Quality of customer service in Mexico

Hello everyone,Customer service can say a lot about everyday life in Mexico, and for many expats, it’s something that could take time to get used to. In order to help expats and soon-to-be expats to adjust to local expectations, we invite you to share your insights.How would you describe customer service in Mexico?  Like anywhere else, it varies.  Public or monopolistic services are the hardest to deal with, they thrive on bureaucracy.   Private firms, especially family-owned are friendly, reliable, though there is that adage that 'Mexicans don't want to give you bad news.'  So sometimes instead of saying, we don't have that, can't stock that, can't do that, they tend to take the approach, of 'Es posible.'

How do businesses handle complaints or requests for refunds?  Do expats get treated differently than locals? 

Not if they speak Spanish!  The gringos that gripe about overcharges, etc. are almost always non-Spanish speakers. 

Any tips on how to get the best service in Mexico? 

Speak Spanish, Smile.  Greet and make small talk before and after any transaction.  Ask about their family, ask them for recommendations, ask them wear they buy their chickens and pork (warning: it'll be a long but informative answer!

Share your experiences and stories, whether positive, challenging or funny!

CFE dinged us for the prior owner's balance due on our first bill.  It wasn't a lot, a few hundred pesos.  I didn't realize it until after I paid the bill.  Their bureaucrat dismissed me with a shrug.  I took that as a personal challenge.  I emailed every CFE official from Jalisco to CDMX.  I went to the local office 3 times a week.  I never raised my voice, just told them they owed me the money and was owed a credit for what I erroneously paid.  After 3 months of this, a man came to our front gate, he handed my husband the 400 pesos in cash and told him: Your wife must never come to my office again.  My Mexican friends say getting CFE to admit wrongdoing, let alone, refund $$$ is unheard of.  Gave me a lot of street cred.