Being in the customer service industry for over 40 years, bowling to be exact. I am now in the position of overseeing four large centers, 74,50,48,20 lanes. Starting out as minimum wage I agree to many multimillion dollar companies put their face in the hands of low paid often undertrained staff.
I have to agree that in our business we pay minimum, nobody wants to pay 8 dollars a game for bowling, but the key here is to always review your counter staff, the first contact of your business to the customer. When they exceed and excel in providing your company with quality service then pay bonuses accordingly! Many a time I have issued checks for 500 dollars to great staff right at the counter infront of other staff just "because". The word travels fast and the cream of your employees rise and the sour milk quickly leave.