- Customer Service Tutorial
- Customer Service - Home
- Customer Service - Introduction
- Customer Service - Attitude
- Understanding Customer's Problem
- Generating Business
- In-Person Customer Service
- Customer Service Over Phone
- Difficult Customers
- Electronic Customer Service
- Mini Case Study
- Customer Service Resources
- Customer Service - Quick Guide
- Customer Service - Resources
- Customer Service - Discussion
Customer Service - In-Person
You know that there are three ways in which you can provide customer service −
- In-person or at-your-desk
- Telephone
- E-mail or chat
Here we will discuss about providing in-person customer service.
Dealing with At-Your-Desk Requests
Thumb rule of dealing with at-your-desk requests is never to turn a customer away. Whether it is an internal customer or external customer, you should never ever ask the person to come again just because you are busy. However busy you are, whatever the importance level of your task, being a customer service professional means that dealing with customers has to be your first priority.
When you receive an e-mail or a chat request, you can postpone responding to it if you are too busy, however, in case of at-your-desk request you don’t have that luxury. So you should develop mechanisms that assist you in shifting focus from one task to another without losing concentration.
Pros and Cons of At-Your-Desk Requests
Every coin has two sides. Even if handling at-your-desk requests might seem annoying, it has its own advantages −
You get the opportunity to establish a relationship with the customer directly
You can get your queries resolved on the spot
If the customer is happy with your personality and behavior, your chances of satisfying him increases manifold
These are some of the disadvantages of at-your-desk requests −
You have to attend to the customer immediately
In case of a difficult customer the situation could deteriorate fast
If you need time to solve the problem, you will have to clearly tell the customer this
Using Positive Body Language
Besides your words, your body language conveys your intent to the person you are speaking to. When handling a customer, you should be mindful of your body language.
Here are some tips to using a positive body language with customers −
Stop doing whatever you are doing and maintain eye contact with the customer
Nod at them after they have said something of importance
Sit erect without your shoulders drooping
Use positive hand movements and gestures
Never allow an expression of boredom to creep on your face even if you have heard similar complaints many times
Your body language should always convey positive and good intentions. This will induce the customer to have more confidence in you.