Top Ten Strategies for Delivering 5-Star Customer Service

Customer satisfaction is valuable, but customer loyalty is priceless. In today's competitive world of business, it is becoming more and more important to deliver customer service that is unbeatable. These ten creative strategies can support you in turning your customers into walking billboards for your business.

1. Treat your customers like royalty.

Hire a customer service representative to greet your customers upon arrival, and offer a coat check service so that customers can comfortably get to know you, your employees, and your place of business

2. Provide valet parking.

Providing valet parking can greatly improve access to your establishment when parking is limited or on days when the weather is challenging. (Note: Tips should not be accepted.)

3. Make a wait enjoyable.

If a customer has to wait, offer a cup of hot coffee, latte, or a glass of sparkling water, a comfortable chair, and a choice of current magazines. (Make sure to update your magazines frequently.) Every ten minutes, have a customer service representative update the customer on the status of their wait.

4. Provide a concierge service.

By adding a concierge service, you can provide added value to your customers "on the spot." Support your clients by making lunch or dinner reservations, making an appointment for a hair cut, providing a list of local attractions, or helping the customer find the one special item that is not offered by your business.

5. Call your customers every Monday morning.

Call your customers every Monday morning at the same time. Call to simply say "hello" and to check in. Ask how things are going, if there is anything you can help with, or what is new in his/her life or business. Share ideas, laughter, and support. It works!

6. Provide "Same Day" or Overnight delivery service.

In today's business world, quick service means happy customers and increased profits. By offering a same day delivery service or overnight via Fed Ex or Airborne Express, you will speed up your profits by providing your goods and services FAST!

7. Call customers on days of celebration.

Keep a file of birthdays, anniversaries, milestones, and special events (graduations, weddings, Bar Mitzvahs,) and call the customer on these special days to say "Congratulations...I am thinking of you on this special day."

8. Provide a voice mail "Tip of the Day."

Make the most of voice mail and answering machines by posting a message that says "WOW!" Include a "tip of the day" on your message tape, which can prove to be highly entertaining and educational to callers, as well as a credibility and rapport builder for you.

9. Provide a cookie service.

One day each month, deliver home-baked cookies to your customers. chocolate chip or shortbread cookies are always popular. This service can be outsourced to a bakery who has a reputation of high quality, and a strategic alliance will be formed in the process.

10. Dazzle the kids!

Dazzle the kids and keep them happy while the parents do business by providing a highly creative "kids corner." Stack this area with games, coloring books, toys, and entertainment. During peak business hours, hire a magician, storyteller, musician, or balloon artist to provide a high level of interaction and pure FUN...will keep everyone happy and "coming back for more."

About The Author

Bea Fields, Southern Pines, NC, USA

bea@fivestarleader.com

http://www.fivestarleader.com

Bea Fields is an Executive Coach and a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach. She is also a Consultant, Trainer, Public Speaker and author of the Five Star Leader e-course. Her area of expertise is that of Leadership Development and Marketing for Executives, Managers, Small Business Owners, and Political Leaders.

Public Sector Customer Service Competition Launched
Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service, Jamaica - 12 hours ago
The 2008/09 Public Sector Customer Service Competition was officially launched today (July 3), at a ceremony held at Jamaica House. ...
Minister Urges Civil Servants to Adopt a Government of Jamaica, Jamaica Information Service
all 2 news articles

Bilingual Customer Service Reps, Collection Reps
Kingsport Times News, TN - 6 hours ago
BILINGUAL CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES COLLECTION REPRESENTATIVES We offer additional pay for bilingual English/Spanish employees! ...

Customer service is not dead after all
ENC Today, NC - 7 hours ago
Speaking of customer service, it doesn't get better than that at the China King restaurant that sits across the street from Vernon Park Mall. ...

Contact Customer Service by e-mail
Grit Magazine - 16 hours ago
If you have an account with us, please use the e-mail address associated with your account. By E-mail You may return new, unopened items sold by Grit ...

A case of the wrong label and some poor service
7DAYS, United Arab Emirates - 5 hours ago
On Saturday morning in a popular clothes store, I was rather shocked at the lack of customer service. I picked up a nice cardigan on sale, with the price ...

Battling Fuel Costs With Creative Customer Service Tweaks
CRM Buyer - Jul 5, 2008
By John Gillie Horizon Air is experimenting with cutting some customer services at small airports where there are few flights. Agents at the ticket counter ...

Sr Claims Processor / Customer Service Rep (Health Claims - TPA ...
Seattle Times, United States - Jul 3, 2008
You will have dual responsibility for processing claims and providing customer service on assigned account(s). Qualified candidates must have a minimum of 3 ...

AME Info
Jumbo Electronics wins Dubai Service Excellence Scheme Award
AME Info, United Arab Emirates - 7 hours ago
We have always prided ourselves on our strong customer service culture, a core strength that has helped the company take the leadership position in ...

Nortel Simplifies Cross-Country Customer Service for MDA National
CNNMoney.com - Jul 3, 2008
"As a relatively small company with 85 staff spread across multiple offices, we always struggled with directing incoming customer calls to the right staff ...

Los Angeles Times
Skycaps too feel the effects of airline crunch
Los Angeles Times, CA - Jul 5, 2008
"It's all about customer service, treating people with a smile and respect," said Byron Hansbrough, 37, of Los Angeles, who has been a skycap at LAX for 17 ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Can Three Words In Websters Dictionary Be The Key To Customer Loyalty?