When customers contact your business for support, their emotions are already running high. They may be upset because your product isn’t working for them. Even worse, there may be an incorrect charge on their credit card, which could be messing up their finances.

By being mindful of your customers’ emotions and expectations, your employees can better understand how to handle their issues with empathy and positivity. The most important thing customers are looking for is someone who recognizes their issues, understands their distress and is immediately looking for ways to solve their problems.

Simply put, customers just want to be heard, understood and respected.

2. Provide Consistent Availability and Options

Because customers are usually frustrated, confused or even angry when looking for support, it’s crucial to simply be available. Some companies offer 24/7 support via phone, chat or email. If that isn’t possible, let customers know what times of day you handle support requests and how long it usually takes for a response. This way, they know what to expect.

Customers like options when it comes to finding support. Some may prefer chat because it allows them to do it at work or in a noisy office; others might just like to make the 15-minute phone call on a day off. Make sure you have the best channels set up so customers can reach you in ways that are convenient for them.

3. Be Where Users Are

Similar to availability and options is “location, ” such as a social media platform. The idea is to offer support where customers are looking for it. For some organizations, their customer base may prefer to ask for help on Twitter or Facebook rather than calling a service line.

Instead of refusing to embrace social media because the traditional channels are already set up, create a social media customer service workflow to ensure your employees are handling requests on those platforms as well.