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Customer service tips

Little things that make a BIG difference

* If customers have to wait, offer a drink, magazines and a comfortable chair.

* Be friendly: use names, remember preferences, send a birthday card. * Provide something free: coffee, biscuits, pens, samples.

PAN* After an expensive purchase: follow up with a quick call just to check

they're happy. * Provide a life-time money-back guarantee: almost no-one actually returns

products

* Remember to provide an FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on your website and sales literature. * Don't give customers the run-around if you can't personally deal with

something, then stay with the customer while you hand them over gracefully to a colleague. * Remember that the thing that makes customers most annoyed is when they're passed from person to person on the phone. Take responsibility, and

if you can't deal with it, then say you will call them back. (You may need to

refer it upwards to your supervisor for a decision first.)

* Make specific commitments; not, "We'll get back to you in a couple of days." but "We'll get back to you by 5 p.m. tomorrow."

Don't forget your existing customers

* Offer them a bulk purchase discount in the future.

* Get them to upgrade their product.

* Every time you ship a product, include a flyer, catalogue, special offer, etc. inside.

* Have periodic promotions for preferred customers.

* Invite customers to an event: it could be a product demonstration or

seminar, or it could be a social event in an art gallery, historic building, or an interesting location.

* Have frequent-buyer programs, and mail frequent buyers with a periodic

newsletter. * Ask your customers how you can improve: use customer satisfaction surveys (and provide an incentive for them to be returned).

User Fabdarice
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1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Professionalism and resourcefulness in customer service can lead to heightened job satisfaction and opportunities. For businesses like L.L. Bean, a money-back guarantee combats issues related to imperfect information. Being prepared and proactive in professional settings creates positive impressions and strengthens relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

Providing excellent customer service is essential for any successful business, and this involves small gestures that can have a significant impact.

Always aim to be professional and resourceful, which can lead to positive feedback and potentially more opportunities. If you treat your manager as an important internal customer, it can increase job satisfaction.

For businesses like L.L. Bean, which primarily operate through mail, telephone, or their website, imperfect information is a concern because customers cannot directly see or touch products. Here, a money-back guarantee and maintaining a reputation for quality are key strategies for success.

It is also advisable to be persistent, yet not annoying, in email campaigns. If some customers do not respond, a follow-up call can be effective.

When attending professional events such as job interviews or networking opportunities, it is essential to be prepared, punctual, and personable.

Bring necessary documents and demonstrate a proactive attitude by asking questions and offering help. These practices show respect to your contacts and can foster positive relationships.

User Joshua Lowry
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