Customer service isn’t just about being courteous to your customers – it’s vitally important and should be considered integral to how a business operates.
Put simply, how your customers perceive the service you give them can impact your bottom line and affect your company’s reputation – both positively and negatively – depending on how you treat them.
Your customer service policies should govern every single way you and your employees interact with your customers. How do you greet them? How do you handle any issues or complaints? How do you talk about your products and services? How do you meet their expectations? These are all questions to consider carefully but above all you need to make sure your customers feel they are valued highly, treated fairly and appreciated by everyone in your business.
Managing your reputation is closely linked to customer service. In this modern world people are constantly sharing their opinions of businesses online through the many social media platforms that are now available and widely used. One negative comment can spread quickly and potentially damage the reputation you have fought so hard to build up and maintain. Someone very famous once said “it takes years to build a reputation, but only seconds to destroy it.”
So, it’s clear that the way you interact with, and treat your customers should be very high on your list of priorities. And that includes monitoring any online mentions you receive. It’s important to quickly respond to any feedback, both good and bad. In today’s world people expect instant answers or acknowledgement and ensuring you keep a close eye on social media channels can help you achieve this. Addressing and resolving issues quickly will add to your reputation of providing good customer service.
Lots of businesses are constantly competing for customer loyalty. It should be deserved and never taken for granted. Most companies invest significantly in their sales and marketing functions to try and attract more custom. But it is the customer service team that retains customers and builds your organisation’s relationship with them once they have approached you. And it is worth remembering that it costs a lot more to attract new customers than it does to take care of the ones you already have.
At Kingfisher it goes without saying that we place huge importance on providing great customer service. Employees who are specifically trained in the art of quality customer service are far more likely to represent your company in a way that ensures satisfaction and repeat business.
Never forget that your customer service employees act as the face of your company every single day. They are in the front line and to your customers they are your company. Ensuring they act as fantastic advocates whilst representing you and your business is vital.
And finally, ask your customers what they think of your customer service. A simple survey once or twice a year will give them the opportunity to give you important feedback and it will also highlight how much you value them and their views on your business.
For more information, and to start your journey with Kingfisher Labels, please contact our Sales Director, Andy Watts on 01454 321456 or email Andy: andy@kingfisherlabels.co.uk