What’s the simplest way to make customers happy? Inform them that their requests have been acknowledged and that they will be addressed – and then make sure to do it! Following through – the process of fulfilling customer requests – is the last and most crucial step in effective customer service. Words without action are just words. Customers want to see action, results, and evidence that their requests have been recognized and dealt with properly.

To effectively follow-through, employees must show a willingness to serve, accurately complete the request, and show value to the customer.

1. Show Willingness

Showing willingness to serve and support is easy to do, and one of the fastest ways to build rapport. Instead of responding with a non-specific “OK”, encourage employees to start sentences with phrases that clearly convey enthusiasm and eagerness to help. Here are a couple examples:

I’ll be happy to…

I can sure do that…

I can take care of that for you…

2. Complete the Request

This may sound obvious, but it’s best to meet customer expectations first and then perform procedural duties such as updating the customer’s file and scheduling follow-up calls second. Occasionally company procedure may not allow for this. If so, keep the customer informed by stating, “I’ll be happy to do that for you, but first I need to collect some information in order to complete your request.” Informed customers are happy customers.

3. Show Value

The final step in successful customer service is showing value. This step demonstrates the importance of service and support to the customer, and shows that your organization is committed to serving customer needs and requests. To effectively show value, explain how customers will benefit from the way their service and support situation was handled. Here are two great examples:

  1. To protect your privacy, we do not give out identification numbers over the phone.
  2. To keep your costs down, we ask that you have the work done at one of our service facilities.

Follow-through is essential to keeping customers loyal. Remember, “Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” – Sally Koch.