6 Simple Ways to Handle Customer Complaints

Good customer service can go far in retaining customers and improving your product. With customers holding all the power when it comes to your success, the last thing you want to do is let a complaint go unattended. And with social media and review website becoming more and more popular, the sooner you address it, the better.

We asked six entrepreneurs what they thought startup should do when a customer complains about your product/service:

Take Them Seriously, But Only in the Aggregate

You should always react courteously when a customer complains, but if the same thing keeps coming up again, the issue should be taken seriously. The same complaint from many different people means that you're the source of the problem, not them. Either fix what's wrong with your product and/or service, or do a better job of explaining it so customers have realistic expectations.

– Dave Nevogt of Hubstaff

Address Promptly Yet Relatively

It is important to seriously consider all complaints received by customers. However, the complaints must be addressed on a relative basis where their merits must be judged. Some customers might have a proclivity for complaining about trivial matters while others might have legitimate problems that require fixing or an apology. Assessing the frequency and weight of complaints is a must.

– Vik Tantry of FormSwift

Use It as an Opportunity to Earn a Lifelong Customer

TigerFitness.com differentiates through ‘personalized service.' When there is an issue, we go above and beyond to not only rectify the situation, but to convert that person to a lifelong customer. A small financial loss in the present is worth the lifelong customer and their friends and family.

– Marc Lobliner of Tiger Fitness

Keep a Good Record of the Complaints

Bill Gates once said, ‘Your unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.' It's important to keep detailed records of these complaints to help you improve your product or service. You will want to be able to look back and identify consistent complaints that need to be resolved.

– Andy Karuza of FenSens

Thank Complaining Customers

Customer complaints are extremely valuable in making sure that your product is aligning with customer needs. Almost all customers will just leave without telling you why or stay silently unhappy, so customers who actually take the time to speak up should be deeply appreciated. We let our customers know that their opinion has been heard and is important to us in shaping the future of our software.

– Laura Roeder of MeetEdgar

Do Whatever It Takes

Ask the customer how you can make things right, and do whatever you can (within reason) to accommodate that request, even if it means taking a slight loss. One negative review on social media can wreak havoc on your brand’s reputation. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

– Robert De Los Santos of Sky High Party Rentals

Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. YEC members generate billions of dollars in revenue and have created tens of thousands of jobs.

Did you find this article helpful? Click on one of the following buttons
We're so happy you liked! Get more delivered to your inbox just like it.

We're sorry this article didn't help you today – we welcome feedback, so if there's any way you feel we could improve our content, please email us at contact@tech.co

Written by:
Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) is an invite-only organization comprised of the world's most promising young entrepreneurs. YEC members generate billions of dollars in revenue and have created tens of thousands of jobs.
Back to top