Five Tips to Calm Cranky Customers

1. Tis the Season

Recognize that everyone is frazzled during the holidays- you and your customers. Give everyone, including you, the benefit of the doubt when it comes to 'bad behaviors' like being abrupt or rude. Breathe deep and smile. It can work wonders.

2. Let 'em Rant, Let 'em Rant, Let 'em Rant

Listen briefly to what your customer has to say, even if he is simply venting about things outside of your control. Your client will appreciate the caring and you just might learn about another customer problem you can solve. Comments like the ones below can help the customer feel acknowledged and smooth the way to resolution.

That must be difficult for you.

I can see how upset you are.

This must be very important

Let's see what we both can do to fix this

3. Making a List and Checkin' it Twice

Ask your customer what is her most important or urgent concern. Then ask some more questions to find options to resolve it. Questions like the ones below get you to the heart of the matter:

What happened?

What would you like to see done?

Why is that important to you?

How can you help fix this?

4. O' Make It Right

Take the information you've gained through your comments and questions and make things right. Go over and above in your efforts and your customer won't forget it or you. What if you can't fix it? Be honest about it. Sincerely offer what you can provide and explain why more can't be done.

5. We Wish You a Happy Ending

Follow up with your customer to see that he's satisfied. In the hectic world we live in, people crave a personal touch like a handwritten note or a short email. Such a small gesture can have a lot of impact on customer loyalty.

These tips can help you have a happy holiday too!

About The Author

copyright 2004 Dina Beach Lynch is a Workplace Mediator and Conflict Coach who supports professional practice groups. Learn how to solve tough issues at Conflict 101 teleclass Jan. 10, 2005. Visit workwelltogether.com to register.

Dina@workwelltogether.com

Latest News


Ansell Healthcare Europe Lands 2008 Frost & Sullivan Customer ...
International Business Times, NY - 19 hours ago
"Ansell Healthcare is clearly leading the way for customer service asmany glove producers do not deal with end-users, and leave it up to thedistributor. ...
Frost & Sullivan Lauds StatCom for Its Hospital Operations System International Business Times
all 15 news articles

ClairMail Chosen by PNC to Enhance Mobile Banking Services
MarketWatch - 21 hours ago
Deployed either on-premise or as a managed service, ClairMail optimizes any mobile phone for 2-way customer interaction. Only the ClairMail System offers ...
ClairMail Customers See Rapid Growth and Adoption of Mobile Banking International Business Times
PNC Selects ClairMail to Provide Mobile Banking Services TMCnet
ClairMail Customers See Rapid Growth and Adoption of Mobile Banking MarketWatch
International Business Times
all 17 news articles

Customer service portals spark physician interest, not participation
Medical Marketing and Media, NY - 10 hours ago
Physician interest in customer service portals like Merck Services and Pfizer PRO is on the increase -- even though actual use decreased between 2007 and ...

Biz People: Customer service can make or break a biz
ReporterNews.com, TX - 4 hours ago
The Abilene office of the Better Business Bureau is an excellent source of information about customer service. Steve Abel, president, provided the following ...

Travelocity Business Expands Global Reach with Radius
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
To better serve existing and potential clients, Travelocity Business sought a partner with a similar view on customer service, supported by flexible, ...

AsiaOne

CCA Celebrates Stellar Achievement in Customer Contact
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
We are delighted that CCA members are responding in innovative ways and maintaining high standards of customer service. Competition was intense this year ...
Service quality rises at local call centres AsiaOne
Survey: Singapore Consumers Happier with Contact Center Experiences TMC Net
CCA Recognizes Top Performing UK Contact Centers TMCnet
all 7 news articles

Customer service: Macy’s, Crossgates
Albany Times Union, NY - 16 hours ago
I’ve fallen behind a bit on these customer service posts, due to being away, and I apologize for that. This one isn’t as juicy as our Kimberley’s post, ...

AT&T On Customer Service Hot Seat In CT
BroadbandReports.com, NY - 17 hours ago
... down in front of customer homes, and via CT Attorney General Richard Blumenthal's ongoing investigation into poor AT&T customer service in the state. ...

ZeeVee, Inc Selects Inforonics to Deliver End-User Support for Its ...
MarketWatch - 19 hours ago
"We are happy to add ZeeVee to our growing portfolio of consumer electronics companies that are committed to providing high-quality customer service to ...

Triumfant Announces Jane Tudor as Vice President of Customer ...
MarketWatch - Nov 18, 2008
With more than 20 years of experience in customer service, customer support, consulting and business development, Jane will be tasked with ensuring that ...

Resources