Increase Return Sales - 10 Customer Service Tips

It costs 5 times as much to bring in a new customer, than to keep an existing one. When people become your customer, they want to be loyal. So, why do they leave? Most of the time, they leave because of small oversights and lack of attention to plain, old customer service.

When customers contact you, we are provided with a tremendous opportunity to reinforce and grow the relationship. It makes good (economic) sense to take the extra time and effort to make these contacts as meaningful and service oriented as possible. Attention to customer service will go a long way in helping you to satisfy your customers and make them feel as if they are truly special.

1. Always tell your customer what you CAN do for them. Don't begin your conversation by telling them what you CAN'T do.
2. Allow irate customers to vent.
3. Diffuse anger by saying "I'm sorry" or "I apologize"
4. Use your customer's name at different points in the email response.
5. Make certain that your "solution" to the customer's problem is acceptable to them. Get their approval and agreement.
6. Always conclude each email response with a "Thank You" or a verbal message of appreciation for their business.
7. Make certain that your tone of response is pleasant and helpful. Remember, your tone of response can completely contradict your message.
8. Completely read your customer's issues! When responding, address each issue they communicate to you.
9. Go the extra step by following up on your solution. Re-contact the customer to make certain that everything has been handled in a satisfactory manner, and they are pleased with the outcome.
10. Remember to ask if there is anything else that you can do for your customer. Taking the time to ask the question often results in increased business and a more committed customer.

These steps can only help your business to grow and keep customers coming back! With so much competition on eBay, only premier customer service will set you apart from the rest!

Sharp Bell