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
    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    In The News:


    Better Links Directory


    Customer Neglect

    What have you done for your existing customers lately? Probably... Read More

    5 Ways Customer Service Managers are Implementing to Increase Customer Focus

    According to a Forum Corporation survey of commercial customers lost... Read More

    Passing the After-Sales Test

    Some time ago a major UK food retailer decided to... Read More

    What Every Employee Should Know About How to Win the Loyalty of Customers

    Dr. Michael LeBoeuf, in his cassette album entitled, Win... Read More

    Courting Customers - From First Date to Marriage

    Landing a new client is like courting a potential spouse.... Read More

    Customer Service: Everyone is Fighting Their Own Personal Battles

    Relationships... Money... Health..The Past...Failure..Mental and Spiritual Battles..Time Constraints...Professional pressures..At any... Read More

    How To Boost Your Bottom Line With Two Little Words

    I hate to sound like one of those cheesy get-rich-quick... Read More

    Can Three Words In Websters Dictionary Be The Key To Customer Loyalty?

    Are you concerned about customer loyalty? Are your customers so... Read More

    Doesnt Anybody Work Here? Nametags Impact Employee Communication

    Walmart was the first business to require all its employees... Read More

    If Everyone Thinks They Give Good Service, Why Do We As Customers Think Its Poor!

    First of all let's look at what customer service is... Read More

    Doors by Catering to Your Clients

    Clients? they are the most important influence in the success... Read More

    Dont Eliminate The Middle Man - Add One

    Today, there are situations when we actually add a "middle... Read More

    Importance of Good Customer Support in Online Computer Peripherals Shops

    Looking for hi-fi computer peripherals? Finding it tough to decide... Read More

    It?s Customer Service Stupid: Delivering Customer Service Training That Sticks

    "Society is always taken by surprise at any new example... Read More

    Poor Customer Service - Are Your Customers Driving Away Other Customers

    Every customer you have is a word-of-mouth advertiser for you.... Read More

    Loyalty Programs May Keep Customers Coming Back ? But First You?ve Got to Earn their Trust

    Remember trading stamps? If you're over 40, chances are you... Read More

    Why Communication Skills Dont Work In Customer Service

    Every time my firm conducts communication skills training, we know... Read More

    Customer Service Tips - Is Your Business A Leaky Bucket?

    Customer service and customer service training are vital for any... Read More

    How To Kick Your Customer Service Up A Notch!

    Welcome to the inaugural issue of Human Tech Tips --... Read More

    Customer Service A Chickens Way

    Anyone who knows me knows my favorite fast food restaurant... Read More

    Sending Mixed Signals Can Send Your Clients Away

    I call it the "wave and roll."You walk up to... Read More

    Handling Customer Complaints

    Even the best business will receive an occasional customer complaint.... Read More

    Are You A Coward? I Was

    Over the last month, I have come to hate emails... Read More

    Over Delivering Provides Big Results

    Over promising is a problem only when you under deliver.... Read More

    Putting The Service Back In Customer Service

    The future of customer service is here. Technology has made... Read More