ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
20.08.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Saluting the Squawkers: Complaints Often Key to Improving Sales, Retention and Loyalty

Author: Craig Harrison Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 20-09-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 649 | Rating:  (50) Article Popularity - Green (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

It's said nobody likes a complainer. I beg to differ. In customer service a complainer is doing you a favor. They are the extension of your research, testing and quality assurance departments. Although essentially unpaid, they're providing you with invaluable, often real-time feedback on what isn't working in your business or your relationship with them. Try to put a price tag on that!

We know from surveys that most unhappy customers voice their displeasure with their feet Ñ they just walk. They simply go away. No fanfare, no pronouncements. One day they're disgruntled, the next they disappear.

You belatedly discern they've left — but why? What happened? By then, it's probably too late. So let's celebrate the complainers. Let's salute the squeakers. The data they provide make improvement possible. Their feedback gives you end-user validation of your processes and procedures, your product lines and service levels.

Since most customers are convinced you either don't care or won't change, those that care to share should be valued and rewarded. Be open to their feedback. See the long term value of fixing a problem this customer has experienced. For each customer who complains many more may have already moved away, or will soon if you don't fix your problem.

Make it easy for customers to give you feedback and listen generously when they do come forth. Telling a customer "nobody else has complained" misses the point. Consider the following action steps to leverage complaints into constructive improvement:

Thank customers for taking the time to let you know of their less than stellar experiences.

Honor their courage in speaking up

Reward their input in little yet meaningful ways: complimentary items, discounts, future preferential treatment, etc.

When you act on their complaint let them know you've done so. They'll feel their power and your responsiveness will strengthen the bond between you and them.

In its own way a complaint is a compliment — they cared enough to let you fix the problem. They think you're capable of doing so and will be delighted when you do. They're a customer worth saving!

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sales-articles/saluting-the-squawkers-complaints-often-key-to-improving-sales-retention-and-loyalty-57377.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

Book Craig's LISTENING presentation for your company, association or workgroup: http://www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com/listen.html Buy and license Craig's LISTENING—THE FORGOTTEN COMMUNICATION SKILL class and
workbook: http://www.ExpressionsOfExcellence.com/prod_workplace.html#Listening

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Improve Customer Rapport With Improv!
By: Craig Harrison | 24/06/2007 | Sales
Looking for ways to improve rapport with customers, clients & prospects…cast your gaze to improv — improvisational behavior. Here’s how to Impress…through improv!

Sales Through Storytelling: Story Tell, Story Sell!
By: Craig Harrison | 19/08/2006 | Sales
An old French proverb tells us "Nothing succeeds like success!" And in sales nothing succeeds quite like success stories. The secret is in how you share your successes; Learn to tell thirty-second "success stories."

From Told to Sold! Leverage your Stories to Resonate With Prospects and Customers
By: Craig Harrison | 23/11/2007 | Sales
Stories connect! And they connect deeply, often stirring us emotionally at a heart level. That’s what makes them memorable, and powerful as a sales tool.

Where Sales Meets Service: Up-selling and Cross-selling Made Fun & Easy!
By: Craig Harrison | 17/02/2007 | Sales
The reality of business is that customers want to be sold. They love to buy for their own reasons. Not manipulatively bombarded with sales pitches but intelligently suggested with logical purchases that further their goals. Up-selling & cross-selling are two sales techniques used by professional sales & service staffs to increase sales. Are you making the most of your suggestive selling?

How Inquisitive are You?
By: Craig Harrison | 22/04/2007 | Sales
Questions are cues to customers. They uncover customers' needs & wants, their fears & frustrations. They’ll tell you all you need to know to formulate your sales approach. Read, to know how good are the questions you are asking?

Objections Overruled!
By: Craig Harrison | 22/04/2007 | Sales
Objections offer valuable insights into clients’ concerns, fears & values. Once you understand these you can tailor your responses accordingly & thus sell more effectively.

Avoiding A
By: Craig Harrison | 18/07/2006 | Communication
Communication skills do not require a graduate degree, just some common sense, a bit of homework and a better understanding of the role communication plays. It can open many doors, both within and beyond the workplace.

Become a Credible Communicator: Make Honesty your Policy!
By: Craig Harrison | 20/09/2006 | Communication
To command attention when you speak, you have to be credible. Credibility in the workplace means believability. Are you striving to be a credible communicator, here is the right way to speak and write.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go holiday shopping?
By: carli | 25-11-2007
When is the best time to go holiday shopping in the states? When are the best sales, before or after Christmas?

Speed up the Commitment Process
By: jonelle | 01-11-2007
A lot of my clients that commit to sales, take a while to get back to me... I end up freaking out and waiting around stalking them with voicemails. Any way to speed up the process without tons of messages?

