Beat Big Biz by Providing Premium Online Customer Support

I prefer to shop online so I’ve been on the receiving end of many customer support scenarios. I’ve never once dealt with a small business that wouldn’t bend over backwards to make me happy, not only to get that particular sale but also to ensure future sales. It works every time. I’ll gladly pay a few dollars more for a product when it comes with good customer service and I’m not alone. I apply the same level of support when dealing with customers.

Conversely, large companies almost invariably frustrate me when I have a customer support issue. Most of their customer support is provided by large call/email centres that only care about one thing: volume.

Having worked in a call center years ago and knowing many other call center survivors, I can honestly say that I would never, ever, give one a customer service contract. They pressure employees to meet quotas, which results in hastily pasted “standard outgoing messages” (SOM’s) that frequently do not resolve the issue. The staff are usually underpaid, the work environment is horrendous, and the management rarely has any understanding of the “happy employees work harder for you” concept.

Customer Service Fail(s)

Chances are, the executives running these companies have no idea their customers are being mistreated or that they’re losing money because of it. They’ve lost all direct connection with their customer base other than the occasional statistical report. Other large businesses feel they can afford to lose sales, but it has been proven time and time again that even the biggest empires can come crashing down.  It’s customer loyalty that provides the strongest safety net. Small businesses value every order and it shows.

There is a serious competitive advantage that can be had by businesses willing to provide excellent email and social media customer service. Allowing your staff to address issues in a friendly, personalized manner is well worth the time involved. Statistics show that customers can be forgiving and will order from you again if the occasional problem is rectified to their satisfaction.

It’s easier (and less expensive) to keep a customer than it is to acquire a new one. Turn that customer into a brand advocate and their worth is immeasurable.  Treat them poorly and, thanks to the Internet, your brand can take a very public beating.

14 Ways to Provide Exceptional Online Customer Support

  1. If you want customer service excellence, hire excellent staff. Pay them a decent wage and treat them well. They need to be happy in their job to defend your company and work enthusiastically to please your customers. If you must go with a call centre, try to find one with happy staff.
  2. Listen to your customer support team. They’re the front line contact with your customers and they know what works and what doesn’t.
  3. Provide clear and specific guidelines to customer support staff, based in part on their feedback and experiences.
  4. Equip customer support staff with the tools and authority they need to retain customers and make the sale. Coupons, refunds, etc., will all pay off in the long run. Give them some wiggle room so they can make customers happy on a case-by-case basis.
  5. Social media is often used as a redirection point but that isn’t always best. For example, if I send you a note on Twitter, don’t tell me to call your customer support line. If you can’t provide support within the medium, at least offer to initiate contact by asking for a phone number or email address via private message. Include company contact information in case the customer doesn’t want to reveal their information.
  6. Standard outgoing messages (SOM’s) are great for frequently asked questions, but they should not replace personalized service. Scattering placating phrases throughout the communication doesn’t fool anyone either, they want you to listen to them and you should.
  7. Sincere empathy has always been my superpower in customer service situations. Call/email centres will have you believe that adding “we understand your frustration” is all you need to convey empathy, but the key to empathy is sincerity. I know how frustrated I get when my Internet service is down, for example. If I were providing customer support for an ISP, simply saying “I’m lost without my internet connection too, so let’s get to the bottom of this…” automatically puts us on the same side. Customer Service Representatives must always remember what it’s like to be the customer.
  8. Volume should only be a consideration to the point where an employee isn’t doing his job. Studies (and common sense) indicate customers would rather wait longer for great service than have their time wasted with inadequate responses.
  9. Include a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page on your website for those who prefer to resolve their own issues.
  10. Provide an easily accessible contact page that includes all contact options (email, social media, phone, live digital support, and so on).
  11. Encourage feedback, not only about the customer service experience but also invite suggestions. Feedback should be organized and passed on to the appropriate department. Make sure there’s a status page that employees can access when applicable.
  12. Ensure communication through every step of the process by using customer support software that facilitates it. This can be as simple as including notes. For example, an order note added for the shipping department could suggest adding a small freebie with a card thanking the customer for their patience with the order. Include your customer support phone number on the card should there be any further concerns. Printed cards can be available in the shipping department, along with a box of company swag, samples, etc. to go with them.
  13. Follow up to ensure everything is going smoothly for the customer, even if the issue has been resolved. A short, friendly note shows the customer they really are important to your company. Supposing an order was completed, personalize the note by asking if what they bought was satisfactory. No selling is allowed in this communication, it’s all about the customer.
  14. Utilize tools that provide data and feedback so you can constantly tweak policies and procedures. Most customer support software comes with reporting features and they can be enhanced by stand-alone software like Hively (free for up to three team members).

Make sure your excellent customer support policies are broadcast on your website. They’re what sets you apart and you want shoppers to factor it into their buying decision. Free support, guarantees, and even making it clear that you’re based in Canada can convince Canadian shoppers to click “check out”. Testimonials are also a critical addition to your website.

Exceptional customer support will help you compete and grow your business.  Don’t forget its importance when you become big.

What lessons have you learned about superior customer support as a seller or buyer? Please share your experience in the comments below.

You may also be interested in reading:
Do You Have Enough Time and Money to Start Selling on Amazon?
Your Unique Selling Proposition for Online Business and eCommerce

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Melody McKinnon
Digital Business & Marketing Manager at Online Business Canada | Website | + posts

Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.

Melody has worked with many businesses & brands in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.

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Blake B. NB

We’re almost big enough for a remote call centre but I’m worried about the standard of service falling. What CANADIAN options do I have? Anyone?

Chantelle White

I think the problem with big biz customer service is most of them contract it out to India or another cheap labour country. BIG MISTAKE! It probably costs more in the long run because their customers have to go back to customer service over and over again and half the time they still don’t resolve the issue. KEEP IT IN CANADA! Small business usually do their own customer support and they need every customer to be happy so they work harder at it. LONG LIVE SMALL BUSINESSES! I support them whenever I can!

Zena

Any business should be ashamed to act like that. They should know better no matter how big they are. Apparently they could use your guidance or hire someone smart to run their customer service.

Derek Bamford

Your knowledge and insight is so impressive Melody. I’d love to have you leading customer service team if you were here. It’s not easy to teach people to care and empathy because as you say it has to be sincere. I think you can foster an environment that encourages sincerity though & if anyone could do that it’s you. I hope you’ll write more about it so those who can’t have you can at least learn from you. 😉

Ontarian Joanna

AGreed! There’s no excuse for treating customers badly. People need to feel VALUED if you want them to VALUE your business enough to purchase.

Josh

I automatically get frustrated when I find out I’m dealing with a call centre. I don’t blame you for being upset with both TD and Paypal! $100 might not be much to them but to their customers it’s a lot. Thanks for sharing the story, I’ll keep in mind how they are.