Difficult customers!
Every business has them, and no one likes to get customer feedback that is challenging to handle. So what’s the secret to turning difficult customers into loyal advocates?
The most important thing to remember is not to think of customers as difficult but merely as angry, frustrated or disappointed with the product or service they bought from us.
You may never have considered this, but customer complaints are actually a gift! Research shows that for every customer who complains, there are 20 or more who don’t complain and just switch to your competitor!
Wouldn’t you prefer to have the chance to retain their loyalty? That’s why you should do everything possible to respond quickly and positively to every complaint.
The Gift of Customer Complaints
When a customer reaches out with a complaint, they are offering you the chance to improve and strengthen your business in several ways:
- You get the chance to put things right and make them happy.
- You get the chance to stop them churning/leaving for the competition.
- You get the chance to delight them so they share their experience with others and build your positive image.
Let’s look at these in more detail, using recent examples to demonstrate best practices:
Correcting Mistakes:
- Netflix: Netflix is known for actively monitoring customer complaints and using advanced data analytics to identify and correct issues. When they encountered streaming problems in the past, they quickly addressed them by upgrading their infrastructure, leading to improved service quality. This is a great example of exceeding the customer’s expectations, creating even greater delight.
- Toyota: Toyota has a history of addressing product quality concerns promptly. In the case of the 2010 recall, due to accelerator pedal issues, Toyota swiftly communicated with affected customers, provided fixes, and introduced enhanced safety measures.
- Samsung: Samsung’s handling of the Galaxy Note 7 battery issue is another prime example. They recalled and replaced the faulty devices, prioritizing customer safety and satisfaction. This transparent and rapid response helped mitigate the impact on their brand reputation.
Customers expect you to put things right. They don’t expect more than that in most cases. So going above and beyond will immediately change a negative into a positive event that the customer will share with their friends and family.
Preventing Churn:
- Comcast: Comcast has made efforts to reduce customer churn by offering flexible plans and improved customer service. They introduced “Xfinity Mobile” to bundle mobile services with cable and internet, aiming to keep customers within their ecosystem.
- Adobe: Adobe’s transition to a subscription-based model for Creative Cloud faced initial resistance. However, they addressed customer concerns and objections by continuously improving the platform, leading to higher customer retention rates.
- Spotify: Spotify uses personalized playlists and recommendations to engage users. By analyzing user data and preferences, they reduce churn by providing a tailored experience that keeps users coming back for more.
This last example shows how a company quite often has the data it needs to better know and, therefore, delight the customer. It’s not about having more data, but rather making better use of the data you collect.
Building a Positive Image:
- Wegmans: Wegmans, a regional supermarket chain, is known for its exceptional customer service. They actively engage with customers, address concerns, and actively involve themselves in the communities they serve, creating a positive image.
- Warby Parker: The online eyewear retailer Warby Parker has a strong commitment to social responsibility. They donate a pair of glasses for every pair sold, showcasing their dedication to a socially conscious image that resonates with customers.
- Patagonia: Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility. They actively engage in eco-friendly practices, such as repairing their products, which align with their image of being environmentally conscious and customer-focused.
These real-world examples showcase that effective complaint resolution strategies are not limited to just a few companies but can be found in various industries, including retail, hospitality, and technology.
Strategies for Handling Difficult Customers:
When connecting with a “difficult” customer, spend more time listening than speaking, at least at first. Ask questions to clarify the situation, their problem and repeat to be sure you have correctly understood their concern.
A True Win-Win Scenario
In conclusion, handling “difficult” customers is not a challenge but an opportunity to enhance your business.
You can turn dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates by viewing complaints as gifts and implementing the strategies and examples provided in this article.
In today’s competitive market, mastering customer relationship management is crucial for sustainable success and achieving a true win-win scenario for both you and your customers.
Remember, effective complaint resolution is not limited to specific industries or company sizes; it’s a practice that can benefit any business willing to invest in customer satisfaction and loyalty.