Customer Service Tips for Small Business Owners
Posted by Meredith Estep on Tue, Jan 22, 2013 @ 03:14 PM
Your business may be small, but your customer service can make a big impact on the success of your entrepreneurship. Customer service is one of the most cost-effective methods for building a robust customer base and a healthy bottom line. Looking for ways to raise the bar on your service quality? Check out these customer service tips for small business owners and learn how to surprise and delight your customers every single day!
Accessibility
You may be small, but that doesn?t mean you can?t provide your customer with multiple channels for getting in touch with you. Your website should have an email option at the very least, or live chat ability if you have the staff for it. Links to your social pages have also become a popular way for smaller businesses to connect with their growing customer base. Be sure contact information is easy to find on all your web pages. Customers should also know how to contact you by phone, which is still the best service option for smaller businesses, since it is more personal.
The Personal Touch
Small business owners have the luxury of personalizing their service to each individual customer. Begin a birthday club, where you recognize customers on their special day through a discount or freebie offer. Send thank you cards to customers when they make a purchase or open another account. Take the time to chat with customers when they come into your business, so you develop the necessary rapport for a loyal customer base.
Follow-Through
Small businesses rarely have the ability to drop the ball on a customer transaction and keep that customer for very long. Follow through is an essential part of customer service for any company, but it is a lifeline for smaller businesses. Make sure products are delivered by the date you promise and that you return all customer phone calls and emails in a timely fashion. If your customer has a problem you are trying to solve, follow up with the customer after the fact to ensure the issue was handled to the customer?s satisfaction.
Cooperation
Someone once said, ?No man is an island,? and that is especially true for small business owners. While you are building rapport with your customers, make sure you are extending that to other local businesses in your area as well. Don?t be shy about referring customers to the small business down the street or exchanging discount cards or other perks with the business. Your efforts will come back to you tenfold. In addition, get involved with the local community, volunteering time, talents or money to community causes. This effort will get your name out to potential customers and help you develop a positive reputation throughout your neighborhood.
Small businesses grow best when they become known for their stellar customer service. Your company may be small, but you have all the resources you need to provide the highest level of service to your customers. Through these tips, you can keep current customers happy so they are more likely to return to your business and even refer your company to other potential clients.
- Meredith Estep
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