Online Class: Customer Service 101

In today’s competitive business environment, merely meeting customer expectations isn’t enough to foster loyalty. This course will teach participants how to elevate their customer service, turning satisfied customers into lifelong advocates.

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  • 15
    Lessons
  • 19
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 7,831
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 15
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.5
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

In today's competitive business landscape, merely satisfying the customer isn't enough. To truly stand out, businesses must strive to "wow" and astound their customers, leaving them spellbound after each transaction. Exceptional customer service has the potential to transform an ordinary customer interaction into a memorable experience, ensuring repeat business and fostering brand loyalty.

The buzz surrounding customer service in the contemporary corporate arena is undeniable. Most organizations recognize its pivotal role in determining success. They invest in strategies to elevate their customer service quality, constantly seeking metrics to measure and enhance it. However, herein lies a common pitfall. While many businesses ardently desire to achieve "exceptional customer service," they sometimes lack a clear understanding of what it genuinely entails.

Imagine this scenario: You enter a store, greeted promptly with a smile, assisted efficiently, treated fairly, and your concerns addressed with utmost honesty. Sounds like good customer service, doesn't it? But what if that's the baseline? What if that's what every other store offers? Would you remember this store distinctly or lump it together with all the others that provided a similarly satisfactory experience?

It's a fact; consumers gravitate towards businesses that prioritize their needs, and the quality of service is often a decisive factor in choosing where to shop. Yet, some companies fall into the trap of setting their customer service standards too low. They enumerate basic human courtesies—like fairness, honesty, promptness, and politeness—as their customer service goals. Although essential, these are foundational expectations that customers inherently have when they engage with any service provider. Merely adhering to these standards may lead to momentary contentment, but it won't guarantee loyalty.

A company solely focused on these basic tenets may find itself perplexed, wondering why their customer base isn't expanding or why they're losing to competitors. The stark reality is that if a business is only achieving the bare minimum, it's on borrowed time. Customers will eventually gravitate towards competitors that offer them more than just the basics.

Consider a contrasting scenario: A customer enters a store and, in addition to receiving all the foundational courtesies, experiences a series of delightful surprises. Perhaps it's an employee who goes out of their way to offer personalized recommendations, or maybe it's an unexpected discount at the checkout counter. These gestures, although simple, leave a lasting impact. The customer not only becomes a repeat visitor but also becomes an advocate for the brand, singing its praises to friends and family.

This course is dedicated to imparting the nuances of providing such unparalleled customer service. While it assumes that participants are already familiar with the basics of decent human interaction, it ventures beyond to uncover the secrets of truly remarkable customer service. Participants will learn strategies and techniques to distinguish their service, turning one-time customers into lifelong patrons.

In conclusion, in a world where businesses are vying for customer attention, it's crucial to go beyond mere satisfaction. This course is designed to equip participants with the tools and insights necessary to transform their customer service approach, ensuring they don't just satisfy, but genuinely astound their customers.

Course Motivation

In today’s fast-paced business world, customer service isn’t just a nice-to-have—it's the key to business survival and success. The difference between a company that’s thriving and one that’s barely hanging on often comes down to how well they serve their customers. Imagine being the person who transforms that experience, the one who creates loyal, repeat customers who rave about your business. That’s what this course offers: the tools, techniques, and insights to turn ordinary interactions into extraordinary, memorable experiences.

Whether you're in management, human resources, or on the front lines of customer service, this course will empower you to master the art of customer service and unlock opportunities for growth in your career and company. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about turning every interaction into an opportunity to "wow" and impress, even if someone’s just calling with a simple question.

What makes this course different? We don’t just cover the basics; we go deeper, showing you how to elevate your customer service game to a level that will set your business apart from the competition. You’ll learn how to exceed expectations, build lasting relationships, and create a customer experience that keeps people coming back again and again.

Key highlights of this course include:

  • Defining Exceptional Service: Learn what true customer service looks like and how you can stand out in today’s marketplace by consistently delivering more than what’s expected.
  • Putting the Customer First: Master strategies for making every customer feel valued, helping your company build a loyal base that returns time and time again.
  • Effective Communication: Understand the power of clear, honest, and empathetic communication. You’ll learn the art of listening, asking the right questions, and communicating in ways that build trust and rapport.
  • Building Relationships: Discover how to move beyond transactional interactions and build genuine relationships that turn customers into advocates for your brand.
  • Navigating E-commerce and Phone Support: Learn how to provide standout service in digital and remote environments, ensuring your customer feels cared for whether online, on the phone, or in person.
  • Handling Difficult Situations: Learn proven techniques for managing challenging customer interactions with grace, and when necessary, the art of gracefully letting go of customers who are not aligned with your business.

This course is your ultimate guide to mastering customer service, providing you with everything you need to create experiences that not only satisfy but inspire and astound. The techniques you’ll gain will be applicable in both your professional life and personal interactions, helping you communicate more effectively, solve problems with confidence, and build lasting relationships.

