There are lots of articles out there for businesses on the topic of how to provide good customer service. But what about being a customer? Knowing how to be a good customer is just as important as knowing how to treat customers. This is a subject that does not get very much attention, but it should.

As a customer you tend to focus on what the business can provide for you and never give a 2nd thought as to what your role in the business transaction is. There are 2 sides to every business transaction and therefore it is important to learn what your role is and how you can influence the outcome. The following are 5 ways that you can be a good customer.

1. When contacting a business always be sure to get the name of the person you speak with. Make note of that name along with the date and time you spoke to them. Should the need arise to call the company again it will make it easier to be able to reference a particular person on a specific date and time.

2. If there is a problem, give the business a chance to make things right. Explain clearly and concisely what the problem is and let them know exactly what your expectations on in resolving the issue. Give them the opportunity to live up to your expectations before proceeding with any action.

3. If someone provides you with exceptional customer service be sure to let them know it. Also be sure to let their supervisor know it by speaking with them directly. You might even consider writing a letter to the company regarding your positive experience. So often customers are quick to let a company know when something is wrong but are not as quick to let them know when something is right. Accentuate the positive, not just the negative.

4. If you are unable to get what you want from the person you speak to, ask to speak to their supervisor. Often, supervisors are able to be more flexible than individual employees. Don't threaten or get nasty or rude. This gets you nowhere! If things cannot be resolved to your satisfaction, it is better to file a dispute with the BBB or the Office of Consumer Affairs. You will be taken much more seriously if you don't resort to name calling or other childish behavior.

5. If the company makes things right for you or meets or exceeds your expectations in customer service be sure to reward them by referring others to them. Word of mouth referrals are the bread and butter of business owners. Those who let you know that they value you as a customer deserve to be rewarded with your referrals. By rewarding businesses who provide exceptional customer service you reinforce the importance to business owners of the power of good customer relations.