How to be best at customer service

Customer satisfaction is the key to the success of any business. It’s not just about delivering at the right time and as per commitment that matters, your rapport with the people you work for is also important. It might help you in getting a deal or at least a lead and also generate word of mouth publicity.

Here are a few tips that can come in handy in being the best at customer service apart from precision in delivery:

• Rise above customer expectations

The phrase ‘under promise, over deliver’ sums up customer service the best. Starting from quality, followed by the quantity to the date of delivery everything should be better than what the customers expect.

Communicate constantly about delivery; respond to queries.  Never leave a customer wondering about what is happening.

• Understand you customer and express it

 
It’s not just important to understand and be concerned about your customers. It is also important that they should know this. For this you have to demonstrate your feelings.

Treat your customer like a human being rather than a company. Try understanding their commitments and respecting them. Sometimes we get so engrossed in the business that we forget what the customer requires. While talking about their concerns you should be emotive. Show that you have heard them and tell them how your product will be able to address that concern.

• Handle your image

 
A mistake made by your employee or a freelancer will be viewed as your mistake and the repercussions will have to be borne by the company. Customer service can be the best if your employees are motivated and dedicated to pursue your vision. Anyone who acts on your behalf has the potential to affect your company’s image. If a mistake has been made, apologize. Make amendments. Reputation matters a lot. So be careful!

• Keep an eye on the industry

Big players in your industry are always the trend setters. Not that smaller players cannot set trends but the bigger ones have access to better resources to do so. Keep abreast of the changes taking place. You do not want to be ignorant of some classic move that your competitor has made.

• Follow-up for feedback

Service doesn't stop when the sale is concluded. In fact after concluding sales there is an opportunity to expand and reinforce. Assess the satisfaction level of customers once the delivery has been made. Identify the areas where you can improvise.