I would like to talk about customer service and how you can make a terrible first impression on your customers. Some people even have a rare talent of giving a bad impression without even talking to them first. Bad customer service can make your business downfall really fast and steady. It is so important to have the best customer service possible.

The first impression a customer gets of you online, is your website or auction pages. It can also be from some terrible advertising campaign you were involved in at one time or another. When it all comes down to it; your customers mind is made up "if they like you or not" within a few seconds of meeting you. Most of the time, they never really meet you. They just saw an advertisement you made. A bad or good first impression could be anything from your advertisement in a search engine to your website.

On the internet first impressions aren't always from meeting a person face to face. Things are different online than in the real world. A first impression can be calculated through a website. It can be all kinds of things they have seen about you or your business. And, you know what they say: First impressions are very important.

If you sell on eBay, the first impression a customer gets from you is on your auction pages. If you list anything negative like - All Sales Are Final or No Refunds - These are probably the two worst phrases you could use to describe your return policy. This is the first sign to the customer that you have terrible customer service. This is a great way to scare off your customers from having negative or questionable phrases on your auction or website.

You really have to open up to your customers. Most people out there are good people, treat them as such. In order to draw a customer into your return policy use phrases like; money back guarantee or satisfaction guaranteed. If you think about it, maybe 1% of your customers will ever ask for a refund. It's worth giving a refund to that small percentage.

Putting negative phrases about no refunds and such will only make your potential customers question whether you are trying to rip them off or not. Customer service online all starts with trust. You have to do everything you can to get your customers to trust you.

After all, if you don't want your customers to trust you, there must be a reason. And the first thing your potential customer is thinking; He might rip me off or scam me. It's very hard to get people to trust you online. But it makes things a little easier when you point out good things and not bad things.

People are attracted to positive things. Customer service is all about being positive. The customer wants to be reassured that you will complete the transaction without any hitches. Wouldn't you want the same? If you go the extra mile to give great customer service from the very first impression, you will create repeat and word of mouth customers.

A satisfied customer is ALWAYS a repeat customer. Think about it; wouldn't you go back to the place that just gave you a great deal with excellent customer service? When it all comes down to things, that's all the customer really wants - A Great Deal with Excellent Customer Service-.

Nobody would ever shop at the store that has big signs that read "All sales final or no refunds". Could you imagine walking into your favorite retail chain store with those signs all over the place? It probably wouldn't be your favorite retail chain store anymore.

These are some great examples of how your customer service is recognized by your potential customers immediately. Customer service plays the biggest key role to how your business will function in the future also. Most times terrible customer service leads to a company going out of business.

But, the businesses that offer great customer service are usually the ones that last a long time. That's because the customers keep going back. That creates a great foundation to draw in new customers that will become repeat customers. Any business that concentrates on great customer service will prosper from it.

Do your best to make sure every customer is a happy one. If something goes wrong, throw in a discount or a free gift on with their purchase. A sorry card or thank you card does wonders also. Not all transactions go perfect; things do get lost or damaged. Give your customer something back for the hassle. It can really open the customers eyes "hey, even though my first package got lost, they made it up to me". This will create a repeat customer most times.

By having great customer service, you can turn a bad thing into a good one for the customer. And if you keep every customer happy, you will create a steady income for as long as your business is running. I practice great customer service first and foremost. Without your customers, you wouldn't have a business. Treat your potential customers and customers with some respect, like you would want to be treated. Even if they aren't the nicest person in the world.