WAHM Customer Service: How Goes Your Email Response Time?

I am a firm believer that correspondence time is the single most important key to having outstanding customer service. Hearing some say their email has been seriously backed up or that they don’t check it frequently during the day has me concerned.

If I email someone that has anything to do with business, that warrants a response I expect to have a returned email within 12 to 24 hours (with only exception of holidays and weekends). Also if we are in business and something comes up on either side causing delays I want an email knowing about it in a timely fashion as I would do (actually had to do this week).

It really is not hard to keep up with and respond in such a manner. There are tools you can use and/or schedule into your to-do lists.

Here are a couple things to look into:

• If you have Vista or any version of Windows (or equivalent for Mac) that has a sidebar gadget space check out their mail gadgets that allow you to be notified from the side bar. You will then only here the chime and be able to glance at the topic and sender to see if it needs immediate attention.
• Set your email up so you can retrieve it from your phone while out. You can mark in Yahoo and Gmail to come back to it later or answer if needed straight from your phone.
• If you have no gadget ready side bar, schedule at least four times a day, email checking time and allow for responding right away.

Responding to emails right away when applicable is the best way as this way it does not get miss placed, deleted or forgotten about. The worst thing is to mishandle an email and lose a customer or potential customer.

Excellent customer service only comes from great communication skills! Your email response time will speak volumes on your communication skills and your customer service abilities.

photo credit: Fletcher Prince