In many ways, your customer expectations are the same as they have always been. There are some principles that always need to be adhered to. They include excellent customer service, quality goods, fair pricing, availability of stock and trustworthy standards. These should all be part of the way your business operates. However, there are some expectations that prevail in today’s society. As the business owner, you need to recognize them and find ways to manage them within your operations. What customers expect is that you will do your best to solve their problems and satisfy their needs. And if they don’t get what they expect from you, they will probably head elsewhere.
Green Standards
Air pollution, plastic waste, and upsetting eco-systems matter to many of your customers. Thankfully, people are trying to make a difference in the way they live in the world. Recycling, cycling to work, and cutting down on energy usage are just a few examples. And these people are your customers. They expect you to adhere to similar standards. From cutting down on paper waste to using sustainable materials, there are a number of things you can do to show your green credentials. Of course, you shouldn’t need a reason to go green within your business; world-saving should be a priority in every aspect of your life. Still, for the sake of customer expectation, you should seriously think about it if you have been dragging your feet thus far.
Faster Communication
Sitting on hold and listening to those terrible jingles can be frustrating. You don’t like it and neither do your customers. For the sake of your business, find ways to make communication faster and easier. For starters, employ staff to answer the phone, especially during peak hours. In addition, consider using alternative methods of communication. Utilize this and enhance your website with communication options, including Web Chat, Messenger, and email links. Use social media too. As Facebook is the most popular social networking site in the world, set up a dedicated business page and manage some of your communication from there. Increasing your communication methods will help you respond to your customers faster.
Better Payment Options
It’s hard to believe, but there are still retailers who solely rely on cash-payments. Then there are those businesses online and off, who have struggled to set up credit card processing. If this is you, there is help available. View here for one example. Today’s customer expects a wider range of payment methods, whether that’s for speed or security. As the business owner, you need to consider the various payment means at your disposal, and implement them into your business. Apple Pay and Android Pay are near-essential, considering the number of people running their entire lives from their phones. Then there is PayPal, Bitcoin, and a further range of payment tools for both customers and clients, that will better serve you and those you are trying to serve.
Safety and Security
We have all heard about the Facebook data sharing scandal, where user information was passed onto others without permission. Then there is the rise in cybercrime, putting customer data at risk of being breached. As a business, you need to take both of these things very seriously. You need to keep your customer’s data private, or, at the very least, ask for permission before sharing information. You need to secure your computer network from cybercriminals with advanced anti-virus software and firewalls. Finally, you need to find ways to protect your customer’s information online and off. Otherwise, you will face legal action and severe damage to your reputation.
Honesty and Integrity
Turn on your tv or open your newspaper, and you are bound to see or read another story of a business leader in trouble. From those who have lied to their customers to the people who have engaged in unlawful and unethical behaviors. These are the people who will lose customer trust, and perhaps say farewell to a once-respected reputation forever. Do not fall into the trap!
The only way you can avoid this happening to you is to engage in honesty and ethical practices. Don’t do anything that could be considered criminal and illegal. Don’t tell lies, however small, to your staff or customers. And don’t behave in a way that is liable to gain negative attention from the media. Of course, if you do make a mistake you should own up to it. While you may receive some backlash, you will make things worse for yourself should you try and cover up your misdeed. People always find out!
It’s tough running a business today. There are so many expectations that are placed upon you. To ensure you match customer expectations, keep an eye on modern trends through the media and industry journals. Also, consider going to the source and asking your customers what they want. Create a poll or survey to gather opinions that will help your business. You stand a greater chance of success in business if you do, as you are guaranteed to keep your customers happy and on your side.
Be sure to hop into the Savvy Entrepreneur Private Facebook Community to collaborate, learn and grow with your fellow entrepreneurs and business owners.
Similar Posts by Savvy Entrepreneur:
10 Income Reports by Entrepreneurs for Entrepreneurs
https://savvyentrepreneur.co/10-income-reports-by-entrepreneurs-for-entrepreneurs/
Get More Customers Using Your Website, Email Marketing, and Social Media
https://savvyentrepreneur.co/get-more-customers-using-website-email-marketing-social-media/
Mastermind Groups for Entrepreneurs Foster Accountability
https://savvyentrepreneur.co/mastermind-groups-for-entrepreneurs-foster-accountability/
This is a Collaborative Post
