As a consumer, you have a right to get good customer service. In fact, many companies will promise you that if you encounter a problem or issue with your purchase, then you can call a hotline where (they say) all your concerns will be addressed.
That isn’t always the case. Some companies have impressive customer service; others will be merely passable, or downright dismal. As a client you shouldn’t settle for anything less than good customer service. Here are some tips on how to get the time and attention you deserve regardless of the business or company you deal with.
Customer service life tip # 1: Start with the right attitude
If you want to get good customer service you may have to initiate it. Do not talk to the customer service person in an angry or disgruntled tone. Be nice and polite. If the customer service person is surly don’t let it affect you. Be nice and they’ll most probably back down.
Customer service life tip # 2: Clarify your expectations
The people you are talking to are in the customer service department not the mind reading department. They won’t know what you want unless you tell them specifically what it is. Communicate what you need clearly. Be specific and tell them in concretely what it is you want to happen. For example, “I need to get my internet connection re-established by this afternoon.” Don’t make them guess about the nature of your call.
Customer service life tip # 3: Mistakes happen
Everyone makes mistakes, and this includes the companies you bring your business to. If a mistake happens while using a product or service don’t get over the top crazy about it, you’re human too. Try to be calm and understand why the mistake happened. The company employee will definitely be apologetic about it anyway so you know it’s not personal.
Customer service life tip # 4: Don’t be timid or apologetic
Do not be timid and accept something that is wrong (whether it be rude customer service personnel, or violation of a promise made in the warranty). Speak up and let the management know about it immediately. Don’t let frustration build up inside you that by the time you do speak up you’re already too worked up and angry and you’ll probably say something you wouldn’t if you were calmer.
Customer service life tip # 5: Don’t let jerks affect you
It’s not a farfetched situation – you’ll probably encounter someone in an organization or establishment that is just not doing his job well. They may be rude, or just incompetent. Don’t let this affect you. Instead, ask for their name and then request to speak to the superior. Also write down the time of the conversation. Many customer service companies record conversations, so you need the time so the supervisors can listen to the conversation themselves.
Once you talk to the superior, adopt a calm and professional manner. Remember that, more often than not, an authoritative but calm voice can get you places more than being rude and belligerent.
h5>Customer service life tip # 6: A relationship of equals
Remember that you will get what you receive. Treat others with respect and politeness. Don’t be rude to waiters or customer service people. You don’t need to be overly friendly. Look them in the eye when talking to them, always say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ , and speak to them properly, without condescension or rudeness.
Photo from csqm.net
I’ll have to remember # 5! Thanks for the tips.