{"id":4846,"date":"2013-08-22T09:51:36","date_gmt":"2013-08-22T14:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/smallbizsurvival.com\/?p=4846"},"modified":"2014-08-27T07:44:46","modified_gmt":"2014-08-27T12:44:46","slug":"great-customer-service-begins-with-a-smile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smallbizsurvival.com\/2013\/08\/great-customer-service-begins-with-a-smile.html","title":{"rendered":"Great Customer Service Begins With a Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Smiley<\/a>

Smile – Photo (CC) by seanbjack via Flickr<\/p><\/div>\n

The idea that providing good customer service is important to your business should come as no surprise. But can that be translated into dollars and cents?<\/p>\n

The value of customer service is hard to quantify because it is part of a store\u2019s brand and reputation. There are, though, some indications of what it can mean for a business. For example, four out of 10 individuals would return to a business that handled their complaint satisfactorily. And another two people might return.<\/p>\n

What that means is at least four individuals are continuing to buy your goods and services. A simple return then can be calculated by simply multiplying the average yearly sales per customer. This is a rough number, but you begin to get the value of your customer service efforts.<\/p>\n

Realistically, the return is probably much greater than this simple number. To begin with, customers who have received good service, be it a complaint resolution or just in general, tend to return to a store more often. And some research suggests they also increase the amount they buy.<\/p>\n

People who have received good service also tend to become ambassadors for the store. In conversation, people share their positive images of how they were treated as a customer. Over and over, this type of marketing has been one of the most effective tools you can have.<\/p>\n

All of these examples mean an increase to your bottom line.<\/p>\n

So where does good customer service start?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first steps to great customer service are easy to do, inexpensive, and generate an immediate positive image of the store. Step one is a simple smile and a hello<\/strong> when someone walks in the door.<\/p>\n

Step two is just as easy and effective. Ask how you can help someone<\/strong>. Help the person find the section and item he or she wants. Suggest other items he or she may need or would support the item being purchased.<\/p>\n

When customers leave, ask if they found what they were looking for, thank them for stopping and tell them to come back<\/strong>. If they purchased something, remind them to get in touch with you if they have any questions or problems. If they did not find what they were looking for, offer suggestions on where they might try. If you can\u2019t get the business, you certainly would like to keep it in the community.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the other components of good service:<\/p>\n