When you’re servicing your customers, remember that there are things you can do especially for senior citizens to make their service experience a great one.

Author and consultant Lynette Hawkins offers these suggestions on serving senior customers more effectively:

 

• Offer convenient services that match senior needs. These include at-home delivery, product demonstrations and in-house alterations.
• Show respect. Get into the habit of addressing adults as “Mr.” and “Mrs.” or “Ma’am” and “Sir.” Don’t use customers’ first names unless they suggest you do.
• Check for senior safety hazards. Put yourself in their shoes, and see if there are accidents in your office or work area waiting to happen (such as a door that is too heavy to open or insufficient lighting). Report any potential hazards to your supervisor.
• Make correspondence and documents readable. Use larger block letters and clean graphics.
• Practice senior sensitivity. Be aware of the challenges posed by the aging process, and be caring and accommodating.
• Listen more carefully. Patiently hear seniors out. Turn their complaints into suggestions for improved service.

Filed under: Customer Service Corner