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5 Golden Rules of Customer Service

Following rules is one of the most difficult parts of life and of business. Having and implementing these customer service rules can bring companies or your business much success.

You really cannot afford  to ignore the Golden Rules. In customer service, there are core rules. That sounds simple, but, in real life, they are very hard to follow. Challenge yourself to provide better customer service by following these rules, and you’ll stand out from your competitors.

1. Customer service is everyone’s job.

Every contact with your client is important. Customers do not make the distinction between the staff who is supposed to help them and who is not. They expect responsiveness and support from everyone in your company.

2. Ask questions and listen to the answers.

The fewer questions you ask, the more the chances are that you will misunderstand your customer expectations. Last week, I called a bank to solve a small problem, and the bank’s representative switched me to the wrong assistant three times in a row – because of that person’s failure to ask questions and to identify the problem correctly. As a result, I have downgraded from a loyal customer to a customer with a negative attitude.

Ask questions and listen to the answers. Also pay attention to the words, tone of voice, body language, when possible, and try to understand how your customers feel. You cannot help your customers if you are not able to understand them.

3.  Promise only what you can deliver and then over deliver.  

There’s nothing worse than disappointing customer expectations, and there’s nothing better than delivering WOW-service. Providing WOW-service means significantly exceeding customer expectations. WOW-service is the best way to win loyal customers. Always strive to set yourself apart from the competition. That personal touch in selling travel and selling experiences will make them grateful for your expertise.

4. Know how to apologize.

Sometimes things go wrong. Do not give angry customers their money back and let them go away angry. Admit you were wrong and issue a sincere apology. When you let customers go away angry, you lose customers. When you go an extra mile to make the situation right, you may win the customer back. Humility can calm anger faster than a refund.

5. Treat employees well.

None of customer service strategies is viable without well-trained, enthusiastic, and capable employees. Unhappy employees are not able to make customers happy. Give your employees the most effective training and proper motivation. Reading tips like this can help boost everyone’s mood. Even looking at other customer service training that The Travel Institute offers to re-energize and motivate your staff. Show that you value, respect and want to invest in them, and they will pass this attitude to your customers.

Following these rules is not as easy as it seems, but following them a little every day will bring your customer service to a new level.

Source: Helponclick.com