The little things are often the most important when it comes to customer service. I don't believe there would be too many businesses out there that couldn't do a number of little things to improve their over-all level of customer service. Today, these little things are setting businesses apart. What do I mean when I talk about the little things? Here are a few examples.
When I was enjoying an early morning cup of tea in a cafe recently, the owner brought over a plate of toast which she said was on the house. I was a regular and she just wanted to thank me.
Following a delicious dinner at a new restaurant, my group were full to the brim and decided against ordering any dessert. A few minutes later the bright and bubbly waitress brought over two desserts and a bundle of spoons and said that they were on the house as a way of saying 'thank you'.
A while back I purchased a state-of-the-art fish tank filter from a pet shop. After about a year it started to play up, so I took it back to the shop. The owner said he would have to look at it and give me a call. A few hours later he actually dropped it back at my office with firm instructions on how to clean it properly (oops) and saying there would be no charge. This fabulous gesture will ensure that I keep going back.
These are just a few stories that spring to mind, but over the years there have been many more. Think about your own experiences, when someone has really gone out of their way to offer excellent service. Often it's only a small gesture, but it can have a profound effect.
Look for the small things and do them as often as you can and you will develop a reputation as a quality service provider. The word-of-mouth advertising and recommendations will attract plenty of new customers.