Turn Upset Customers into Happy Ones

Most IT service providers do a terrible job handling upset customers. SMBs almost always site poor customer service as the reason they want switch IT providers. It’s never about price, knowledge, or tools. In fact, they often say they would pay more for better care. This should tell you that great customer service is the key differentiator between you and the competition. A key component in great customer service is knowing how to deal with upset clients. Here are my suggestions for doing this successfully:

How to make an upset client a happy one:

1. Tackle the Problem: A lot of IT guys duck upset customers. Avoiding problems only makes things worse. It is always best to confront problems head on, sooner rather than later.
2. Don’t Take it Personally: Keep in mind when an upset customer starts to yell, it’s not a personal assault. They are upset at the situation and not you. Check your ego at the door and don’t take it personally. It will only hurt you in the end if you do.
3. Listen: When talking with an upset customer, let them vent before speaking. The kneejerk reaction is to become defensive and interrupt while they are venting. This only makes the situation worse. Allow them to say what they have to say.
4. No Excuses: Customers do not want to hear how your lead tech is sick or your had a flat tire on the way to their appointment. Instead, tell them how you are going to take care of them, not why you can’t.
5. Empathize: When a customer has a complaint or a problem, show them that you care and understand where they are coming from.  Let them know that their concern is your concern. Empathizing and relating to them will go a long way towards building a strong rapport and a lasting and profitable relationship.
6. Take Ownership: Let them know that they are in good hands. Tell them that you are going to personally see to it that their problem gets taken care of. That you have taking ownership of it.
7. Use Positive Phrasing: Never use don’t and can’t when talking to customers. “John, I don’t know how fix your SQL problem.” That ’s just going to tick an already edgy customer off even more. Instead you should say “John, I am unsure how to fix your SQL problem, but I am going to research it and find an answer.” Doesn’t that sound better?

Understanding how to handle and triage upset clients is a must for any business to be successful. If you master this skill, you will make your current clients happier and you will start taking away your competitors clients who aren’t.