If you are a small business that is just getting started out, you might realize that, even with a great product and a good support network, that you are not sure how to distinguish yourself from the bigger and more established players out there? How are you going to compete with people who have been in the business for a longer time and have a catalog that makes yours look tiny in comparison? The truth is, the best place for you to compete with larger and more established businesses out there is in the realm of customer service. As a small business owner you need to get out front and meat with your customers. This will add a personal touch and put a face on your organization. Then your customers will feel that they are been treated as people and not just another number. This is your advantage because big business can not logistically do it that way. So familiarize yourself with your clients, throw out the words 'Company Policy' and provide your customers with the attention they need. When you are thinking of providing great customer service, remember that the better that th customer can associate you with the product, the better chance you have getting them back for repeat business. When you ship something off, think about including a hand written note of thanks. Include free gifts that you think they would like based on their purchase, and you'll find that there are a great many small things that you can do to show them that you are someone who really thinks about their customers. Handle their complaints personally. If they are dissatisfied with something that you have done, take some serious time to assess what has happened. If this is something that you can fix, even if it is not your fault, fix it, and make sure that you get across the idea that you are interested and invested in their wellbeing and customer satisfaction. You'll find that it is surprisingly easy to turn a disgruntled customer into one that will sing your praises if you are simply willing to put the work in. When it comes to providing excellent customer service, never make promises that you cannot keep. Always air on the side of caution, if your customer wants a time frame to complete a project, give it to them, but make sure and allow enough time so that you can get it done. If you get it done earlier, well then that's a bonus. It is always better to under promise and over deliver. Remember that as a small business that you can provide a level of support and customer care that a large company cannot match. You may have fewer clients, but make sure that the ones you have keep coming back for more!
By: Kale McClelland
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Did you know 68% of people will quit doing business with companies that have poor customer service? Discover the keys to good customer service - learn effective customer service skills at hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Give-Great-Customer-Service
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