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Customer Service, What is it?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with CastNet Realty TREC#263257

 

I just wrote a post about "Customer Service" and decided I needed to explain what it is since a lot of people in service jobs don't seem to understand the concept anymore.   Yes, I am old enough to come from a time in America where clerks, waiters, attendants, and even professional people knew how to give good service and they did.  They knew their business was dependent on it.

Things have changed but people have not changed.  A simple "Thank you, and come back" goes a long way with me and you too.  A simple "May I help you?" with a warm smile and a genuine caring about you is easily rewarded.  The key to all the good service things we say must be followed with genuine interest in how we can help the person who has come to us to meet their needs.  "Putting the clients interest above our own" is what I teach my agents.  I live by this.  That is why I spend long hours and go out of my way to make sure all the questions have been answered and all the needs met with every transaction.

Are you doing this?  Does your customer or client know and feel secure that their interests are first with you?  Or are you in too big a hurry to get the job done that you failed to pick up on their feelings?  It will cost you in the end with a lack of follow up business.  I have refused to go to many different stores or restaurants because the service was lacking.  Buyers and sellers need good service too.

Make Customer Service the most important part of your real estate company and you will succeed.  Ask your customers and clients if this is not so.  Have a great year and make your clients NUMBER 1!

Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection         www.RickiEichlerRealEstate.com

Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

My Howdy

there Ricki, my friend

I let my client's, know even after their inspection is done. They can call me with any questions about the workings of their home for as long, as they own it.

God Bless America

Jan 25, 2009 08:59 AM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Ricki, yo are so right!Customer service seems to be on the wane and it's a complete shame. We have so much competition that it's essential we offer our clients the best they can get! Your post has inspired me to write about my favorite advice (if I can EVE find some time) I have ever had as far as sales and service! Have a great week!

Jan 25, 2009 10:52 AM
Carl Winters
Canyon Lake, TX

Ricki you nailed this one. I think the employee's could care less whether you are happy or even thankful to have you for a customer. I know at H.E.B. they really "encourage customer service" when they train their employees. Right off the top of my head that is the only place I have seen recently that gives good customer service.

Jan 25, 2009 11:12 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Dale,   That is so good.   What a great way to keep in touch with folks and get referrals.

Jan 25, 2009 11:43 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

HI Russell,   That is so grand, glad my post inspired a special post for you too.  Have a terrific week!

Jan 25, 2009 11:45 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Carl & Ceil,  You are right , it is hard to remember where you get good customer service these days.  What a shame!  When our economy is in such bad shape, you'd think people would want your business and show it by giving good customer service.  I know I do.

Jan 25, 2009 11:47 AM
Liz Carter
Liz Carter & Team Realty-Your Real Estate Resource For Life! - Katy, TX
Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)

Ricki...

That has always been a pet peeve of mine, people just don't say "Thank You", enough.  A big smile when you say it makes it even better. 

Is there a place to go to get the "Friendship Ball" and a group to post it to?  I was tagged by you and Marchel, so I need to get one done, and it's perfect timing :).  I have a ton of "Thank Yous" to send.  Love Ya, Liz

Jan 25, 2009 12:11 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Liz,   Thank you, sweetie for commenting! :)    THat Friendship Ball has been passed around a lot.  I posted mine to every other group I usually post to but I haven't seen it lately.  I am only getting on AR on Sundays recently.  I can't find the time during the week.  Last time I saw it I think Dale Baker had it or maybe Alan Kirkpatrick.

Jan 25, 2009 12:31 PM
Marchel Peterson
Results Realty - Spring, TX
Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro

Ricki, I just recently had someone come to my door selling some kind of cleaner.  I had just heard bad news about my dog and told her it was not a good time.  It happened to be on Martin Luther King Day and she laid in to me because she said I was not interested because it was Martin Luther King Day.  I was TOTALLY amazed.  Wow could she take a lesson on customer service.  I guess the amazing thing was she came to my door and then was rude to me. 

Jan 25, 2009 02:13 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Marchel,   It is amazing how some people will act.  Customer service needs to be taken seriously again.  Have a great week!  Hope your dog is OK.

Jan 25, 2009 03:25 PM
Frank Bailey Sr.
Keller Williams Realty - Schertz, TX
Your retired Veteran, your Full-Time REALTOR

Ricki,

  This is a fantastic and well overdue blog!  I come from serving in the military for 20 years in a profession that was customer orientated, and myself and the people that worked for me, this was our number one goal!  Serve the customer, have manners, please!  Our society has gone away with that, and a simple smile and "may I help you" go a long way.   It's time to bring back social in society.  We had it during 9/11 but we've lost it again.  We need it back.  Great blog!

Mar 13, 2009 05:08 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Frank,   Thank you so much for your comments.  I agree we must bring social back into society.  We act worse than animals sometimes, with the me, me, me and first, first, first.  Get out of my way, move over, etc.  We all experience rudeness every day.  We must realize, though, we usually get back what we put out.  That is why smiles are contagious!!!!! :)

Mar 14, 2009 01:56 AM