Another Handful of Tips 41 –
        Customer Services

The five best tips to increase customer numbers

Modern management practices concentrate on improving staff performance. We should hear more about satisfying our customers and improving marketing our services to them.

1. Make the time to talk to customers

Greet them in a friendly manner . Be patient and chat about day to day interests. Show an interest in their activities.

Win their confidence before you start to discuss their requests and your services.

2. Satisfy customers

It’s the users of your products who will determine your success.

Be fully aware of the characteristics and the qualities of your products and services so you can advise people with confidence.

3. Build customer loyalty

It is the ability to deliver a consistently high quality service every time that brings customers back.

Be generous with special offers and services for loyal customers.

4. Listen carefully to customers who complain

They will tell you what needs to be improved or changed.

Follow up complaints fast and say what actions you will be taking. Tell them you value their opinion and say you are grateful for their recommendations.

5. Word of mouth is the cheapest form of advertising

Customers who have had good experiences with an organisation or with a product will recommend it to friends and colleagues.

Train staff well in good customer relations and in the qualities of your products and services.

Geoffrey Moss

“To succeed, satisfy customers’ needs.”

Source: “Secrets for New Managers” first published by Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand (www//mossassociates.co.nz) and Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com and VitalSource.