WELCOME TO UNIT 3

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Customer service gets more positive results from a teamwork approach rather than from an individual effort by an employee. True False

Within the last year, have you used self-talk as a way to improve your attitude toward school, your job, your family, or a personal relationship? Yes No

When handling an angry customer’s service problem, the best approach is to: 1.ignore him or her. 2.turn the situation over to your manager. 3.use first-call resolution. 4.think about quitting your job.

Unit 3 Attitude, Angry Customers, and Relationship Building & Resolving Customer Problems and Complaints Objectives Describe a customer-oriented attitude Recognize situational examples that elicit rage reactions in customers Identify actions CSRs can take to ensure delivery of comprehensive customer services Describe the customer service benefits of the teamwork approach in organizations Describe the activities involved in proactive problem solving List reasons that customers complain and describe the process for handling those complaints Discuss approaches to use when handling angry customers

First-Call Resolution (FRC) FCRs are calls that CSRs resolve on that first call by the customer. FCRs positively affect a company’s bottom line because nearly 80% of the time and cost of providing customer service is spent on service resolution.

The Power of a Positive Attitude Positive self-talk can help each of us build a positive, winning customer service attitude. Tips to help keep your attitude up: –Engage in positive self-talk –Focus on successes rather than negatives –Use your break time effectively –Keep in mind your overall goals –Be kind to yourself –Take your sense of humor to work

Customer Rage Findings of Report by Customer Care Alliance and ASU School of Business, released in November 2005: –70% of 1,012 survey respondents experienced customer rage, relating that their most serious recent consumer problem made them “extremely” or “very” upset. –Customers don’t become dissatisfied because of problems, but with the way they are handled.

Building a Teamwork Approach to Customer Service Internal customer service refers to service directed toward others within the organization. –For example, level of responsiveness, quality, communication, teamwork, and morale Good teamwork shows customers that the company is organized and everyone is moving toward satisfying the customer.

Teamwork Communication Critical in serving customers To promote teamwork, CSRs need to –Focus any negative feedback on a specific task, not on a co-worker’s personality. –Compliment a teammate when he or she is observed doing something well. Teamwork Strategies Support your teammates with information Discuss new policies Identify areas for improvement Show pride in yourself and your coworkers

Solving Customer Problems Use Proactive Problem Solving and Customer Self-Service (CSS) to exceed customers’ expectations by anticipating and solving problems before they occur. –Example: At the time of sale, educate and inform buyers about extra costs and possible delays. –CSS empowers customers to go to a company’s website and readily find information, view a bill, analyze service usage, compare rate plans, order new products and services. When writing service-related to customers, remember to –Restate the customer’s question in the opening paragraph of the –Use headings to organize the –Make the brief by linking to detailed information online –Use consistent formatting to indicate procedures or instructions –Write for easy reading and comprehension

Resolving Customer Complaints The overriding reason customers complain is because their expectations for the product or service have not been met. Why customers complain: –Poor service or product quality –Lower prices elsewhere –CSRs lack of knowledge –Company policies that create bureaucracy –CSRs inability to solve problems –Inflexible service –Slow responses

Steps in the Complaint–Handling Process 1. Screen and log in information 2. Listen 3. Empathize 4. Solicit feedback 5. Apologize 6. Deliver bad news positively 7. Take ownership and formulate a solution 8. Communicate a solution 9. Follow up

Problem-Solving Process (Five Steps) 1.Identify the problem 2.Analyze the problem 3.Identify decision criteria 4.Develop multiple solutions 5.Choose the optimal solution

Customer Emotions and Service Recovery When customers are dissatisfied, they become difficult, frustrated, and quick to anger. A genuine apology is an excellent first step to diffuse customer anger. Know the difference between trigger phrases and calming phrases when dealing with customer emotions. Service recovery examples: cash refunds, credits, discounts, and apologies.