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Customer service is more important today than ever before, considering that people now have extensive options for products and services available with the click of a button. Providing a customer service experience that leaves people wanting more cannot be obtained simply by slapping a headset on an agent. Instead, it has to be developed through training and practice. We’ve provided some ways to revamp your customer service experience – many of which are currently being used by industry giants today.
Implement Live Chat
More companies are using live chat in addition to their traditional telephone customer service, and the resulting benefits are clear. Statistics show that many customers prefer live chat because it allows them to perform other tasks at the same time. Knowing that you’re not taking a customer away from their day’s plans can provide a positive experience for both parties.
Get Better at Saying No
An inescapable part of customer service is at some point saying “no” to a customer. The guilt you feel for saying no doesn’t mean you’re a bad worker. In fact, it makes you a better agent since you are identifying with the customer’s issues. When saying no, remain sympathetic with the customer, but don’t promise anything you can’t deliver.
Roleplay During Meetings
The best way to prepare for real world customer service issues is to roleplay with other employees during training sessions and meetings. Not only does this provide an opportunity for creativity and even some fun, the more hypothetical situations you’re exposed to the more prepared you’ll before anything that arises.
Utilize IT Automation
According to Spiceworks’ 2019 State of IT report, 43% of financial service organizations have implemented IT automation into their operations. Automated services, when applied to customer service operations, increase efficiency and reduce call abandonment rates. Customers are also more likely to prefer a callback later as opposed to staying on hold for an extended period of time.
Monitor Social Media
What started as a way for people to connect with friends and family online has become a vessel for everyone around the world to display their thoughts; great news for companies in good standing with consumers, bad news for those that mess up those interactions. You can keep a good reputation with your customers by constantly checking your social media accounts for any messages or mentions, keeping an eye out for anyone venting frustrations. If your company is called out publicly, it’s better to address it head on. Many times, just replying to a customer is enough to let people know you care.
Watch Your Tone
Have you ever heard the saying “it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it?” A large percentage of customer service calls will end with no solution for the customer’s problem, but they can end on a positive note. Maintaining a firm, confident, and sympathetic tone with your customers keeps you in control of the call, while also validating their issues. You may be surprised when you start receiving good feedback on what you perceived as a negative issue for the customer.
Finally, to implement all of these points – if you’re looking to make your company’s customer service experience more efficient or want to cut down on the costs of maintaining the operation in-house, outsourcing your customer service could be the answer.
