Designers can end up in sticky customer service situations with their manufacturers and clients if they don’t know how to best address unpleasant issues that arise during a project. Here, Jody Seivert, a training and development coach and consultant, shares her advice on how to ace the customer service experience.
Make “Deposits”
Develop a good relationship with companies by making figurative “deposits” into your relationship bank account: Visit showrooms, make purchases and cultivate relationships with sales reps. It is easier to make a “withdrawal,” or call in a favor, when a solid relationship has already been established.
Manage Your Client
If a client request would make you unhappy, don’t make that same request to a manufacturer. It is your responsibility to oversee the client’s purchasing needs, and triple-check what you are asking the manufacturer to do.
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