Customer Service
 

Some companies make their name by providing legendary customer service. For example, Wal-Mart and Nordstrom’s are well known for the lengths their employees go to make customers happy. Other companies lose customers and revenue by providing poor customer service. One source estimates that businesses lost $3.2 billion in one year by neglecting on-line customer care.

So, is your customer service winning or losing customers for your organization? If you want to improve the level of customer service, there are several ways to go about it. First, customer service surveys show you what your customers think about your service. After all, if anybody knows the strengths and the opportunities to improve in your service, it is your customers! Second, you can use a customer service selection test. This can help you select the candidates who already have the skills and attitude to provide legendary service. Finally, you can improve customer service skills in your employees with customer-focused training. All three of these techniques are effective for increasing customer satisfaction. CMI recommends using customer surveys, customer service selection tests, and customer service training together. The combination of all three provides complete information about and treatment of customer service issues.

Is increasing customer service worth it? Consider these returns:

  •     CMI was able to correctly identify an auto-parts supplier’s long-term customers 8 out of 10 times based on the results of a customer service survey.
  •     A recent study of the service industry estimates that a 5% improvement in customer retention could increase profits up to 80%.
  •     A retailer implemented a customer service training program. Sales went up and remained up 10% as a result.
  •     Customers of a state government agency rating the service received as above average went from 26% to 74% in one year after a customer service training program.
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    Related Links
    CMI's Q3 Customer Service Program Information
    Customer Service Article

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