Customer-hostile

Describing practices, policies, or environments that are perceived as unfriendly, inconvenient, or detrimental to the experience of a customer. This can manifest in various ways, from complex return policies and unresponsive customer service to opaque pricing structures and a general lack of concern for customer needs. customer-hostile approaches often prioritize short-term gains over long-term customer loyalty and brand reputation, ultimately leading to negative consequences such as reduced sales and damage to the company's image.

Customer-hostile meaning with examples

• The airline's exorbitant baggage fees and cramped seating arrangements made for a customer-hostile experience. Passengers felt nickel-and-dimed and were more likely to choose a competitor for future travel. The lack of transparency regarding additional charges and the absence of comfortable alternatives further exacerbated the situation, leading to widespread customer dissatisfaction.
• The software company's convoluted installation process and lack of user-friendly documentation were undeniably customer-hostile. New users struggled to set up the product, and the absence of readily available support resources exacerbated their frustration. This ultimately led to a high rate of product abandonment and negative online reviews, hindering sales.
• The retail store's restrictive return policy, coupled with unhelpful staff, cultivated a customer-hostile environment. Customers felt that their concerns were dismissed, making the overall shopping experience unpleasant. This lack of consideration caused many shoppers to take their business elsewhere and share their negative experiences with others through social media.
• The bank's hidden fees and complex account structures created a customer-hostile relationship. Customers were often surprised by unexpected charges and found the terms and conditions confusing. This lack of transparency and disregard for consumer understanding contributed to customer mistrust and ultimately, the loss of business to more consumer friendly institutions.