Customer care: The dos and the don’ts

It’s not doubted that customer care, along with those under the ‘customer trifecta umbrella’, is of utmost importance when running a business.

The customer trifecta umbrella comprises customer care, customer support, and customer experience. When done right, these will boost morale (and sales).

Not only that these three solely exist for the business to take care of their target market, but these are present for the customers too.

No matter what side they’re on, these three will always be present. Keep in mind that the happier the customer, the more likely they are to turn into regular patrons.

Defining customer care

When customers connect with a brand, a product, or a service, customer care refers to how they are handled.

Were their concerns met with enthusiasm, curiosity, or with an unsavory attitude? Companies train customer care specialists to handle each concern and issue with ease, professionalism, and confidence.

When these customer care experts fail to do their jobs, it’s already a big dent in the brand’s reputation.

The difference between customer care, customer support, and customer experience

As mentioned above, customer care refers to the act of how customers are handled during the main phases of a sale. 

Customer support, on the other hand, defines the process of actively supporting a customer before, during, and after they’ve interacted with your products or services.

Customer experience sums it all up, in the simplest terms. It is the summation of everything that has to do with the customer.

Further, you can look into Cloudstaff’s customer care services for inspiration. With their client-focused agents, they provide personalized customer experiences that build meaningful relationships and brand loyalty with shoppers worldwide.

The do’s and don’ts of customer care

Don’t be unprofessional

Is the customer giving you a tough time? Refrain from getting snarky and passive-aggressive with them. Be the bigger person and maintain an air of professionalism whenever handling these kinds of calls. 

Remember that the customer needs YOUR help and not the other way around.

Be courteous

Save the first name salutations to a more casual setting. If your brand is more catered towards individuals rather than businesses, it may be appropriate to do so. 

But until then, it’s safe for your customer care experts to use a proper salutation.

Tip: Some people may not be comfortable with the Ms., Mrs., and Mr. titles, Mx. is used by non-gender conforming people and should be honored.

Don’t make the problem bigger than it is

Maybe the issue wasn’t something you’ve interacted with before. Maybe it’s an increasingly irate customer demanding you to call your supervisor now.

Remember your training, your product knowledge, and tackle the issue with grace. Ask for help if need be, but do so professionally. 

Ask the pertinent questions to get to the root of the issue, and have the customer comply with your request so you can help them.

Do remain calm

Being just as frazzled as the customer on the other end of the call won’t help anybody. Keep in mind that you have the tools and expertise to ease the stress that the customer is feeling. 

Any buyer deserves your full concentration and a kind, helpful personality.

Don’t focus on who’s to blame

Often, there will be situations where it’s easier to shift the blame. Faulty manufacturing, developers not catching a bug in the code, the refusal to honor take-backs. 

Sure, as the company’s first person in line with customers, it’s nerve-wracking to dig into an issue when it’s obvious that the customer is at fault.

The best you can do is to offer a solution to the problem. This takes us to our next point…

Do focus on the solution

When provided with a solution, you still have to walk the customer through it. Refrain from making snide comments and instead, focus on the task at hand. 

Afterward, let the customer know that if it ever happens again, they can come back and connect with you, or take it upon themselves to fix the issue.

And last, this point is one of the most important takes to be said. This applies to all of us, in and out of the professional workplace.

Don’t be afraid of accountability

“Accountability is when an individual or department experiences consequences for their performance or actions,” according to Investopedia. As mentioned earlier, the temptation to shift the blame will always be present, but it’s not a good practice.

Your job, the brand, and the products and services you offer are part of your responsibility as a customer care specialist. Taking responsibility for any issues and defects that is rightfully yours is part of your job. 

It shouldn’t equate to being too soft for the job, as others may argue. Being responsible for any mistakes that the brand made is also a huge part of the brand’s name and reputation.