How to Get Great Customer Service Without Being Rude

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Getting what you want from businesses can be a big challenge, but there are proven techniques that can help you get your customer service issues resolved without being rude. The author shares her winning game plan, which includes going into calls knowing what you want and what you'll accept, having all the necessary information on hand, staying calm and polite, clearly stating the issue and what you'd like done, bringing up relevant details, escalating to a supervisor if needed, and knowing when to let go if the battle isn't worth the time.

Why it matters

Dealing with poor customer service and getting companies to resolve issues in your favor is a common frustration that many people face. These strategies can empower consumers to advocate for themselves and get the outcomes they deserve, without resorting to rudeness or aggression.

The details

The author shares several key tips for navigating customer service battles successfully. First, she recommends going into calls knowing your ideal resolution as well as what you'd be willing to accept, so you can negotiate effectively. Having all the relevant information - like order numbers, payment details, and descriptions of the problem - on hand is also crucial. The author emphasizes the importance of staying calm and polite, making friends with the customer service rep, and clearly stating the issue and desired outcome. Bringing up relevant details like loyalty or sympathetic circumstances can also help sway the rep. If the initial rep is unable to resolve the issue, the author suggests escalating to a supervisor. And finally, she advises knowing when to let go if the battle isn't worth the time investment.

• The author has been dealing with customer service battles for years.

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