First Impression Prepared and Ready Be ready to capture all information provided so that the customer does not have to repeat themselves. ➤ After you have given your first impression, the customer will share the reason for the call. They may also include their name, address, or account number. ➤ This may require the use of a system notepad or a writing pad. ➤ CRM Screens should be clear of the last calls data and be up and ready to capture the incoming information. ➤ Being prepared and ready for the call demonstrates professionalism and care.
Responding Appropriately ➤ Show your willingness to assist ➤ Include the call reason in your response ➤ Apologize and Show Empathy when appropriate
Obtain Account Access Information ➤ IVR access ➤ Use either or method ➤ Account #, Phone #, Store #, or Delivery Address
Obtain and use the caller's name ➤ Listen for how they introduce themselves and use that reference ➤ Avoid ma'am and sir, Mr., Ms., or Mrs. ➤ Avoid terms of endearment
Call Handling Residential Account Verification
- Ask the caller for the first and last name and delivery address on the account
- Ask the caller for their cellphone number and email address
- Confirm you are speaking to the account holder/authorized user
Commercial Account Verification
- Ask the caller for the name and delivery/service address on the account.
- Ask the caller for their telephone number. *Most employees working in a commercial location may not have access to the company email. Email address verification is not a requirement for commercial accounts
What can an Authorized User Do? ➤ Place orders for delivery ➤ Request service ➤ Inquire about invoices ➤ Make payments* ➤ Authorized users do not have access to close a customer's account, with the one exception of an executor of an estate/representative designation or power of attorney status in the event of an account holder's death.
*Payments on an account can be accepted by authorized and non-authorized users.
Account Notations
What to Notate: Notes should clearly and completely explain the customer's situation, actions taken and outcome.
When to Notate: Notes should be added during the call, or immediately after the call to ensure others are able to see the most current up-to-date customer interaction details.
Queue Processes All Cases either need to be resolved or added to the Appropriate Queue.
When to Queue: If the case needs to be sent to another department because you can not finish the request, or an action is waiting to be completed.
Creating a Case When clicking the New Case Button, the initial required fields need to be filled in before saving the case. These required fields will have a red asterisk* on them. ➤ Customer - Auto filled in by the system ➤ Case Type ➤ Case Sub-Type (When applicable) ➤ Called in by - Name of the person calling Best Contact Number - The caller's best contact number ➤ Reported By - Use the drop-down menu in the field to select the appropriate option ➤ Origin - Defaults to Phone ➤ Description - Short version of the call reason
Though not marked with a RED asterisk*, Best Contact Number and Reported By ARE REQUIRED fields in the Case Summary tab.