Customer Service Don'ts

What has happened to customer service in the retail business? Big companies don't care, they just advertise low prices to draw customers for one-time purchases. When they get you to buy they don't provide the service you expect. They just blast more advertising and low prices to get you to com back. But small business needs loyalty to keep customers coming back and will save those advertising dollars. Common sense tells you to treat the customer like royalty because they are. Following are some ways to create that loyalty and most are FREE!

. Don't forget to say Thank You..every time
. Don't argue with a customer..you can lose 2 ways
. Don't answer all calls with voice mail
. Don't set you set your business to suit you instead of your customers
. Don't chew gum or eat when talking to a customer... common courtesy
. Don't make a promise that you can't or won't keep
. Don't let poorly trained employees serve customers
. Don't close your business to go on vacation
. Don't under estimate the lifetime value of any customer
. Don't ignore customer suggestions
. Don't open late or close early
. Don't substitute poor quality just to lower the price
. Don't forget to reward regular customers/clients
. Don't wait to solve a problem, do it quickly
. Don't neglect to answer messages and emails promptly
More ideas in chapter 16 of my book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner" available everywhere.
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