What is Customer Service? Why is it Important in Contractor Trades?

Whether you run a small-sized business or have a huge organization, customer service is certainly one thing you can’t take granted for. Especially, when it comes to the service industry, you have to pay extra attention to great customer care.

In this post, we’ll have a look at the basic definition of customer service. Also, we’ll see why it has significant importance in contractor trades.

What is Customer Service?

Simply put, customer service is how you present and deliver your product or service to the customer. Generally, it can be measured in terms of accessibility, effectiveness, affordability and ultimate customer satisfaction.

As a business entity, it is your responsibility to identify the basics of Customer Service to properly serve your customers. You can do this by:

• Attentively listening to your client and answering their queries
• Be a good mediator
• Have detailed knowledge about your product/service
• Meet deadlines
• Fulfill commitments
• Consider customer complaints as an opportunity to improve
• Resolve complaints in the best possible manner

Why is Great Customer Care Important in Contractor Trades?

Contractor trades are demanding jobs. If you’re working as an indoor contractor, most of your customers will be unfamiliar with the technical knowledge or prerequisites of your work. They may ask you lots of questions to alleviate their doubts. The way you answer those questions, queries or concerns can make or break a deal for you. Effective and honest communication with your customers is the key to business growth and success.

Great Customer Service – Great Returns

Customer service plays a crucial role in the success of any business. Especially those working in competitive fields, such as construction or renovation. These types of companies should be extremely careful while devising their customer care policies. Although it may sound difficult, providing good customer service can be simple and inexpensive. In fact, with a little thought and dedication, you can earn a customer for life. Obviously, a long-term customer can eventually become a consistent source of income for your business. With great customer care, not only can you improve the goodwill of your business but also generate a continuous flow of income and revenues.

How Can You Offer Great Customer Service to your Clients?

Always Provide Correct Information

Regardless of the advertising channel, it’s important that it authentically represents the true image of your business. Correct and original information builds trust, helping your client make a more informed and knowledgeable decision.

Whether you’ve placed your ad in a local newspaper or distributed a one-page flyer, the following details should be included to give your customers a brief introduction about your business.

• A basic intro about your business
• A list of services you offer
• Service charges or other specifications
• Experience and examples of past work

Ideally, your service number should be included in your advertisement.

First Impression is the Last Impression

A positive first impression is everlasting. Whether your first contact with your client is over the phone or face-to-face, make sure to make it impressive. For instance, you can build a lasting first impression by arriving on time or giving clear responses to the questions asked. Also, be certain to use simple and comprehensible language. Never use high-pressure sales tactics to force a potential client to acquire your services.  Make sure to give him or her enough time to make the right decision.

Communicate

Effective communication is one of the ways you can achieve your customer satisfaction goals. With something as intricate as home remodels, many unexpected things can happen. Therefore, it’s important that you hold routine meetings with your clients to keep them updated.

Manage Complaints

No matter how effective your services are, you cannot make everyone happy. In case of any customer complaints, try to make every effort to keep your client happy. In fact, you should be thankful for the complaining clients, as they provide you with an opportunity to make them happy again. Do your best to exceed their expectations.

There you have it. These simple yet extremely effective tips can be lifesavers. Take a hint from this post and stay ahead in the world of business.