by Leigh Goessl

Created on: April 24, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2010

Offering strong customer service has become paramount. As competition continues to rise and an economy continues to fall, presenting good customer service may be the very thing that makes or breaks your business.

The Internet has globalized many markets and increased the level of competition. If a customer is not happy with the service you've provided, they will quickly move to a competitor who offers better service; in some cases even if your product is superior, a customer may turn to the provider they trust more to offer solid customer service.

Here are 10 tips for offering good customer service:

1. Listen to your customer

Your customers are the reason for success and in order to continue the relationship between you and your customer you have to listen to what they have to say.

If there is a complaint, don't dismiss their words or view them as disgruntled, instead view it as an opportunity to improve. Listen to what is bothering your customer and make all attempts to make them satisfied with both their transaction and your company.

Companies who routinely dismiss their customers' needs and/or wants will quickly learn consumers will not continue loyalty, they'll move to a competitor who does appear to care about what they have to say.

2. Do your market research

Market research is a vital part of offering good customer service. You want to be able to bring products and services that will appeal to your market. If your offerings do not match what customers are seeking, your products won't sell.

If you put a primary focus on learning exactly what your customers want and need, you'll make strong strides towards providing good customer service. A business that cannot move their inventory or sell their services because they are not hitting the mark on their target market will not experience the highest potential of success.

3. Be friendly and personable

When a customer enters your establishment it is important to greet them with a smile. Even if you're having the worst day, put those feelings aside and focus on your customer.

Always be friendly, personable and make a concentrated effort to really get to know your customers. Personalization is an important part of customer service. If you take the time to get to know who your customers are, even greeting them by name, this will provide a "feel good" environment in your company.

When you take the time to offer your customers a friendly and pleasant experience, people will be inclined to return and continue the customer

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