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Customer service is everything when it comes to your small business, or large, if you have one.  Without customer service, you’re soon going to find that you’re not going to have the customer base that you may want.  If you’re looking to have some of the best, yet effective customer service departments around, here are some tips that you can use.

Try to give them what you want – If you can, try and give the customer what they want.  Sure, some of the demands may be out of this world, but when they want something, you’re going to want to go overboard with them.

Don’t get mad with complaints – No matter how good you think you are, try and deal with the complaint like a human being.  Sure, there are going to be some crazy requests out there, but if you show that you care, they will most likely have more respect for you.

Always be open with your customer service – The more platforms that you have to have those contact you with, the easier it’s going to be for them to connect with you.  If you have to, get a phone number, e-mail, as well as a Facebook account.  Again, the more you have, the easier it is for someone to get to you.

Let them know whats going on – Keep in touch with your customers.   Sure, you don’t have to harass them every other day, but let them know whats going on.  I think it’s a good rule of thumb to keep in contact every 3 months or so.

Just put on the happy face - If you hate what you’re doing, it may be time to look over your career choice.  You’re going to want to be as happy as possible each time you deal with a customer.  The last thing that you want is to come in and be cranky.  No customer wants to deal with someone that’s hating the world today.

Avoid confrontation - Some people are just defensive right off the bat.  You human instincts are probably to fight back with them, but what you’re going to find out is that as long as you keep your ground and cool, this is going to be the best path to take.

Show that you care and listen - Let a customer vent.  You will want to listen to everything that they are saying.  Try and not interrupt them, but rather listen and try to help them out as best as you can.

Make them feel appreciated - Think of how you would want to be treated if you were going to walk into a store.  Most people are generally going to think the same way you do, in terms of customer service.

Say a simple hello - Sure, you don’t want to harass people, but just by saying, “hello” can make them know that you’re there if they need you.  Now, it’s unnecessary to greet them 18 times asking if they need anything.  That can get rather annoying fast!

Give more than what they want - Say that you don’t have something in stock.  You could go overboard and give them a rain check, as well as a $5, $10 gift card for the inconvenience.  Things like that impress many people and almost make them feel loyal to you.

Treat your employees well – Last on the list is not focusing on the customer, but rather your employees.  If you have them, why should they treat your customers right?  Do you offer incentives?  Do you offer bonuses?  Give them something if the sales increase.  By doing so, their attitude will change rather quickly.

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