Taking care of your customers is an important business practice, because by purchasing your products or services he or she contributes to the success of your business.

The customer should be the focus of all your thoughts and you should try to provide each customer with the best products and services at the best possible price (always ensuring that you will make a profit).

Remember that if a customer is not happy with you, they can always go elsewhere.

Take note of the following :

• Always answer customers’ questions clearly.
• If you don’t know the answer, find out and get back to the customer as soon as possible.
• Always be polite and speak clearly (especially on the telephone).
• Always be friendly and helpful.
• If you arrange to meet a customer, make sure you are there on time.
• If you promise to give a price for the job at a specified time, make sure you deliver it.
• If you are offered a job, make sure you start on the date arranged.
• If you say the job will take two weeks, try to complete it in time.
• If a customer leaves a message on your telephone answering machine or with your wife or husband, get back to him/her within 24 hours

Four guidelines for dealing with customers :

1. Stop what you are doing and give the customer your undivided attention.

2. Avoid distractions.  Don’t take a phone call or speak to a colleague while the customer is speaking and don’t interrupt the customer.

3. Show interest by making eye contact, nodding your head in agreement and keeping the conversation going.

4. Check for understanding. Tell the customer how you understand their needs and revise your thoughts if necessary. Ask questions for clarification and take notes.

Always put yourself in your customers’ shoes...

SOURCES :

Cronje & Cronje
Business Partners