Bonnie you hit the nail on the head. Every business whether online or physical location must must must have exceptional customer service.
Customers today demand a higher level of service than in the past and are less forgiving when it comes to poor service standards. It is an absolute must to stay in contact with your customers and if something happens do not cover it up, lie or make up an excuse be honest and offer them assurance that the problem has been dealt with and you are so sorry for their inconveniences.
Customers appreciate straight up honesty and a heartfelt apology more than an excuse.
I work in the same industry for the time being and that approach is what i take with my customers and it drives my boss nuts. I do not bs the customers I just let them know straight up what is going on and why.
I work for a company that has got to start to learn how things work in the real world now, not the world they started in, they need to learn how to motivate not only customers but employees as well. Some days I feel as though I am beating my head against a brick wall.
The bottom line is that customers need and want the personal touch when it comes to service. They need to feel empowered and important to your business. I believe in the old rule of 10.
10 tell 10 tell 10 and so on, bad news will travel faster than good news and it can come to bite you in the backside real fast if you are not honest and truly concerned about your customers. On the flip side the 10 tells 10 tells 10 rule can build your business real fast in a very positive way if you provide a great place with great service for people to get product or services. You choose which way you want the rule of 10 to work for you.
No matter what kind of day I am having my customers get a consistent heartfelt hello, smile and the best service I can possibly offer them. There simply is no room for anything less.