How can I set different ringtones on different ...
By: tayals | 31-10-2007
how can I set different ringtones on different contact list

Help me
By: chandrababu | 27-10-2007
i no english iam speak in one manth english speaking please help me sir????????//

I have had a job offer from worldwebpromote.com as ...
By: tupelohoney17 | 25-09-2007
I have had a job offer from worldwebpromote.com as an Internet Manager for their PPC division? Is this a legitimate company, are they proven to provide results for the companies they represent?

The art of listening.
By: Oron | 18-09-2007
What do you think about the following statement: "God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth, hinting that we should listen twice as talking" ?.(many of us should adopt or remeber it !).

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Sales Articles

Direct Mail or Email - Use Your List
By: Ramon Vela | 20/08/2008
Experts suggest that you contact your database of prospects 30-50 times a year in multiple mediums such email, direct mail, telemarketing, in person, etc.

Events -- When to Conduct Yours
By: Ramon Vela | 20/08/2008
A marketing event is only as successful as the strong involvement of you and your event vendor partner.

C-level Relationship Selling: Selling at the C-level, the 5 Elements: Part III - Confidence
By: Sam Manfer | 20/08/2008
In order to sell at the C-Level you have to believe you belong with these people. This requires confidence and elimination of self doubt. This article will show how to build you’re confidence so that both you and the executive believe you belong.

How to Use Affiliate Marketing Processes to Start Up When Your Own Business
By: Suresh Kumar | 20/08/2008
Getting involved in an affiliate marketing home business is one good way to earn an income from home. An affiliate marketing business can be a means of earning a nice amount of income without having to put up a large investment to stock inventory.

Fantastic and Highly Fashionable Nyc Organization Spy Bag
By: m.jeya | 20/08/2008
The bag is a premium grade clear bag with a million and one uses. Fendi inspired Spy Bag Red is viewing the highest quality, inspired handbags available. The Spy Bag is the ideal travel organizer. The gorgeous red leather spy bag features one main roomy compartment and one inner wall zippered pocket. The authentic Fendi Spy Bag is made of buttery soft leather that seems to melt under your fingers.

Interesting Facts on Different Kinds of Men’s Underwear
By: Mejo John | 20/08/2008
There is no tricky question about the different kinds of men’s underwear that are existing today. It becomes little tricky when you are buying for your man for the first time from the huge variety. You might want to ask him which type he prefers going for as men differ from the shapes of underwear they wear.

People Search by Phone Available Via the Internet for Convenience
By: Apolie Turtz | 20/08/2008
There can be a lot of nice tools available online which are useful in finding personal information. For example, search engines can help you in doing a people search but you really need to do a well-organized and intensive search so that you can have the results that you really need. Personal information over the Internet are scattered that is why a skill in looking for each useful bit of information should be learned. Going to sites like Yahoo can help you in finding the person you are looking

Joint Venture Tactics to Make Your Blogs Profitable
By: Wazir Singh | 20/08/2008
Find someone that has a blog related to your topic. Offer to blog about their blog if they will blog about yours. In doing this, you'll both be swapping blog readers that you may have not been able to reach otherwise. Do this with several different people that have blogs related to your topic and soon you will have a huge blog readership.

More from Craig Harrison

Stop Slingin' Slang! Prospects and Clients Leary of Loose Language
By: Craig Harrison | 23/11/2007 | Ethics
Professionalism counts in the work world. Slang is a shortcut that suggests excessive informality and lack of appreciation for the workplace setting and expectations.

From Told to Sold! Leverage your Stories to Resonate With Prospects and Customers
By: Craig Harrison | 23/11/2007 | Sales
Stories connect! And they connect deeply, often stirring us emotionally at a heart level. That’s what makes them memorable, and powerful as a sales tool.

Forget the Fockers…meet your Customers!
By: Craig Harrison | 27/09/2007 | Customer Service
To ensure customer retention - Treat them like beloved family!

Signs of Service: Master "sign Language" to Communicate With your Customers
By: Craig Harrison | 27/09/2007 | Communication
Give your customers confidence to find what they're looking for, without effort, exertion and frustration.

Who's in Charge of your Meeting?
By: Craig Harrison | 31/08/2007 | Business
As the facilitator, leader or organizer of the meeting you are ultimately responsible for everything that does & doesn't happen in your meeting. Here are 7 things to do before you hold your next meeting.

Free for the Giving: the Best Things in Service Situations are Often Free
By: Craig Harrison | 31/08/2007 | Customer Service
Customer service does not require a huge capital outlay; the most important parts of customer service are free…most of them tied to attentiveness, friendliness & empathy. Here's a list of free customer service components.

Tag Lines Tell a Tale of One's Occupations
By: Craig Harrison | 09/07/2007 | Sales
To set yourself apart from the crowd, cast your profession in its most ennobling light & focus on the benefits of your work as they accrue to others. Here’s How.

Orchestrating your Leadership
By: Craig Harrison | 09/07/2007 | Leadership
Are you a leader in training? Orchestrating your leadership can help to hone your leadership skills. Here’s How.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below