Abstract
This article describes an experiential method for teaching customer orientation by directing students to use their own experience with a business to write either an e-mail letter of praise or complaint to that business. Students complete a survey that asks them to rate businesses on customer orientation measures at the time they send the e-mail and, again, at the end of the semester after having had time to receive a response. Results of the surveys are analyzed and recommendations are given for conducting an interactive discussion that allows students to see the variability of the firms’ commitment to customer orientation.