How do you deal with really bad service?

I get all agitated and annoyed, and barge into manager's offices and such - but with mixed results. Does the squeaky wheel really get the grease, or do you really catch more flies with honey?

There's a way of conducting business on both ends. Being a General Manager of a retail establishment, there are times where the customer perceives "bad service" when they don't get their way....all the way. Now, on the other hand, it is up to the establishment to weigh the parameters of the service and results that were provided. Are exceptions made...absolutely. 1x courtesies...yes. While you may not be able to perform miracles, you may be able to meet them half way, and communicate as such. A clear, professional approach is the best way...you want to uncover their concerns....their "grease" will produce "honey results", and a better informed, repeat customer...who in turn, will tell 100 more.

at a restaurant, if this service is bad, demand a free meal or to knock something off of the bill.

I inherited a razor tongue from my mother... By that I mean that I can say what I think without yelling, cursing, or otherwise making a spectacle, and still make someone feel an inch tall. I try my best not to take advantage of that. It's diffiult, though, because I have worked as a manager in retail, and currently I am a server at a 5 star restaurant. The service that I give to my guests is rarely the service I receive as a guest. The more you know about service, the harder it is to accept anything less.

I usually try to let it go if it's not too bad, but if the service is horrible, then I'll ask to speak to the manager, and explain the problem. Happens in Wal-Mart more than anywhere else.

The squeaky wheel does get the grease, but the screaming wheel gets replaced.

I am assuming you mean resturant service, but following applies.

Order of action

1) camly and politely discuss your problem with you server
2) camly and politely discuss problem with supervisor
If you can't resolve the issues then
Contact owner/Corportate offices and camly and politely discuss your problem

If this doesn't resolve the problem simply never use the service again, recommend to you friends and family to never use the service again, contact Better business burea

Over all note the words calmly and politely. By not taking any action you do not allow for the situation, which may be inadvertant, to be resolved and just have bad feelings. In a service always let them know you have a problem, BEFORE you have become upset, and attempt to resolve it in a civilized manner. Abuse gets you know where, polite complaints give a chance for a good resolution.

Ohh and take time out to thank those who are just outstanding in there service :)

If still do

No one likes to listen to someone being rude and beligerent. Try to remain calm, you will get your point across with better results.