10 best customer service tips for a new business.

 

 

Hello there! Firstly, let me congratulate you on your new business venture. You’ve really taken a bold step in realizing your dreams. Customer service is at the heart of every business. In simpler terms, customers are the lifeblood of every business. No customers, no business! 

Having been in the customer service industry for over a decade. I’ve realized that the one thing that every customer need is good service. Sadly, many businesses have invested more of their time and money in marketing and promotion and ignore good customer service.  Avoid falling into this trap. Below I’ll share with you my 10 pointers on how to offer the best customer service as a new business owner.

 

    Invest in your service delivery.

The last thing you’d want to do as a new business owner is to have a front-line staff that knows little to nothing about your products and services. Those delivering the service are the image of your business. They are equally important as your customers, and they will either make or break your business.

Take great pride in your service delivery. Choose the best fit for your customer service delivery. You wouldn’t want your customers complaining that your staff is rude or incompetent. Ensure your front-line staff understands what is expected of them when dealing with your customers in person, via email and over the phone.

Provide your staff with the relevant training, coaching, and equipment that they need to perform their tasks seamlessly. Just imagine your customer care representative(s) second-guessing about your products or services when a customer makes a query. Immediately, that will create doubt in the mind of the customer, and they might take their business elsewhere.  

2.    Never withhold information from your customers.

Always provide your customers with the correct information about your products or services. Don’t try to convince them that the product or service is beneficial in a way that you know isn’t true. Ensure that there are no hidden fees. It will injure your business.

 You wouldn’t want customers to believe that you’re a rip-off. Provide your customers with accurate details about your product or service, so they can make a sound decision as to whether your product or service is the right fit for their needs. Don’t tell them that the product will do X for them when you know it cannot do so.

3.    Try to build lasting relationships.

Look beyond your customers only making a one-time purchase. Try to build lasting relationships with your customers. Over time it will pay off. Give them a good first impression. Create a memorable service experience. Great service will keep your customers coming back for more.

The most heartbreaking things I’ve heard customers say are that:

·        You’re the only person who tried to assist me.

·        If I knew about this, I wouldn’t have signed the paper works.

·        I will never do business with your company again.

·        I have been calling for weeks and no one is assisting me with the issues that I’m having.

·        Your company is giving me the run-around.

·        You’re the worse people to do business with.

Don’t allow your customers to say things like these about your business. It’s a poor way to do business.

4.    Value every customer.

Never prioritize one customer’s need above the other. Treat all your customers equally. It shouldn’t matter if they’re spending $100 or $1000.00. Money is still hard to come by. Always let your customers feel valued regardless of the amount that they are spending.

5.    Never argue with your customers.

If your customers aren’t happy with your products or services. Try to seek out all the alternatives through which you can make the service delivery better. You can try to offer a discount, exchange, refund, etc. Always go above and beyond to meet your customers’ satisfaction.

 There’s no need to play the blame game or tell your customers to take their business elsewhere. We know that the customer isn’t always right, but don’t be rude! Their dissatisfaction could be a major turning point in your business. Listen to what they are saying. Try to calm them down and work towards an appropriate resolution.

6.    Always imagine yourself in the customer’s shoes.

We are all customers and consumers in one way or another. If you were the customer, would you pay that much for a product or service? Wouldn’t you want value for your money? What would you do if you’re getting the run around from a service provider? When you picture yourself in the customer’s shoes, it’s easier to understand their frustration.

7.    Remain professional at all times.

Always talk to your customers with respect. There are certain words that you should never use to your customers. Like, sweetheart, baby, darling, etc. Call them by their name! Always remain professional. Don’t make the customer uncomfortable!

8.    Resolve disputes in the shortest possible time.

If the customer is dissatisfied with your product or service, try to resolve it in the shortest possible time. Don’t try to ignore the issue at hand hoping that it will go away. This will injure your brand. Always keep your customers in the loop. Reply to their emails. Return their calls. Keep following up with them. If you need more time, let them know that you are working on the issue. Don’t ghost them!

9.    Thank your customers for their business.

Always remember that customers have choices. They can decide whether they want to do their business with you. Never feel as though customers are obligated to spend their money with you. A little appreciation goes a far way. Always thank your customers for supporting your business.

     10.       Ask for your customer’s feedback.

If you desire to improve your customer service experience. It’s best to get feedback from your customers. Don’t expect that you’ll only get good reviews. Customers' needs are constantly changing. You can’t provide a product or service that isn’t needed. Listen to what your customers are saying. Their feedback is invaluable.

In closing, I do hope that you’ll take your customer service delivery seriously. Don’t just focus on making a huge profit. It’s the service that lasts, people will always remember the way you made them feel. The only way customers are going to become advocates for your business is if you treat them well. Focus on building lasting relationships, not just a sale.