It is a proven fact that customers will repeatedly do business with companies that
provide exceptional customer service. It is no wonder that many new businesses have
resorted to focusing their attention on customer service support as a viable means
to gain instant recognition and to entice prospective buyers. Customers will simply
pay more money and take their business elsewhere if they are not completely satisfied
with the way a company treats them. Businesses, on the other hand, cannot afford
to lose customers since their credibility and reputation is highly dependent upon
a customerâs experience and feedback. Exceptional customer service support is vital
for the success of a company, and that is why new businesses are finding novel ways
to maintain superior customer relations.
Competitive edge
Customer service has become a fast and effective marketing tool in which many companies
strive to perfect. In a recent study conducted by the National Federation of Independent
Businesses (NFIB), small enterprises, which heavily emphasize their customer service
support, were more likely to endure and succeed when compared to their leading competitors
who only focused on offering lower prices for their products and services. Many
new businesses can certainly differentiate themselves from their major competitors
by having easily accessible customer service support, especially one with a consistent
track record of providing their customers with high-quality, reliable, and friendly
service.
Hire competent staff
New businesses should recruit only skilled customer service representatives (CSR)
with proven experience in the given field. These employees are encouraged to obtain
repeated comprehensive training throughout their companyâs employment as a means
to solidify their knowledge and interpersonal skills. Hiring competent customer
service staff is crucial for any new business since they have experienced training
and are the ones who will continually interact with and obtain feedback from consumers.
Take advantage of innovation and modern technology
Many new companies have found fast and effective ways to interact with their customers.
They have implemented live chats and other sophisticated programs on their websites
tailored to their customerâs needs. For example, many cable companies will offer
customers a live chat with a customer service representative/technician in troubleshooting
common problems that may be encountered. Rather than being put on hold on the telephone
for an interminable period of time, customers are able to have an online chat with
a live representative who can quickly address their concerns. There is also a program
many companies use called âGo To Meeting.â This allows web conferencing and online
meetings among employee participants and between a customer service representative/technician
who has permitted access to oneâs desktop. In addition, some company websites can
even offer some âvirtualâ suggestions when a customer decides to purchase items
online. These are just some proven ways to gain new business and to keep customers
happy.
Automated sales process
Many companies enforce an automated sales process for customers who purchase items
online. The customers receive an automatic e-mail regarding their purchase receipt
and when their products will be shipped. They will also be able to track the delivery
of their packages through a shipping confirmation number as well as be notified
of any known delay in the delivery of their items. This service has become one of
many courtesies that all customers have come to expect from a business.
FAQ page
In order to expedite any inquiries, many companies have provided their customers
with a comprehensive FAQ page on their website. This process has been proven to
help customers save time on any questions they may have otherwise asked. For instance,
a typical business FAQ page can provide details on the different types of shipping
and their costs. It can also include information about products, the companyâs hours
of operation, phone number, and business address.
Make swift customer e-mail replies
Another method of maintaining superior relations with current and potential customers
is to immediately reply to their inquiries. Many customers are usually delighted
and impressed by the fast response from a customer service representative, especially
if the response is within an hour rather than the standard 24-48 hour (or more)
time period. It is an effective way in which customers can diligently address and
gain help in solving their issues as well as a valuable means by which companies
can easily establish a strong rapport with consumers.
The customer is always right
Another major component in providing exceptional customer service is for companies
to always assume the customer is right. By taking on this professional accountability,
many businesses can avoid tedious verbal confrontations and instantly satiate customers.
Customer appreciation is one of the leading reasons why loyal customers repeatedly
do business with a company. Regardless of situation, it is always good practice
to satisfy a customerâs needs.
Community involvement
Another advantageous strategy is through support forums and instant feedback on
company websites. For example, websites such as the Home Shopping Network (HSN)
provide customers with the option to rate and review their products. Through the
use of similar online tools, businesses can easily find out the likes and dislikes
of their buyers according to customer ratings. Customers, on the other hand, can
publically post their ideas about different products and make recommendations.
Get referrals/leads from existing customers
When existing customers are satisfied with a companyâs products and the quality
of customer service, they are more likely to tell others of their positive experiences.
Most often, these âreferredâ customers are also likely to do business with a company
their friends have spoken highly about. It is crucial for every new business to
effectively network in this manner and to treat their existing customers exceptionally
well in order to gain credibility and increase both repeat and future customers.
Provide new service if customers ask
Often times, loyal customers can make suggestions on improving a product or service.
They can even ask for new services. Companies should be aware of their customerâs
insights and desires and be willing to offer what the general public is willing
to pay for.
Company employee retention strategy
Customer service jobs have a very high turnover rate. Sometimes it can be difficult
to motivate an employee, especially if their job encompasses the same routine duties
on a daily basis. In order to boost employee morale and commitment, many companies
have made the ambitious move to offer many different career incentives, including
sponsoring higher education degrees. Customer service representatives are also given
competitive salaries, internships, stock options, etc. By offering these different
benefits to their employees, many customer service representatives will become more
goal-oriented, attain job satisfaction, and take pride in their work. Employee turnover
rate is more likely to be reduced through this retention strategy, and most importantly,
service representatives will be able to provide superior customer service support.
Conclusion
Customer service support is extremely important for any new business. It involves
hiring competent and knowledgeable staff, finding fast, novel ways to respond to
consumer inquiries, and abiding by the cardinal rule: the customer is always right.
In addition, a strong customer service team can be an effective way in which companies
can easily establish a solid rapport with existing and prospective consumers in
addition to finding out ways to improve products and services. Providing exceptional
customer service will give any company an advantage over their competitors. This
practice will also be an immediate mean of gaining credibility and public recognition.