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Customer Service - A Lost Art?


Is customer service a lost art? Before you answer that question, take a moment and think about the last few times you have gone shopping or out to dinner. Okay, now that you have really thought about it, is your answer any different? Why is it that when we actually DO receive excellent customer service that it makes such an impression on us that we usually choose to go back? Why - because the occurrences are so few and far between!!!

As a home business owner, it is imperative to my business that customer service is ALWAYS a top priority. Remember the saying: "If you don't take care of your customer, somebody else will". I'm sure you have read or heard it somewhere before.....and how true it is.

Here are a few ways to improve customer service at your business:

  • SMILE - Sounds too simple, right? As a customer, would you prefer to be serviced by a smiling face, or a scowl that would befit a guard dog?

  • LISTEN - Always be slow to speak and quick to listen. Let customers express themselves without you trying to do it for them. Nobody likes being interrupted.

  • DON'T BE TOO PUSHY - Yeah, I know - the bottom line is sales, right?
    There is a fine line between suggesting products/services and pushing them down a customer's throat. If you are too pushy, your customer will probably walk away and take their business elsewhere.

  • PHONE ETTIQUETTE - Whether you are answering or initiating a call, always remember who the customer is. Be polite. Try "Yes sir/ma'am" instead of "yeah" and "nope". If you don't have an answer for your customer - offer to do some research to find what they are inquiring about.

  • THANK YOU - ALWAYS thank your customers. Even if you could not help them or they decided not to purchase from you. Leave them with a positive impression of your business before they leave.

  • TRAINING - Train your employees. Don't let an untrained employee ruin your track record of excellent customer service. Train your employees on-the-job for as long as necessary to teach them good customer service.

  • "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise"
    Luke 6:31

    In conclusion: Customer service may be THE most important aspect of your business plan. I know of many people who are willing to pay a little more for a product or service in order receive excellent customer care. Price, advertising, and location are all vital to a business---- but whatever you do, don't overlook the all-important "Good Customer Service".

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    Craig Binkley - husband, father and
    home business owner assisting in the
    restoration of the "traditional" family
    through home business ownership.
    http://www.bornagainbargains.com
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Customer Service Saboteurs to Avoid
    Fox Business
    By David Mielach, BusinessNewsDaily staff writer If you have ever had a meal ruined by a loud child or waited on a long line while a customer quibbles over the price of a pound of produce, then you have been a victim of customer service sabotage.

    and more »


    CBS Local

    Port Authority to debut customer service avatar at Newark, La Guardia and JFK ...
    Washington Post
    NEWARK, NJ — She smiles, answers questions and can guide you to the nearest restroom or to your connecting flight. But don't try to shake her hand. That's because “she” is an avatar, the latest high-tech venture at the three major airports in the New ...
    Port Authority to debut customer service avatar at Newark Liberty Airport ...The Republic
    Avatars to Assist at Area AirportsWNYC
    Port Authority to debut avatar at Newark AirportNorthJersey.com
    New York Post
    all 86 news articles »


    Letters: Google's 'customer service'
    Los Angeles Times
    I agree with David Lazarus that it is frustrating to be unable to contact a "live" person for customer service. Some companies offer free live help for a limited time after you buy a product. Before I buy a product that may require help to use, ...



    From Your Television to Customer Service: Please Call Me Back
    MarketWatch (press release)
    VHT's Conversation Bridge technology is the solution to one of today's most common and frustrating customer service problems: becoming stranded in closed-loop, self-service systems with no bridge to someone who can help. The Conversation Bridge blends ...

    and more »


    Barbily Games Implements Improved Customer Service System
    MPOGD.com
    Suzhou, China - May 22, 2012 - Finding the best and most efficient way of assisting users can be a challenge for many game companies since customer service is one of the top priorities on every game company's list. As the saying goes "without users, ...

    and more »


    RedHorse Systems Sponsors “Customer Service Ticketing” Educational Webinar
    Virtual-Strategy Magazine
    Customer Service Ticketing,” presented by Eric Turnipseed of The Automation Station, is an online learning event intended to show how small business owners and operators can turn customer service into a strength, increasing revenue and profit.

    and more »


    Store's customer service leaves lots to be desired
    Morton Grove Champion
    So I called T-Mobile's customer service. The representative on the phone was quite helpful and asked to speak with “John.” He agreed, but had an aggressive attitude and still insisted he was handling this via email. The phone rep didn't believe him, ...

    and more »


    Magazine Article Reveals Casino's Secret to Success: A Unique Approach to ...
    San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
    Indian Gaming Magazine article shows how Coushatta Casino Resort utilizes Robinson & Associates' "Train the Trainer" program to implement special initiative to improve customer service and create a service culture. Employees achieve personal success ...

    and more »


    Nassau Guardian

    BTC improving customer service by constructing contact center
    Nassau Guardian
    Customer service representatives assisting individuals during the 4G launch event on Saturday in Abaco. FARRENO M. FERGUSON Improving customer service is a top priority for the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), which has invested hundreds of ...

    and more »


    Quality Customer Service Runs in the Family at Ted's Luncheonette
    Patch.com
    For more than 30 years customers have come to this Clearwater-Largo Road establishment for its friendly service, quality food and reasonable prices. By Melissa Lattman For as long as Jimmy Stoupas, 42, can remember his family has been in the restaurant ...


    Google News

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