How to Handle Customers

Customers are the lifeblood of any business. Without them, the business would fail. For a business to remain open and operate efficiently, you need to keep customers happy and satisfied. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to give good customer service in a variety of ways.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Acknowledge the customer. When she first walks through that door, make sure to greet her appropriately and quickly. If you conduct your business over the phone, answer the phone in a professional manner. If possible, have a separate phone line for a home-based business.

2. Listen to the customer, even if he has a complaint. Most of the time, customers just want their complaints to be heard and understood.

3. Apologize to a customer who has a complaint. Let her know that her concern is legitimate and that you will be sure to resolve it to her satisfaction.

4. Answer all the customer's questions. Address each question individually and answer appropriately. If you don't have an answer right away, tell him that you will get the answer and get back to him within 48 hours. Make sure to follow through.

5. Keep the customers you have by periodically offering special promotions and services. Customer appreciation days and specials are a great way to let customers know how much you appreciate them.

Tips & Warnings

• A customer who has had a good experience will tell an average of five other people. However, a customer who has had a bad experience will tell 10 other people, so keep your customers happy.
• Never argue with the customer, even when she is wrong. The old saying that the customer is always right should apply to most situations.

Resources

• Retain customers by handling complaints.
• Customer service answer guide.