How fast does a business owner/salesperson need to respond to give great service?

As soon as possible. The important thing is you have to give full attention to the person you're speaking to

It depends on who is asking and what the question is. I get back immediately to my clients, even if I don't have an answer. My reply in that case is when I will get back to them. For vendors, I try to reply the same day. For questions on social media, or especially complaints, as soon as possible, within minutes if you can, but think it out.

Common sense prevails. There are no set rules. Good luck!

The faster the better! In minutes is great—we’ll done! The longer a business takes to respond to a customer, the quicker that customer will be to write a negative review, dissuade others from becoming customers, or become someone else’s customer. Cell phone apps and notifications make it easier for businesses to be respond to their customers. Choose a platform that works for you and let your customers know how to reach you and that you’re listening. 

 I learned early on in my career that my "emergency" doesn't necessarily constitute an emergency for another. The real answer here is, "It depends."  I do my best to respond in a timeframe appropriate for the request/situation. Customer service is critical, but boundary setting is, too.  It is perfectly ok to set boundaries, or expectations. If I am the one asking for the response, I need to step back and determine if it is my fault that I'm in this urgent situation. If the answer is yes, I need to own that and do whatever I can to fix it, or manage my client's expectations while admitting to my error. 

IMHO - Great service is what the person expects from the company plus some. For instance if there is an industry standard for response time, doing better than the industry standard could constitute great service.  Yes you can automate the process during peak times as long as you let the customer or prospect know when to expect a reply, and then you beat that response time.  When a positive experience, especially one that is unexpected or out of the ordinary occurs, that's great service.

Being a small business owner, I find it very helpful to make sure to respond to inquiries in a maximum of 24-hours. Typically, I check emails in the morning and send responses. After a busy day, I check one more time in the afternoon so that folks aren't waiting overnight. That keeps my email response time down and allows me some space in staying OUT of my inbox while I work mid-day.

Q: Time

A: As long as you are responding quickly even if it's with an automated response and remember to get back to them asap. Set your agenda and alarm so you don't forget because sometimes life gets crazy. Have an engaging outgoing message. 

Q: What constitutes great service?

A: Being able to fill a need and have the best solution for your clients and customers and if you have a staff. Be an amazing listener and deliver. 

Never complain to a client / customer about what is going on behind the scene. 

For your staff. Start with compliments and appreciation and lead with positive communication. Learning how to have a mastermind with like minded professionals brings you more prosperity than you can ever imagine for everyone.

Help enough people get what they want and you will be rich in many ways beyond measures.

It truly is an inside job. When you have a staff that is following everything you do and how you respond to challenges, it is an awareness campaign of collaboration that brings on the success for all.   To be contagious and approachable in every way. 

I have have the blessings to mentor many business owners and companies to help them change their body language, their mindset and to become magnificent. 

You are fantastic and you deserve the greatest success. You can have it all! 

Happiness = Success! 

Have a fantastic day and make all your dreams and goals come true.

{{hugs and happiness}}

Your Chief Happiness Officer

Lyn-Dee Eldridge

happinessjungle.com

xxx xxx xxxx

Our access to technology has led people to expect instant response.  I don't respond to that expectation.  I believe that response should be within 24 hours.  My average is to respond within 4 hours. If I am with clients or working for clients, I will not stop that work or interrupt that meeting to respond to someone's request.  I will respond to all between or after meetings for the day.  I usually block time a the beginning and end of day for responses and catching up on social media and email responses. 

The contact 7 x stockers are very frustrating people to deal with, would you agree?

Within minutes, if only to acknowledge receipt of their inquiry. If you’re driving or with a client let them know and get back asap. 

I tend to pass over businesses who take more than 8 hrs in responding.  Because of that, I respond as soon as possible, and let the caller know that we are interested, and able to attend to their business.                                     It is not always possible to respond immediately, but my standard is within 2 hrs, or sooner if possible.  The quick response should not stop there, it is good to follow up quickly with a proposal, quotation, or any follow up information the caller requests.