For any businesses that are dealing with customers on a regular basis, the fundamentals of customer service are vital to learn and to consistently get right. Whether you’re dealing with your customers over the phone, in your shop across the counter, or anywhere else, good customer service skills are essential if you’re going to give them the best experience of your business and if you want to keep them coming back to you.

A satisfied customer is likely to spread the word and tell others about their experience when dealing with your company so good customer service is potentially highly profitable too. Here are some top tips to consider if you want to boost your firm’s potential.

1. Communicate Openly

The simplest but arguably most important tip for customer service is to smile. A natural, warm smile will communicate a friendly and approachable vibe, which is more likely to lead to a positive interaction. Don’t fake it, as customers can see through that. Of course this is just one part of making the customer feel welcome. When they enter your shop, greet them and show them that they matter. They have a choice of businesses to go to and they don’t have to pick yours, so show some appreciation for it. When they enter, greet them sincerely with an appropriate welcome without making it sound scripted.

2. Customer Comes First

Listen carefully to what your customer has to say, taking note of their needs and using empathy to find the best solution. Customer service is not just about saying the right things though; knowing your business is essential so that you can properly help your customers.

If you’re a car salesman then you need to know everything about the features and specs of the models you have on sale, as well as those elsewhere on the market. However if you don’t know the answer to a question you’re asked then admit it – don’t lie or make up an answer, but instead try to find someone who can tell them the answer. Then you must remain true to your word when you do give them an answer, so make sure you only offer something that you are sure you can give them.

Stick to deadlines, turn up promptly in time for appointments, and if anything changes then let the customer know. Firms like TNT can provide you with customer service support too, with a more comprehensive package that looks at your whole business. But even by taking just a few simple measures you’ll be able to boost your customer service record and see the return it brings.

Takeaway

Quite often, all you need to do to improve your customer service is by listening to your customers. The classic feedback form can definitely help. If you are on Facebook or Twitter, you can use those social network to keep in touch with your customers and engage them to learn more about their needs and discover the ways to meet those needs.

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