You’ve got the brand, now you need the loyalty. Great customer service is the best way to keep them coming come back for more. It’s what makes you stand out from the crowd and remember, good customer service is free. Here are a few ideas on delivering ‘tastic’ service:

• Find out what your customers expect to get when they deal with you. Are you giving them the customer service they want?
• Give them information. Pass on your expertise, advice and knowledge. Do you have detailed brochures and comprehensive product pages on your website? Does your FAQ section reflect the kind of things customers really want to know?
• Greet your customers right away to show you value them. You may be dealing with another customer or they may have to go on hold, but make the initial contact positive.
• Respond to queries swiftly. Always call back the same day and make sure e-mails are answered within 24 hours, it’s so easy these days for a customer to go elsewhere.
• Allow customers to contact you easily. Make sure your phone number and e-mail address is on everything and that there is someone at the other end to deal with the queries.
• Never get distracted, the customer really does come first.
• Always say thank you and let them know you appreciate their business. Without the common courtesies you may lose customers.
• Go the extra mile. Be helpful and try to meet customer requests, however odd!
• Exceed expectations. If you make a mistake, apologise and offer a discount or the service for free. Send thank you notes or Christmas gifts, make the customer feel valued.
• Follow up. Offer your customers after-care. Call them and find out how it is working out. Take care of them and they will come back.