| I have been working with the bottled water | | | | bottom line is that great customer service is a |
| industry for more than 7 years. During this time I | | | | key element in running a successful business. |
| have seen many companies come and go. The | | | | So how does technology come into the picture? |
| companies that stick around do so because they | | | | How are you supposed to service a customer |
| are always one step ahead. Whether it be | | | | when you have no idea what they want or |
| implementing fuel surcharges, providing excellent | | | | where they're at? In order to run an efficient |
| customer service, or keeping up with technology, | | | | business you need to have the proper tools in |
| they continue to evolve in a competitive market. | | | | place, i.e. Accounting System, Inventory Tracking, |
| Even though gas has dropped in price, clients have | | | | CRM Tools, etc. Even if you are not delivering |
| not removed monthly fuel surcharges. In this | | | | bottled water, you can still benefit from a route |
| economy, it is important to keep revenue up. You | | | | accounting system that will assist you in tracking |
| may think that the service fee is not fair but | | | | customer information, route schedules, specific |
| there are a lot of expenditures to consider while | | | | customer notes, etc. There are a variety of tools |
| delivering products to customers. The cost of | | | | available, you just have to look. For example, if |
| insurance, wear and tear on your vehicle, the | | | | you are a small company running QuickBooks, |
| drivers wages, etc. I have found that the clients | | | | consider a simple handheld solution such as |
| who receive less flack about such a fee are those | | | | Q-Route 2000. A company that has more than 3 |
| that continue to provide their customers with | | | | route trucks may want to consider something |
| excellent customer service. | | | | more robust. Besides a safe, reliable vehicle, a |
| Excellent customer service is number one in my | | | | handheld computer is probably the next most |
| book. A customer remains loyal if you treat them | | | | important thing a driver should have with him. A |
| well. In the past I have had clients purchase from | | | | driver will have directions, instructions on what to |
| me even when they knew they could find the | | | | do, a list of products that the customer |
| product for a lesser cost elsewhere. Why? | | | | purchases on a regular basis, and much more! |
| Because I make it a point to provide the | | | | These type of tools were once too expensive |
| customer with a great experience every time! | | | | for small businesses but nowadays, a handheld |
| How many times have you walked into a store | | | | solution has become very affordable. Technology |
| and have received lousy customer service? I | | | | is key in a successful organization! |
| don't know about you but I've lost count. The | | | | |