Mastering conversational support is a non-negotiable skill in customer service and call centers. Knowing the right etiquette — whether on the phone with a customer or during a cobrowsing session with them — can influence CSAT scores, significantly sway a customer's perception of a company and, in turn, influence their loyalty.
1 in 6 shoppers will back out of purchase due to a bad customer experience over the phone. This is why it is vital to the success of your business to ensure all customer interactions are handled with courtesy, professionalism, and empathy.
In this guide, we aim to equip you with practical rules and tips to excel in phone etiquette, making sure your customers feel valued and heard.
What is phone service in customer support?
Phone service in customer support offers a direct, immediate line of communication between customers and agents. It's essential for resolving complex issues, providing personalized assistance, and fostering trust. This real-time problem-solving method enhances customer satisfaction, loyalty, and business success.
These days, phone support is no longer limited to customer support hotlines — newer technology, like video conferencing and cobrowsing, also fall under this umbrella.
Additionally, more than 50% of customers across all age groups typically use the phone) to reach out to a service team, so it's essential to have well-trained agents to handle these interactions professionally.
The 20 most important phone etiquette tips for call centers & other businesses
Now that we know phone etiquette's significance in customer service let's dive into some essential tips to enhance your call center representatives' performance and improve customer experience. We'll discuss the following tips below:
- Understanding the importance of context
- Enhancing communication across channels
- Responding swiftly to calls
- Mastering the art of active listening
- Simplifying language for clarity
- Becoming data-driven
- Investing in advanced call center technology
- Creating a noise-free environment
- Effectively communicating hold times
- Optimizing call routing
- Mirroring customer tone and emotion
- Providing callback options
- Reflect and validate
- Acknowledge the problem
- Be patient
- Keep customers updated
- Know how to handle emotional callers
- Prepare an escalation plan
- Take notes as you go
- Take breaks to prevent burnout
- Ask permission to take screen control on cobrowsing calls
Understanding the importance of context
Understanding the importance of context in phone etiquette involves having comprehensive knowledge of a customer's history and preferences, which enhances communication and problem-solving. Agents can access this information through CRM systems, previous call records, console logs and session recordings, or purchase history.
Enhancing communication across channels
Integrating phone support with other communication channels like email, social media, and live chat can significantly enhance the customer experience. It provides multiple avenues for customers to reach out, catering to their preferred communication style. This integration also ensures consistency in service, as agents have access to previous interactions across all platforms.
Responding swiftly to calls
One of the most crucial customer support best practices includes responding swiftly to calls, which shows respect for customers' time and enhances satisfaction. Agents can prioritize calls based on urgency to reduce wait times or use callback options for busy periods. Efficient use of resources and workforce management strategies also contribute to quicker responses, delivering a superior customer service experience.
Mastering the art of active listening
Mastering the art of active listening involves fully focusing on the customer, not interrupting, and confirming understanding through paraphrasing or summarizing their concerns. Techniques like taking brief notes and asking clarifying questions can help customers feel truly heard. This approach fosters trust, enhances problem-solving, and boosts overall customer satisfaction.
Simplifying language for clarity
Simplifying language is vital to clear communication. Using technical jargon can confuse customers and hinder understanding. For instance, instead of saying, "We'll troubleshoot your connectivity issue," say, "We'll help fix the problem that's stopping you from getting online." Translating technical terms into plain language fosters comprehension ensures effective problem-solving, and enhances customer satisfaction.
Becoming data-driven
By analyzing customers' past interactions, preferences, and behaviors, support teams can tailor their approach to meet individual needs. This not only enhances the quality of service but also fosters customer loyalty. Data-driven insights enable proactive support, anticipating issues before they escalate, leading to higher satisfaction levels. One of the best ways to gather insights like this is with dedicated software. For example, you can use product analytics software for quantitative insights, and session replay software for qualitative insights so you have the full picture.
Investing in advanced call center technology
Investing in advanced call center technology, like AI chatbots and CRM systems, can significantly enhance support. These tools streamline processes, reducing response times and enabling 24/7 assistance. They also collect valuable customer data for personalized service.
