by Bobbi Stonskas

Created on: May 14, 2009

Have you ever called on a business only to reach a person that could care less that you were calling them? A phone call leaving your customers feeling unappreciated can bring your business down. If you get enough customers that receive indifferent treatment, your business will tumble. That's why excellent customer service is crucial and vital to every business's success.

Customer service representatives are your direct personal contact with your customers. If they care about your customers, your customers will value your company. There is much to be said about value. If your customer feels important, they are less likely to shop around to find a better price elsewhere, unless of course you are price gouging them. Your clients are guaging your business upon the face you are putting forward in your employees. If your customer service is poor, the resulting impression is poor.

In most cases, you have competitors that produce the same quality of work that you do and at a comparable price. So, what can make the difference in your clients choosing you vs. them? Customer service is the solution. Provide representatives that are eager to speak with your customers and build relationships with them. A good representative will know many details about your top clients ordering requirements as well as some personal factors in their lives. When your top client returns from vacation, a great customer service rep will ask how his vacation was. At a glance, asking about a vacation doesn't appear to be work related, but it is. It is creating a valued bond between your client and your company. Everyone appreciates it when they are considered important. Now, if you offer only mediocre customer service and your competition has excellent service, your competition will get the business.

Customer service involves not just taking orders and answering questions, it is about building relationships. Even if your clientele are one-time shoppers, you can still build a positive experience. Sincerely caring about the customer and offering suggestions when appropriate provides good service. If that customer gets off the phone and tells a friend, who tells a friend, who tells a friend that ends up ordering from you; that's free advertising.

Training a customer service representative to care about your customers can be difficult. There are many seminars and classes out there that help, but true customer service is a talent. Invest your time wisely in selecting the

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>