Customer service is at an all-time low and customer satisfaction in dealing with a product or service issue is just as low, about 40 percent. Two of three consumers are likely to experience rage during an interaction with a customer service rep. In addition, 63 percent of consumers are likely to experience no satisfaction whatsoever in dealing with a product or service complaint. For retailers the outcome is not good as it is putting about $202 billion in revenue at stake and can slash consumer repeat business and loyalty to shreds.

Recent surveys report that Companies (are) Still Failing to Meet Customer Service Needs across Channels

So let’s improve customer service. Here’s 4 great reads / 20 tips:

4 Ways to Optimize Your Customer Service (and Boost Conversions in the Process)

If you want to boost your conversion rates, you’d do well to improve your customer service. The article above suggests how to make it happen.

How Lawyers Can Bring Customer Service to Their Organizations

While written for attorneys, this article has great suggestions for ANY industry. Embrace a “customer obsession” mindset. Here are some best practices to employ to delight your clients, build their trust and truly be customer-first.

How to Avoid a Customer Service Catastrophe

This article too was written for a specific industry, restaurants, but has tips for any industry. Restaurants can take steps to prevent situations from reaching points of conflict. The article has some tips.

Want Better Customer Service? Monitor Consumer Behavior

Probably the headiest article we’ve shared here, but it is brilliant in sharing the best way to create amazing customer service that turns people into loyal customers is to study consumer behavior. It gets into psychology, but give it a read.

Finally, a fun read. One that shows you need to be prepared to assist customers at any time and it may be a matter of life and death, literally. A Marine’s .50-caliber Sniper Rifle Railed During a Firefight — So He Called Customer Service

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