Creating a noise-free environment
Background noise significantly impacts the customer experience. Surveys show that 84% of agents believe it negatively affects the service they deliver, with almost half of calls abandoned due to noise disruptions. Minimizing such disruptions by using noise-canceling headsets or implementing sound isolation in call centers is essential. This creates a clearer, more positive communication environment, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Effectively communicating hold times
Effectively communicating hold times is crucial in customer service. Transparency builds trust; hence, always inform customers about their expected wait times. Use empathetic language and reassure them that their issue is important. Offer alternatives like a callback option or self-service tools. This can manage expectations and make the waiting experience more bearable for customers.
Optimizing call routing
Intelligent routing ensures customers are directed to the most suitable agent, improving resolution rates and customer satisfaction. Implementing routing rules based on factors like agent skills, caller history, or issue complexity can optimize call distribution, leading to quicker, more effective service.
Mirroring customer tone and emotion
Mirroring customer tone and emotion in customer service can create rapport and foster understanding. It demonstrates empathy, showing customers they are heard and their feelings validated. Techniques include matching the customer's pace of speech, using similar language, and reflecting their emotions in your responses.
Providing callback options
Callback options in customer service allow customers to request a return call instead of waiting on hold until it's their turn. This respects their time, reduces frustration, and enhances the overall customer experience. Offering callbacks can significantly improve customer satisfaction by providing them with convenience and demonstrating that their time and concerns are valued.
Reflect and validate
Reflecting and validating customer emotions shows empathy. For example, saying, "I understand how frustrating this must be for you," can build rapport, making customers feel heard and understood. This practice can significantly improve the quality of customer interactions and satisfaction levels.
Acknowledge the problem
Acknowledging the problem in customer service is vital as it shows customers their concerns are taken seriously. Techniques include directly stating the issue, empathizing with the customer's frustration, and expressing commitment to resolving it.
Be patient
Patience is a vital virtue, particularly during challenging interactions. It fosters understanding and promotes peaceful resolutions. To maintain patience, take deep breaths, actively listen, and empathize with the other party. Remember, every difficult conversation is an opportunity for growth and learning. Patience turns these challenges into stepping stones towards personal and professional development.
Keep customers updated
Proactive communication is key to customer satisfaction. Regularly updating customers on issue resolution progress builds trust and shows respect for their time. Strategies include setting realistic expectations, providing timely updates via preferred communication channels, and ensuring transparency. Remember, an informed customer is a happier, more loyal customer.
Know how to handle emotional callers
Emotional customers require empathetic handling, as it demonstrates understanding and helps build rapport. This can diffuse tension and foster resolution. Techniques include active listening, validating their feelings, and offering genuine apologies. Staying calm, using positive language, and proposing solutions also aid in de-escalating tense situations.
Prepare an escalation plan
An escalation plan is crucial for handling complex customer issues efficiently. It ensures quick resolution and enhances customer satisfaction. To escalate effectively, identify the issue's severity, communicate it accurately to higher support levels, and follow predefined escalation paths. Regularly reviewing and updating the escalation process is also key.
Take notes as you go
Accurate note-taking during customer interactions is vital for capturing key details and ensuring consistent service. It aids in problem-solving and provides a reference for future interactions. Effective tips include using shorthand, focusing on the main points, and taking advantage of pauses in the conversation to jot down notes without interrupting the flow.
Take breaks to prevent burnout
Self-care is essential for customer support agents to manage stress and prevent burnout. It contributes to better performance, emotional well-being, and job satisfaction. Strategies include setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, and pursuing hobbies outside work. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when needed.
Ask permission to take screen control on cobrowsing calls
Obtaining customer consent for cobrowsing ensures trust and respect for privacy. It's crucial to explain the process, what you'll access, and how it benefits them. Ask for permission directly and clearly, "May I take control of your screen to assist you better?" Always wait for explicit consent before proceeding.
The future of conversational support: cobrowsing
Cobrowsing technology is revolutionizing customer support by offering interactive, visual assistance. This tool allows support agents to view and control a user's screen, guiding them through solutions in real time. Cobrowsing is highly collaborative; agents can use annotation tools to illustrate steps, leading to more effective problem-solving. Unlike traditional phone support, cobrowsing is immersive, providing a hands-on approach that fosters better understanding and quicker issue resolution, thus shaping the future of conversational support.
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Sources last checked: 16-Oct-2023
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