"We cannot get any better if we don't know where our weaknesses are," Carey wrote. "If you're uncomfortable telling us in person, feel free to call later, or write us, or e-mail us. We love hearing from our customers."

I think these are excellent points. If you've ever worked retail, you know how hard it can be to keep a smile on your face when someone with an attitude comes into the store. Of course, some of the most successful people in the service industry manage to stay positive and helpful even in the face of the most outrageous customers, but I don't know how they do it.

In other words, I believe that, yes, the customer is always right. But that doesn't mean the customer has the right to be rude. If people on both sides of a transaction stay civil, helpful and kind, it will be a better customer service experience for everyone.

Thanks, Carey, for reminding me of that.

I'd still like to hear other thoughts on the topic of customer service. Or, if you have a financial question, I'd like to help find an answer to that, too. Send correspondence to gkratz@desnews.com or to the Deseret News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, UT 84110.

E-mail: gkratz@desnews.com