In the customer service industry, we cannot avoid complaints. Complaints happen every day and when a customer complains it is usually for a good reason or genuine concern. They usually have made a purchase that did not meet their expectation—a product, service, or maybe a combination of the two. We must take care of the customer by listening to the complaint, and resolving it, to ensure a happy customer.
Fewer than half of unhappy customers will bring a complaint to your attention. Those who never say anything will tell an average of 11 or more people about their bad experience. It is important that we recognize complaints as opportunities, so we can sway these averages, one resolved complaint at a time. It is my belief that no transaction is complete unless the service that customers receive will motivate them to return and do business with you again.
Customers want to know someone is listening and they are understood, and they are hoping you are willing to take care of the problem to their satisfaction. No matter what the situation is, when a customer brings a complaint to your attention—even if they do it in a less-than-desirable way—be thankful. We must realize that improper handling of a customer complaint can be costly to the business.
Smooth and professional
When something goes wrong how do you take the customer from hell to heaven in 60 seconds? The solution is to empower and reward employees to solve problems quickly and to the customer’s satisfaction.
Follow up with a phone call. Even a small gesture of apology can turn a bad situation into a good one. The cost could be minimal—maybe a simple upgrade on the customer’s next purchase or a gift certificate. A simple gesture like this could result in an over happy customer. When you resolve customer complaints successfully, you will better understand their needs, retain them as loyal customers, and enhance your business.
Passion and Principles
In 1979, long before customer service came into vogue, I designed the world’s first customer service training program. I felt that if organizations would make their customers feel special, wanted, and appreciated, they would have loyal customers. The way to do that was by giving front line employees the needed tools to deliver great service and to create impressions that form an organization’s reputation.
I have a concise and practical list of six essential customer service principles for awesome service. These "Personal Steps of Excellence" would go well in a frame on your office wall and those of your general managers.
1. Feel Good About Yourself
Employees do not go to work dreaming about how they can work exceptionally hard to make the company and the owner more money. Be realistic. Many employees have personal problems. The more we can uplift the self-worth and self-image of employees, the more they become productive and feel like there is a win-win relationship. In return they will deliver a higher level of excellence. Each of us has the responsibility to look after our own feelings and give ourselves recognition for good work. We need to commit ourselves to goals that are worthy of our abilities. When you know you are doing your best for both customers and working associates, you will feel good. Concentrate on your strengths. Recognize the importance of your role. You can make the difference.
2. Practice Habits of Courtesy
It takes seconds for a customer to tell if you care. Frankly, it does not take additional time to be nice. Too many firms believe this is customer service.
Everyone has the right to expect courtesy from you. To be so self-centered or preoccupied with your work that you forget to show courtesy with each contact is to signal that you don't care. On- the-job practices of courtesy are an important part of everyone's role to signal respect. The more you give the more you care.
3. Give Positive Spoken Feedback
Communicate verbally and non-verbally with positive communications. The smile and calling a customer by their name is all part of this whether it is in person or on the telephone.
It costs you nothing but a little effort and the rewards are great. Every human contact is an opportunity to give the gift of good feelings through the words you say. People can't read your mind; what you say is evidence that you care.
4. Perform for the Customer
Do what you said you were going to do. If you promise to call someone on Tuesday, call them on Tuesday. Keep your promises. Too many employees lie or make excuses when there is a problem.
Customers have the right to demand performance. They aren't interested in our problems and excuses. We constantly need to ask ourselves "Is our performance resulting in satisfied customers?" "Don't promise what you can't deliver. Deliver what you promise" is a good guideline.
5. Listen Carefully
This is so rare. When someone asks your name you will have to repeat it several times. Few employees have any interest in listening. Some are told to ask questions but seldom will they listen to your answer.
Jobs can become routine. When you see hundreds of customers, you can become desensitized to an individual. You have to concentrate on each person. Get in tune with their situation, their attitudes, and needs. Anticipate, read between the lines, ask questions, get involved...to show you care and to know what will satisfy the customer. Even complaints are a positive resource if you listen and act.
6. Learn and Grow in Your Job
Know everything about your products and services. Too often employees have no concept or understanding of their products and services. You can tell in a few seconds if the employee really knows what they are talking about.
Grow where you're planted. Every job offers an opportunity for greatness. In a sense, every day you either grow or die mentally. Learn about your company, learn about your products, and learn about your customers. With learning comes self-fulfillment.
Explore the Ocotber 2017 Issue
Check out more from this issue and find you next story to read.
Latest from Snow Magazine
- NOTEBOOK: Go With The Flow
- NOTEBOOK: Winter Equipment Offers the RoadMAXX System
- NOTEBOOK: Yanmar Unveils Compact Loader Lineup
- NOTEBOOK: Schill Expands in Southwest Ohio
- October Cover Story: Achieving Wet Pavement
- August 2022 Cover Story: Beat The Odds
- May 2022 Cover Story: Bullish on Snow & Ice
- 2022 Top 100