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Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Customer Service

You've tried everything to calm an upset customer. How do you turn the situation around?

After exhausting all standard approaches, turning a customer's frown upside down requires a fresh perspective. Consider these tactics:

- Express empathy and offer a unique concession that shows you value their patronage.

- Suggest alternative solutions or services that might better meet their needs.

- Engage them in providing feedback to help improve future experiences.

Curious about other techniques to soothe customer tensions? Feel free to share your experiences.

Customer Service Customer Service

Customer Service

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Last updated on Jan 23, 2025
  1. All
  2. Soft Skills
  3. Customer Service

You've tried everything to calm an upset customer. How do you turn the situation around?

After exhausting all standard approaches, turning a customer's frown upside down requires a fresh perspective. Consider these tactics:

- Express empathy and offer a unique concession that shows you value their patronage.

- Suggest alternative solutions or services that might better meet their needs.

- Engage them in providing feedback to help improve future experiences.

Curious about other techniques to soothe customer tensions? Feel free to share your experiences.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
435 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    John Gibson

    District Manager at Kenworth Sales - East.

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    A number of year back I made up a acronym that I use quite often. But sometimes honestly customers just need to vent. Here is what I do LEARN Listen to them, don’t interrupt them. Evaluate the issue as they see the issue Ask well thoughtout questions React to the issue with solutions Never make excuses, “Own the problem until it is solved in your eyes and in the customers eyes”

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    51
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Pritam Yadav

    Senior Manager - Fabric Sourcing UCB

    • Report contribution

    I can say below considering my experience with different customers globally:- -I believed it’s very important to approach the situation with open mind, focusing on listening and understanding the issue without making quick judgments at our own. -If our analyses is done thoroughly and with an open mindset, you will either be able to determine the best solution or clearly explain the issue in a way that allows the customer to see it from your prospective. -It’s not necessary that someone is wrong in discussion, sometimes it’s just the matter of our ways of looking at something with different view points!!

    Like
    18
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Bruce Laga

    General Manager Prestige Ramsey Toyota

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    The customer has built the argument and rehearsed it in their head so let them speak uninterrupted. While you are listening assess what portion of the problem do you or the company own. Make your resolution decision based on this. Begin your answer by repeating key take aways from the customers complaint so they realize you were listening to their concern. Show empathy and don't be afraid to take ownership of the problem if you assessed a majority of the issue belonged to you or your team. Work to regain their trust and loyalty. A key saying to remember is "Say what you mean, mean what you say, but never be mean when you say it".

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    9
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    Contributor profile photo
    SYed NahId

    Assistant Manager at Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited

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    When dealing with an upset customer, the key is to turn frustration into trust. Start by actively listening to their concerns without interruption, showing genuine empathy to acknowledge their frustration. Maintain a confident and reassuring tone, ensuring them that their issue is a priority.

    Like
    9
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    Santosh Kamble

    Lead Navigator

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    One thing I have learnt is to let them finish their say… do not interrupt when they are upset, they want to take out their frustration. Remain calm and specific to answer their questions. Try to find workarounds and alternatives, never let them go without satisfaction, even if it is not your area of concern, DO NOT ask an upset customer to go to different people, call those people and make the necessary arrangements.

    Like
    7
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    Contributor profile photo
    Shoghik Harutyunyan

    Director of Sales and Marketing

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    In my experience, I’ve found that it’s important to listen carefully and understand the needs and expectations of an upset customer. Trust is key, and your responses should be specific, providing solutions while showing empathy for their situation.

    Like
    7
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    Contributor profile photo
    Festus Rono

    Meat Specialist @ Majid Al Futtaim | Food Safety| Quality Control

    • Report contribution

    When a customer is still upset after your initial attempts to help, it's crucial to reassess the situation, ensuring you've truly listened and haven't missed anything. Acknowledge their feelings with empathy and validate their frustration. Take ownership of the problem, even if it's not directly your fault, and focus on providing concrete solutions with clear expectations. Offer options if possible and empower yourself to go the extra mile. Finally, always follow up to ensure the issue is resolved and thank them for their patience. Turning a negative experience into a positive one can build customer loyalty.

    Like
    6
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    Contributor profile photo
    Manuel Ignacio Buján Barbaro

    HR Service Delivery Associate

    • Report contribution

    When a customer is upset, a quick apology or a standard solution isn’t always enough. That’s why, instead of rushing to close the issue, we should take a moment to truly listen. There’s a principle in psychology that says when people feel heard, their reaction shifts. So instead of telling them what I can do for them, I would ask: How do you think we could improve this? It’s not just a strategy, it’s a genuine way to show them that their experience matters. And more often than not, when someone feels taken seriously, frustration turns into collaboration :)

    Like
    5
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    Contributor profile photo
    Lillian Rucker

    Senior Relationship Executive at Advance Partners

    • Report contribution

    I have been in customer service for over 30 years and through that experience I have faced some challenging situations. Some of the most important takeaways that I still practice today are: -Listen -Empathize -Figure out what occurred? -Why did it occur? -What are we doing to correct this? -What are we doing to prevent this from happening again? These steps have proven successful for me in the world of servicing our clients. Always remember - without any of your clients, where would you be!

    Like
    5
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    Contributor profile photo
    Muzi Zacharia Kumalo

    Order Management Deliver Operator at Siemens

    • Report contribution

    1.Acknowledge the customer's frustration and show understanding. 2. Recognize the customer's feelings and give them permission to feel that way. 3.Offer alternative solutions or options that meet the customer's needs. 4.Ensure that any promises or commitments made are fulfilled.

    Like
    4
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