Go local for customer service

Recently at Business Week, Charlie Gaffney recognized the fact that levels of customer service are falling as companies are reducing their workforce. He brings up two ideas that are good for both a customer service perspective and your local workforce.

As the use of email has surpassed the use of phones, so it's a great time to turn to email for your customer service. It's also something worth investing in, because good customer service is a great way to advertise. Invest in your local community, and hire locals to work the inbox. Customers will recognize the easy and quick communication and great service they'll receive. You'll also be providing jobs for your community.

What do you think? Is your customer service located locally? How have you seen this affect your business?