Good customer service is the life of any business.  A good salesperson can sell a customer something once, but the essence of good customer service is about bringing that customer back again.  And about sending them away so happy they tell other people about you. Personal referrals are the highest form of praise. (Not to mention the best PR you could possibly ask for!)

Good service is what makes a customer’s experience with you feel special. For example, think about the last time a friend of yours raved about a great new restaurant they discovered. They gush about the great food and fun atmosphere, how everyone who worked there is so nice. They urged ‘You HAVE to go!’ Chances are you have plans to check it out for yourself if you haven’t already.

Here are 6 simple customer service rules you should always follow.

1. SMILE! – A genuine smile will make others happier than you think. Whereas a fake, forced smile just tells everyone you’re a phony.
2. Listen to your customers. Is there anything more frustrating than telling someone what you want only to discover that they haven’t really been listening to you?  Yes, it’s important to know your products, but skip the ‘sales pitch’. Employees who are tops in their field actively listen, respond appropriately and make suggestions that help the customer get what they are looking for.
3. Deal with complaints. – Yes, it can be uncomfortable and nobody likes to hear complaints. Buck up and tackle the problem head on. Turning your attention to the complaint gives you the opportunity to put your skills to the test and reap the benefits of winning this customer over.
4. Don’t make promises unless you will keep them. Not PLAN to keep them. WILL keep them. Follow up with a customer when you say you are going to, even just to give them a status report if things are not completed on your end. If you are not sure you can keep a promise, don’t make it in the first place.  Nothing ruins your credibility like a broken promise.
5. Take the extra step – literally. Walk your customer’s purchases around the counter before handing to them. It’s a small gesture that won’t go unnoticed.  Likewise, if a customer asks where something is don’t just tell them where to find it lead them there, see if they have any questions about the item, ask if there is anything else you can help them with. Whatever the extra step may be, if you want to provide good service take it.
6. Throw in a little something extra. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Suggest a creative way to use a product, a helpful hint or provide information on your next sale or a coupon for a future discount. Small acts of kindness that are greatly appreciated.