The Value of “Customer Service”

I have been working in customer service since my first year of college a few years ago and have never imagined that I would actually love some aspects of my previous jobs. The thought of writing this article on “customer service” spread through my mind while doing a run to the store for a quick cosmetic shop. As I was looking through the sale on certain cosmetic brands, I remembered I needed some body care stuff. Thank god I brought my list with me just in case I forget what I needed from the store. As I approached the facial skin care aisle, I was approached by a sales associate asking if I needed any help with anything. I asked the sales associate if they sold any eye cream on the aisle. The sales associate led me to the Neutrogena brand which had a sale on their skincare line for that day. It was their last day of sale so I was extremely lucky to be coming into the store before the sale ended.

The sales associate asked if I was looking for a particular type of cream. I particularly was looking for something not too greasy, but an eye cream for easy application with no mess. With the sales associate helpful customer service, I chose the Neutrogena Ageless Restoratives skin renewal moisturizing cream in SPF 30. I’ve never used any kind of Neutrogena products before, but since I have heard good things in the past about this product line and from the sales associate, I gave it a shot to try out. After taking the facial product off the shelf, I felt happy with my choice. The sales associate chatted with me for a bit and asked if I needed any help with anything else. I needed construction paper and binder protective sheets as well and was led by the sales associate to the school supply area. After picking out my last minute items, I thanked the sales associate for her help and walked to the self-checkout line of the store. As I finished my purchases, I still remembered how extremely helpful the sales associate was with her customer service skills.

My first experience as a customer service associate was working at a huge retail store called J.C. Penny. I define “customer service” as reaching a high level of customer satisfaction with the feeling that a product or even a service has met the customer’s expectations. I remembered working as a sales associate that there were some simple basic rules to remember in customer service. Key rules include:

            -Answering the phone.

            -Do not make any promises unless you will keep them.

            -Listening to customers.

            -Deal with complaints in a polite, courteous manner.

            -Be very helpful.

            -Help your co-workers/employees to always be helpful, courteous, and

              knowledgeable.

            -Take the extra step or mile.

            -Throw in something extra special for the customers.

            -Smile! (My favorite!)

 I no longer work in retail anymore, but my experience as a sales associate taught me the understanding of customer service, teamwork, and effort. The joy of serving to customers in a polite, courteous manner is amazing. I’ve had many customers tell me what an outstanding sales associate I was and always putting my customers first. Most importantly, knowing what my customers needs and wants were and to give them the absolute fabulous customer service they deserve.