In today’s competitive environment, customer service is one of the most crucial aspects of running a successful business. This is especially true during festive seasons like Ramadan, where customer satisfaction is paramount. According to a 2018 study by Hubspot, 68% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for products and services from a brand known to offer good customer service experiences. This highlights the importance of providing excellent customer service as a key factor in driving customer loyalty and revenue growth.
In this article, we will discuss what excellent customer service is and provide you with 8 effective ways of providing excellent customer service during Ramadan, including communicating with customers, responding to feedback, staff training, utilizing technology, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
What is customer service at restaurants?
Customary service at restaurants refers to the standard of service that is expected by customers when they dine out or order food online. It encompasses a range of practices and behaviors, including greeting customers warmly, taking their orders accurately and efficiently, serving food and drinks promptly and professionally, and addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during the meal.
Customary service also involves creating a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere for diners, which may include factors such as music, lighting, decor, and ambiance.
What is the difference between customer service and customer experience?
While the terms customer service and customer experience are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to two distinct aspects of a customer’s interaction with a business.
Customer service refers to the specific interactions that customers have with your restaurant when they need assistance or have a problem. It focuses on addressing customers’ needs and resolving any issues in a professional and efficient manner.
On the other hand, customer experience encompasses the entire journey that a customer has with a business, from the initial point of contact to the final purchase and beyond. It includes factors such as brand image, marketing, product quality, and customer service, and seeks to create a positive and memorable impression of the business in the customer’s mind. In essence, customer service is a subset of the overall customer experience, but both are critical to building a loyal customer base and driving business success.
The 8 most effective ways to providing unique customer service:
Communicating with Customers
How to improve communication with customers? One of the best ways to communicate with customers is through push notifications, emails, and social media. These platforms allow you to keep customers informed about your business’s special offers and promotions especially during the festive season like Ramadan. (Read more: Your Ultimate Restaurant Marketing Plan for Ramadan 2023)
Effective communication can help to build strong relationships with customers. When restaurant staff take the time to listen to and engage with customers, it shows that they value their business and care about their experience. This can lead to greater customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Responding to Feedback
It’s essential to respond to customer feedback, whether positive or negative. Positive feedback should be acknowledged and shared with the staff to encourage them to continue providing excellent customer service. Negative feedback should be addressed promptly, with an apology and an action plan to resolve the issue.
According to a Podium study, 93% of consumers say that online reviews impact their buying decisions and that the minimum rating they usually engage with is 3.3 stars. This means that taking these reviews into consideration can dramatically enhance your customer service and ultimately your restaurant’s reputation.Customer Service Training (Staff)
Customer service training is vital in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. It’s essential to train staff to handle customers’ needs and expectations especially during Ramadan. The staff should be knowledgeable about customs and traditions to ensure an authentic experience for customers.Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement of customer service protocols by providing ongoing training to the staff and experimenting with different approaches to customer service is crucially important. The way you serve customers might change with time and types of customers, hence you and your staff should always be up-to-date with customers needs and ensure that your customers are happy, satisfied, and likely to return.
Creating a Welcoming & Festive Atmosphere
Creating a welcoming and festive atmosphere is essential during Ramadan and other festive seasons. This can be done by decorating the restaurant with festive decorations and playing traditional music. Staff should be dressed in traditional clothing to provide an authentic experience for customers.Customer Service for Delivery Orders and Takeouts
As more and more customers are opting for delivery orders and takeouts, providing great customer service for these services is essential for restaurants.
Clear communication: Make sure that customers know what to expect when they place an order for delivery or takeout. Be clear about the delivery time or the pickup process, and provide any necessary instructions or information upfront.
Prompt service: Ensure that the food is prepared and ready for pickup or delivery on time. Delayed orders can lead to frustrated customers, negative reviews, and lost business.
Accurate orders: Double-check orders to ensure that they are accurate before sending them out for delivery or pickup.
Follow-up: Follow up with customers after their order has been delivered or picked up to ensure that they are satisfied with their food and experience.
Understanding Customer Expectations
Understanding customer expectations is vital especially during Ramadan. Some customers may be fasting and require specific accommodations. It’s essential to be knowledgeable and accommodating to these needs.
There are several tools that can help restaurants understand their customers’ expectations. Here are a few examples:
Online reviews and feedback platforms: Platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Reviews allow customers to leave feedback and reviews about their experience at a restaurant. Restaurants can use this feedback to understand what their customers like and dislike about their food, service, and ambiance.
Social media monitoring tools: Social media monitoring tools allow restaurants to track mentions of their brand on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. By monitoring social media, restaurants can get a sense of what customers are saying about their restaurant and use that feedback to improve their offerings.
Customer surveys: Restaurants can create customer surveys to gather feedback from their customers about their experience. Surveys can be conducted online, in-person, or via email.
Point-of-sale data analysis: Restaurants can analyze their point-of-sale data to understand what menu items are selling well and what items are not. They can also analyze data on peak times and order frequency to better understand their customers’ preferences. With Foodics loyalty program for instance, restaurant owners can reward their customers for their loyalty, incentivizing them to return and spend more at the restaurant. Foodics reports and analytics also provide restaurant owners with detailed insights into their business operations, including sales, inventory, and customer data, allowing them to make informed decisions and improve not only customer service but also their overall performance.
Utilizing Technology
Using technology can be a game-changer for restaurants looking to provide excellent customer service. Here are a few ways that technology can help:
Online ordering: By offering online ordering, restaurants can make it easier for customers to place orders from their website or mobile app. This can help reduce wait times and streamline the ordering process, leading to a better overall customer experience.
Customer data management: By using customer data management tools, restaurants can track customer preferences and order history. This information can be used to personalize the customer experience, offer targeted promotions, and improve customer loyalty. A study in 2017 found that 44% of buyers become loyal customers after personalized experiences.
Social media engagement: Restaurants can use social media to engage with customers, answer questions, and provide updates on menu items and promotions. This can help build a strong online presence and foster a sense of community around the restaurant.
Loyalty programs: By using technology to track customer purchases and preferences, restaurants can offer loyalty programs that reward customers for their repeat business. This can help build customer loyalty and encourage customers to return.
How to improve customer service quality?
Improving customer service quality is crucial for any restaurant looking to succeed in today’s competitive environment. There are several ways to do this, including:
Investing in customer service skills training for staff (creating a customer service training plan that emphasizes the importance of communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution).
Implementing a customer feedback system to monitor and address customer concerns.
Set clear customer service goals and measure progress towards them regularly.
Recognize and reward staff for exceptional customer service.
By prioritizing customer service quality and taking concrete steps to improve it, businesses can build stronger relationships with customers, increase customer loyalty and retention, and ultimately drive growth and success.
In conclusion, by implementing these strategies, restaurants can provide an authentic and enjoyable experience for their customers. Prioritizing customer service can build a loyal customer base, enhance your restaurant’s reputation, and ultimately drive success.
