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Getting customer service right is no easy matter. This is why the companies who
are good at it have such a good record of customer retention. It takes time to
build a reputation for good customer services. It also takes dedication and people
skills. Below are some examples of ways in which you can ensure that you are
providing the best in customer services every time, and as a result keeping your
customers (as well as bringing some more in):
1.
Greet customers with a smile, either in person or on the phone. It may sound corny, but it’s true
that customers can hear the smile in your voice when you talk on the phone.
2.
Be helpful, even if there’s no profit in it. Make customers feel that your primary concern is being
helpful to them, whether or not you are actually going to sell them something.
3.
Know your product or service. If customers feel that you don’t have the knowledge they need,
they will look for someone else who does. Your expertise is part of the value you bring to
customer interactions.
4.
Don’t make customers feel like dummies. Of course you know more than your customers do
about your product or service, but don’t make them feel inadequate because they don’t share
your expertise.
5.
Listen to customers. In dealing with customers, listen more than you talk.
6.
Remember that employees will treat customers the way they are treated by management. If
employees are treated with consideration and respect, they will be more likely to treat
customers the same way.
7.
Make customers feel important and appreciated. When a customer needs help, set aside what
you’re doing, and focus on the customer.
8.
Make things easy for customers. Think about how you can make every transaction as fast and
effortless as possible for customers.
9.
Throw in something extra. Giving customers a little more than they’ve paid for, or a little more
than they expect, can make them feel that you really care about their business.
10. Say thank you. This might seem obvious, but it’s easy sometimes to forget to thank customers
for their business. A genuine “thank you” can go a long way toward creating good feelings in
customers.