How important is Customer Service to a Start-up with a Minimal Customer Base?

Your company is in its emergent, initial stages. There’s much to be done in merely setting up operations. Capital is limited, people are few and production is not at full capacity, yet.

How important is it then to actively invest and action customer service activities, even before there is a substantial customer base?

Pretty important! And here’s why…

1) Two-way communication with your customer helps you understand your product/service better

There’s no better business teacher than your end user.

Before launching a commercial set-up, you may have, naturally, conducted adequate research on your target audience. What they want, where they want it, how often, why etc. But once your offerings are actually in the market and your customers begin talking to you about them, is when you get the true picture.

It is vital for a company to engage in customer service activities during the testing stages of a product or service than 3 or 4 years down the line, due to this reason.

A company that grows with its customers is definitely here for the long haul.

2) Excellent customer service can be a key differentiator when new

Unless your product or service is completely unique with a first-mover advantage, there isn’t much that can differentiate you from the competition. This is especially relevant to e-commerce companies that provide similar products from common vendors.

In such cases, customer service will be one of the few aspects that will give you a distinct benefit over others. In fact, many enterprises build their brands around their superior customer service efforts and achievements.

If positive customer reviews and ‘delight’ are to drive your success, then the sooner you begin customer service activities, the better!

3) Customer service companies offer invaluable metrics and data

Customer service today is not limited to one phone line and an overworked receptionist! Most start-ups prefer outsourcing their customer care to customer service partners. This is largely due to customer service companies being fully equipped with dedicated teams, Omni-channel tools and most importantly, technology that churns out regular metrics and customer data that can be utilized to improve boost the customer base, increase sales, improve and alter product, service or support elements.

Advanced customer service companies’ monitor Net Promoter Scores (NPS), Customer Satisfaction figures (CSAT) and gauge Customer Engagement levels on a constant basis.

4) Talking to customer can guide your future plans

Is your product’s market fit the way you predicted it would be? Is your brand positioning ideal?

A few months of customer service will not only give you insights of your current product or service but will also offer valuable inputs on future variations or development. Many expansion and diversion plans can result out of needs expressed directly by customers.

Sometimes, even the smallest feedback from a customer can spark an idea that can take your product to the next level.

5) Customer service can act as a marketing tool

As a newbie, you may not be able to afford the kind of promotional budget that you desire.

But even with minimal marketing activity such as some social media presence or a solid customer service effort, can boost your marketing, that too at a low cost.

Many outsourcing customer service companies are aware of start-up budgets, and hence, offer flexible cost options to their clients. They also help to educate your audiences, keep communication lines open and ensure there is a constant two-way flow of information.

6) Good customer service builds your brand image to attract talent

In the initial phases of setting up a company, one of your primary goals is to build the ideal dream team that sets the ball in motion.

When there are encouraging customer reviews and organic testimonials via social media for the world to see, your brand image starts seeing good days! This of course, helps getting more customers and build the ‘wow’ factor, but another important benefit is that, it can attract potential talent that will drive your company to further heights.

Most employees and recruiters check customer reviews just as other customers do.

Hence, customer service has zillions of advantage, especially for start-ups or companies with a smaller current customer base.

Syrow – The Trusted Customer Service Partner for Start-ups!

Syrow, is one of the top Customer Service Outsourcing companies in India, with a focus on SME’s and Start-up enterprises.

By adopting a research-led approach, we equip organizations with powerful insights that can transform the way they perceive business challenges in all phases of development. We also offer flexible price options to suit varying budgets.

Our teams consists of domain-specific experts who can help young companies develop innovative strategies in order to compete and win in the industry segment that they operate.

For any guidance or services of your Customer Service requirements, contact us today at www.syrow.com or call +91 80 46113 000 / +1 415 813 6373. Our teams are waiting to hear from you.