarantee. The company promises to continually repair or replace any pair of shoes for the rest of its wearer's life.

6. Jansport

The popular backpack and luggage company asserts that its products are durable. Of course, tears and zipper malfunctions sometimes happen. If the company can't fix a flaw in one of its products, it vows to replace or refund it. It doesn't matter what adventurous trek you've tested it on or how long ago you bought it. This lifetime guarantee comes with no strings attached.

What other brands have great warranties? Share with us!

This article is from Brittany Lyte of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

5 Airlines With the Best Customer Service

Paul Michael — Mon, 18 Jul 2016 09:30:42 +0000

Flying is not the customer-focused experience it was back in the 60s and 70s. In fact, talk about flying to many people today and a grimace will make its way onto their faces. Some say that a plane has become nothing more than a Greyhound bus with wings, and the airlines seem to charge for every little thing. From fees for both checked and carry-on bags, fees for online check-in, charges for movies and meals, and even paying to rent headsets, you get very little for your money these days.

So, when AirlineQualityRating.com releases the findings of its annual customer service study, everyone who flies should take note. If you are going to be in the air, it may as well be with one of the top five airlines that excel at customer service. Here they are.

1. Virgin America

The airline owned by Sir Richard Branson continues to have an incredibly positive impact on those who fly the Virgin skies. It all starts when you enter the aircraft and are greeted by a sumptuous glow of purple in the main cabin (and when you get to Select and First Class, you're in a completely different world). Seats in the main cabin are soft black leather, and of course, there is the vast array of on-demand entertainment, Wi-Fi, personal outlets, and snacks including jerky sausage and veggie chips.

However, where Virgin America really steps it up is the customer service, and the overall passenger experience. Virgin recently introduced "Seat-to-Seat delivery + Chat," and it's the kind of innovation that Sir Branson is known to embrace. If you're on a flight and fancy striking up a conversation with someone, be it a friend, a co-worker, or a complete stranger, the on-board touch screen system lets you break the ice by sending a drink or a snack to another seat. You can also mingle in a chat room, or flirt with someone you saw as you were getting on board. Suddenly, the prospect of a long flight can be turned on its head, and you are now entering an experience similar to a bar or club that uses social media. What's more, the flight attendants are known to be some of the most friendly (and funny) flying today.

It was recently reported that Alaska Airlines plans to purchase Virgin America for $2.6 billion. No doubt the continued excellence in customer service, and on board innovation, was a big part of that purchasing decision. Let's hope it doesn't negatively affect the Virgin America experience.

2. JetBlue

The JetBlue experience is certainly different from most carriers these days. Take a quick look at their "Experience JetBlue" page and the first thing you'll see is the word free.

Yes. Free. And this is from a low-cost carrier.

Once you're onboard a JetBlue flight, you are treated to unlimited free brand name snacks and drinks, including Cheez-Its, Craisins, Terra Blues, and an array of cold Coke and Seagrams beverages. Dunkin' Donuts provides the tea and coffee. JetBlue also boasts the most legroom in coach of any airlines, and you can boost that to an Even More Space seat if you feel like treating yourself.

And then, of course, there's the customer service. It's award-winning, ensuring your travel is the very best. To this end, JetBlue introduced the Customer Bill of Rights, and it guarantees that you get the very best flight your money can buy — or, you get your money back.

Want more? Well, if your flight is delayed by between 90 minutes and two hours, you'll get a $25 credit for future JetBlue travel. If that hits six hours or more, you get a $200 credit. If it's an onboard ground delay, you'll get the same $200 after five hours.

What does this mean? Well, if you're JetBlue, you have quite the financial incentive to keep the planes running on time. It's yet another reason JetBlue is nipping at the heels of Virgin America, and may well take the number one spot next year. See also: Earn Award Flights Faster With the JetBlue Card

3. Delta

While not quite matching the performance of the top two on the list, Delta comes in at an impressive third place, beating out two airlines that are renowned for customer care. Perhaps part of that was Delta's on-time percentage for 2015, which was a remarkable 85.9%, with only two bags per 1,000 passengers mishandled.

Delta does free snacks, including Biscoff cookies Starbucks coffee, and the usual array of beverages (although as is usual these days, you have to purchase larger snacks and alcoholic drinks).

If you choose Delta to fly international, you'll get uninterrupted sleep courtesy of a sleep kit featuring eyeshades and earplugs (also handy for those screaming kids that can really put a dent in your good humor). See also: Which Delta SkyMiles Credit Card has the Best Value?

4. Hawaiian

Last year Hawaiian were in the number two spot, so they have dropped a few places. But don't let this convince you that their customer service has dropped, or that they are not making the effort. Rather, other airlines have upped their game based on some of the stories that have been told about Hawaiian.

For a start, Hawaiian flights are more likely to be on time than any other airlines. In 2015, 88.4% of the flights operated by Hawaiian were on time and ready to go, which is a huge achievement.

Hawaiian recently took a leaf out of Priceline.com's "What's it worth to you?" strategy, and introduced the Bud Up system. Basically, you book regular tickets and then enter a bid to upgrade those seats to First Class. If the bid is accepted (presumable based on availability, popularity, and route), you will get your seats bumped to First Class at the price you dictated. Could this be as little as $1 each? Doubtful…but who knows!

Of course, being Hawaiian, the airline prides itself on the more laid-back customer service approach you would expect from the island paradise it is named after. Big smiles, great food, and if you like, you can purchase a Lei Greeting and have a garland of fresh flowers draped over you on your arrival at your destination.

5. Alaska

As mentioned in the top spot, Alaska recently put in a huge bid for Virgin America, so perhaps next year they will take the number one slot. For now, Alaska is sitting pretty in fifth place, and this is largely due to the low number of complaints it received in 2015; just 0.5 complaints for every 100,000 passengers. Or, five complaints for every one million passengers.

When you consider how much people hate flying today, finding only five people in a million who had something negative to say about their trip is mind-boggling. So, what is Alaska doing right?

According to J.D. Power, a lot. They have awarded Alaska "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" nine years running.

Alaska's Customer Service Commitment plays a big part in this rating. It includes a promise of the lowest available fare, flexibility in the first 24 hours of booking, special treatment during extended delays, a guarantee of a clean and comfortable aircraft, and seamless partnerships with partners including Delta and Peninsula.

And if you're wondering, the next five airlines for 2016 are…

Southwest
SkyWest
United
ExpressJet
American

What's your favorite airline?

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: