job application - help!!

[issy35]

My son is currently filling in an application for a travel agent's(has experience in sales).... has to answer a question in under 60 words. Looking for some ideas or wording/skills that could be mentioned and that would best answer this. The question is "how would you define good customer service".

[Gef]

Sounds like common sense to me. Imagine you are a customer - what sort of service would you expect?

[vicars]

Remember they are looking for an answer under 60 words - dont try to fill it out. You could try something like "Good customer service is anything that leaves a customer feeling fulfilled, whether it be an answer to a problem, a general question or any sort of help." 

[twiglet4frog]

good customer service is polite, helpful, simple to understand in a non-patronising way service that benefits both the customer and company in equal measure

[Octavius]

Good customer care matters because keeping existing customers is easier than finding new ones, and satisfied customers will do a lot of advertising for you. Most people consider doing business with a certain company because of recommendation by a friend or acquaintance. Dissatisfied customers spread the bad news and undermine our business which ultimately threatens everyone's jobs.

Good customer service can also be very satisfying and is good for self esteem it is always nicer going home at night feeling that we have been able to help someone.

A customer who feels good doing business with you (and through you, the company) is more than likely to stay with you and recommend you to others.

People react to the way they are treated and act accordingly.

Good customer service is providing the above, plus giving the customer exactly what they want and need with the comfort and satisfaction that there are no hidden details in small writing.

[vicars]

I think the answers given are extremely valid, but you need to be careful when trying to sum it all up because sometimes you can not give the customer exactly what they want, but if they leave feeling they have been dealth with as best they can and the company agent has done all they can to help, then that is equally good cutomer service. Customer service has nothing to do with ensuring the company gets the most out of the situation, although this is what should happen if customer service is give. The day people stop worrying about their own needs and concentrate on other peoples needs is the day you begin to really profit from life. The same goes for companies - treat your customers like they are the ones that matter and they will make your business succeed because they will appreciate the service given. Also remember that sales go hand in hand with good service - so long as you ask for the business at the right time (after having given good service) the sale comes naturally. Best of luck. 

[WoWo]

Customer service is all about meeting or exceeding expectations, listen to the customer find out what they want and then set an expectation. The important part comes when you meet or exceed that expectation.