Help ensure only positive customer experiences with these customer service tips from the article “Set Customer Service Policies That Satisfy,” from AllBusiness.com. In today’s connected world, word of mouth can travel faster and further than ever before. Internet chatter about negative customer experiences can be devastating for a small business. Conversely, positive chatter can provide a great boost in traffic and sales.

• Courtesy is king. “This may sound obvious, but we’ve all experienced the rude salesperson who snaps or loses their patience quickly,” the article says. “There is no excuse for being rude to a customer, even an irate one.”
• Be professional when on the sales floor. Employee breaks and personal business should stay out of the view of customers. Keep phone calls limited to lunch and breaks.
• Go the extra mile for a customer. “There is no room in customer service for ‘attitude.’” Extra effort should always be made to help a customer find what he or she needs or to resolve an issue.
• Dress appropriately. Enforce dress codes. Employees that deal with customers should always present themselves in a professional manner.
• Develop rapport with the regulars. “Encourage your staff to get to know regular customers, greet them when they come in, and make them feel comfortable,” the article says. “A simple hello, good afternoon, or thank you can go a long way.”
• Have resources readily available. Make sure to maintain your inventory so customers can always find what they’re looking for.
• Train and retrain. Train staff to interact with customers and conduct themselves properly. Occasionally retraining allows for new ideas and reinforces positive conduct. Work with your employees and seek their input.

To read the entire AllBusiness.com article, please click here.