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Turning Customers Complaints Into A Positive |
The last thing we want to hear during our work day is complaints from customers. However, it does come with the territory. Here are a few tips on how to turn your customer's complaint into a positive.
1. Listen
The number one thing a customer wants when they have a problem is for someone to listen to them.
Allow them to vent, let them get it all out. Once they have explained their problem in full, begin to ask any questions you may have to get a full handle on the situation.
While you are listening, body language is very important. Make sure you maintain eye contact. This sends your customer a message that you are taking them seriously.
2. Be Empathetic
By becoming defensive in this situation, you are taking a bad situation and making it worse.
By having an understanding of where your customer is coming from on the situation, and speaking in a calm tone of voice, you can clearly defuse the situation.
You don't by any means want your customer to become angry and cause a scene.
3. Offer a Solution.
I don't necessarily agree with this, but it is important to work toward finding a solution, even if the customer is in the wrong. For instance, you might try meeting them half way.
You will know wether or not your customer is a repeat offender, and you can handle the situation accordingly.
For customers who have a legitimate complaint, it is best to rectify the situation right then and there. Wether it is giving them their money back, or replacing their product.
Always leave your customer with your business card and tell them if they should ever have a problem again, they should not hesitate to contact you immediately. This will help them regain their confidence in you and your company.
The main goal when a customer has a complaint is to not allow the problem to snowball. Your objective should be to defuse the situation and retain your customer.
By handling tough situations such as these in a professional manner, you will find your once complaining customers satisfied that you resolved their issue, and a new found respect for you. |