7 Tips for Excellent Customer Service

A good salesperson can sell to anyone once, but it will be your approach to customer service that will keep them coming back. Improving customer service and working on customer engagement are business’ best defense against the increased competition that a recession causes. Our newsletter, The Cutting Edge is focused on customer service this month. Here is a sneak peek at the 7 tips for excellent customer service.

1. Most importantly, the quality of customer service cannot exceed the quality of those who provide it. Your machines or processes don’t give good customer service, your employees do. Hiring and retaining quality employees is the most essential key to making your customers happy. Realize that the way your people are treated dictates the way your customers will be treated.

2. Know your customers. Get to know their expectations so that you can assist them in meeting their needs. Understand what is important to them and continually ask if what you are doing is what your customer would appreciate.

3. Anticipate problems before they happen. In case something goes wrong, have a plan of action ready. Let your customers know what you plan to do if unforeseen circumstances arise so that they know they’re your top priority.

4. Be flexible. Show your customers that you are willing to put forth the extra effort to ensure they are satisfied. Go the extra mile whenever possible and you will certainly reap the benefits. Recently, one of our customers was given a strict deadline to finish a project that seemed impossible. Our newsletter explains how we were able to help.

5. Make sure that your customers know who you are. It is your job to educate your customers on how you can help them and what services or products are offered. Convey your strengths and how they set you apart from the competition.

6. Don’t let them get away. Communication is key to maintaining a lasting relationship so let your customers know that you haven’t forgotten about them. Show them how valuable they are by keeping in touch.

7. Make your customers a part of your service improvement. Actively seek feedback so that you can better understand what improvements your customers would like to see. Click here for a link to Wolverine Machine's customer satisfaction survey.

The Cutting Edge is available on our website if you would like to learn more about customer service. This month's issue features expert advice on how to choose the right supplier, implementing a customer service philosophy, and a quiz to find out if you're a customer service master!