Email etiquette is the key to help calm down anxious and impatient customers. People assume that once they press the "send" button that we will get everything sorted out in an instant! Of course we all know that this is not an accurate representation of how things work. However, you should prepare yourself for the occasional hot tempered emails, regardless of whether their comments are unreasonable or not.
Five Do's Of Good Customer Services
1. Thank them for contacting customer service in the opening sentence of your reply messages.
2. Ask for further clarification if you are unsure of their requirements. Suggest some extra details to answer their query more effectively.
3. Address the customer service/support question within 24 hours of receiving their message to avoid unnecessary confrontation and dissatisfaction.
4. Offer further customer service if they require it and provide a sincere thanks for their custom. Also confirm that their message has been received and when they should expect a response.
5. Be apologetic to their needs and offer complete customer service/support and reassurance. However if a customer is still unsatisfied with their order offer them a replacement or refund.
Five Don'ts Of Customer Services
1. Don't use abrasive words in your email. Always remain calm, courteous and professional.
2. Don't leave the problem unresolved or unanswered because you are offended by their tone or for any other reason whatsoever.
3. Don't neglect your customers by repeatedly delaying your response times. This will lead to negative feedback for your company and will inevitably cost you sales and damage your company's reputation.
4. Don't allow a customer to bully you into doing something irrational or unethical just to please them.
5. Don't lie to a customer about your product. Make sure your description and terms are clear and are easily accessible on your Sales Page, Thank You Page and receipts.
Summary
Provide valuable information about your commitment to providing high levels of customer service/support by supplying your dedicated email address, fax, telephone number and mailing address. Place your company's customer services details on your "Sales Letter Page" and the "Thank You Page" (after orders are paid for and completed). This helps to reassure the customer that they will be able to contact you for ongoing help and support throughout the order process and after sales.
Once you have established a customer services support details you must ensure that all enquires are handled quickly and efficiently. If the enquiry needs more time to look up an order then send a confirmation email to let customers know that you have received their message and will get back to them in good time.
Unreasonable delays in response times can irritate customers so it is important to address problems any questions within 24 hours to avoid negative feedback.
