Having exceptional customer service is a free way to improve your company. Excellent customer service builds rapport with your customers, increases the likelihood of word of mouth recommendations, and ultimately leads to more sales. So how can your company improve customer service?
Here’s 9 tips on how to improve customer service.
- Be present. When talking with a customer make sure you are focused on them and the conversation you are having. This will make them feel acknowledged and appreciated.
- Ask questions. By asking the customer questions, you show a genuine interest in how you can be of service to them. You may ask what brought them into your store, what kind of product they are looking for, or which kind of product they prefer. This helps in building that trust with your customers. There’s a saying that says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” This is true especially in sales. Overloading the customer with information will not be helpful. Instead, ask questions and show you care.
- Match energy. People tend to like people who are like themselves. This is why it’s important to tune in to how the specific customer you are talking to acts. Are they energized and talking fast? Or tired and talking slowly? Be sure to match this.
- Communicate clearly. Be sure you are using great communication skills and showing interest. Speak clearly and use good nonverbal cues.
- Practice active listening skills. Make sure the customer feels heard and seen. You can always repeat back to them what you are hearing to double check you heard them correctly.
- Learn to empathize with your customer. If a customer is unhappy with your product, empathize with their frustrations and let them know they are heard.
- Be solution oriented. Show the customer you are committed to helping them by proving to them you are able to solve their problem. If needed, think outside of the box to help them.
- Discuss customer service with team members. By asking your employees to give examples of outstanding customer service, it helps them to be mindful of how they act with customers.
- Recognize and reward effort. You may create an award for your employees related to excellent customer service. This gives them an incentive to deliver excellent customer service. They will put more effort into this. As a result, some of these customers may turn into testimonials.
All of these tips will elevate the customer service your company delivers. You don’t want just one or two coworkers on your team who excel at customer service, you want your whole company to have these necessary skills. Make customer service a top priority and share these tips with your employees, the effects are worth it.