The other day I was dropping my daughter off at school. The crossing guard was helping the children cross the busy street. After he had finished I turned right to exit the school area. However, there was a car blocking the entire street and I had no where to go. Unfortunately, I was blocking the crossing walk. I was waiting patiently to move, when a mother yelled at me for blocking the crossing walk. She used language not appropriate to post here! I was fuming because she did not understand the circumstances of why I was stuck in the middle of the crossing walk!
All of this got me to thinking about Customer Service. I have to tell you – I live in New Jersey. I did not grow up here and I have lived in a few other places too. Don’t get me wrong, New Jersey has many positive aspects, but being nice is NOT one of them. Customer service is lacking in this state.
But, that shouldn’t prevent me from treating my customers with the respect they deserve. I know that there are some customers that are never happy and treat you poorly. And sometimes it is just best to let these customers go (maybe they are from New Jersey).
Here are some tips for mainting good customer service:
1. Answer all emails and voicemails promptly.
2. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep.
3. Listen, Listen, Listen
4. Deal with any complaints – let them know that you will do your best to solve the issue.
5. Go the extra mile – If you don’t have what they want, point them in the right direction.
6. Give them something – a coupon, free sample, discount on shipping
7. ALWAYS be pleasant. I know it is hard sometimes!!
03 April 2007, 4:47 pm
[...] I like this post she has on being nice. Being from New Jersey myself I understand it when she says that customer service in New Jersey is lacking. I lived in Texas for a year and they understand customer service. [...]