Sunday, May 15, 2011

Great Customer Service

Have a loyal customer,  keep them!  If you don't have a loyal customer? Build one.  Obvious, yes, but sadly it's not always done.

Here's an example of a great customer experience by experts in the field, Starbucks!  They definitely increased my brand loyalty after this experience.

I was at a Starbucks Coffee Shop (or as I like to call it, 'Bucks') and was waiting for my Tall Non-fat Skinny Latte.  As I picked up my Latte I noticed a piece of paper floating in my drink.  (YUCK!!!)

Within seconds the Starbucks employee whisked away my coffee, made me a new coffee, and gave me a free coupon to come in for another coffee without ME saying 'BOO'.   The Starbucks employee  apologised for the less than perfect drink, SINCERELY, while giving me a replacement.

There was no requirement for me to make my case,  in fact I barely had a chance to recognise there was something wrong before it was fixed.

The result?  I was impressed?!  They made a potentially bad customer experience, into a very positive customer experience.

What we can all learn from this excellent example of great customer service?

  1. Consumers notice.
  2. A good experience can create a  customer ambassador.
  3. A good experience builds loyalty. 
  4. Give the consumer a reason to go back (coupon).
  5. It's very important to train your employees and reward them for great service.
Thank-you Starbucks for making a bad experience into a great experience, and for showing the rest of us how great customer service works.