Don’t settle for just "good" customer service—become the expert who delivers great service. Take this course, and set yourself apart as someone who can make a real, lasting impact on your business and career. The future of customer service is here, and it’s waiting for you to lead the way.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.35 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(9,998 votes)

Lesson 1: Defining Service

9 Points
Customer service is the key. Providing good customer service is one of the only ways that we can now generate any customer loyalty.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Own Customer Service Experience; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson 2: Putting Your Customer First

8 Points
Providing exceptional customer service isn't just about meeting expectations—it's about exceeding them. In today's competitive market, merely satisfying a customer is not enough. What sets successful businesses apart from their competitors is their ability to wow customers, creating experiences so memorable that customers not only return but also advocate for the brand.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Customer Service Industry (worst service)
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson 3: Effective Communication

20 Points
Effective communication is the lifeblood of exceptional customer service. It transforms ordinary transactions into meaningful exchanges, building rapport, understanding, and loyalty between businesses and their customers. To truly put the customer first, it's essential to go beyond offering a product or service—you must create an environment where the customer feels heard, understood, and valued.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Customer Service Industry (best service)
  • Complete Assignment: Open and Closed Questions
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson 4: Building Relationships

6 Points
Building strong, lasting relationships with customers is the cornerstone of great customer service. In today's highly competitive market, where businesses must vie for the attention of consumers, loyalty cannot be taken for granted. It must be earned, nurtured, and continually reinforced.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson 5: Effective Communication II: Appearance and Impressions

8 Points
Your appearance, gestures, and attitude make lasting first and final impressions that customers notice.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6: Telephone Contacts

7 Points
We need to provide great customer service over the telephone to those customers who prefer to communicate and transact in that way.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Quiz

Lesson 7: Telephone Contacts, Part II

10 Points
The way you speak, how you present yourself, and how you handle specific phone situations can either build lasting customer relationships or erode them. In today's digital world, phone interactions may seem outdated to some, but in truth, they remain one of the most personal and effective customer service tools.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8: E-commerce Contacts

8 Points
The way we do business is continuously evolving, and the rise of e-commerce has reshaped customer service in profound ways. No longer confined to physical stores, businesses now interact with their customers online through websites, email, and various digital channels. The fundamental principles of providing exceptional service remain the same, but their application in the digital world requires unique strategies.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Customer Service Preference
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Quiz

Lesson 9: Handling Difficult Customer Contacts

18 Points
Dealing with difficult customer contacts is a challenging aspect of business, but it also offers an opportunity to strengthen your relationships and improve your brand's reputation. This lesson will delve deeply into handling these interactions, providing you with tools to not only resolve conflicts but also to transform dissatisfied customers into loyal advocates.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Lesson discussions: 'Firing a Customer'
  • Complete Assignment: Customer is Not Happy
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Quiz

Lesson 10. E-mails: Getting Them Right

18 Points
In today's world, e-commerce plays a central role in the way businesses and customers interact. Much of this interaction occurs via email, which has become an essential tool for online communication. It's not just about sending or receiving orders; it's about using email to build rapport, offer support, and create a seamless shopping experience.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete Assignment: Customer Service Emails
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Newsletters: Giving the Customer Added Value

9 Points
In today's digital era, businesses of all sizes are increasingly using email as their primary method of communication with customers. Newsletters, in particular, are a highly effective way to engage customers, provide valuable information, and increase sales.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. Handling Difficult Customer Contacts, Part II

19 Points
In the realm of customer service, managing difficult customer interactions is inevitable. While we previously addressed dissatisfied customers who have already made a purchase, there is another challenging type of customer: the difficult potential customer.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete Assignment: Handling Difficult Customers
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam

Lesson 13. Customer Service Management

9 Points
Customer service management is much more than resolving escalated issues or enforcing policy. It is a critical function that shapes the customer experience, employee satisfaction, and the company's reputation. Effective managers wear many hats, from being an enforcer of policies to a trainer, morale booster, and strategic leader.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 13 Exam

Lesson 14: Creating a Customer Service Policy

6 Points
To create an effective and lasting customer service policy, businesses must focus on clear communication, consistent application, and adaptability to customer needs. Developing and implementing a customer service policy not only helps businesses provide a seamless experience but also establishes trust with customers by clearly outlining what they can expect.
  • Lesson 14 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 14 Exam

Lesson 15: Conclusion: The Future of Customer Service

111 Points
As technology evolves, many people believe that customer service is deteriorating, with complaints about impersonal interactions, difficult-to-navigate automated systems, and a lack of human touch. However, the future of customer service is not about resisting these changes; instead, it's about embracing technology and innovation while keeping the core of human connection intact.
  • Lesson 15 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Final Course Poll - Your Opinion; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Final Exam
266
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define customer service.
  • Describe how and why to put customers first.
  • Summarize methods to effectively communicate with customers.
  • Summarize techniques to build customer relationships.
  • Define the roles of appearance and impressions in customer relations.
  • Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette for customer service.
  • Demonstrate proper email etiquette for customer service.
  • Summarize techniques and strategies for handing difficult customers.
  • Describe the requirements and skills needed to manage a customer service department.
  • Create a Customer Service Policy.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Customer Service 101
Course Number: 8900058
Lessons Rating: 4.35 / 5 Stars (9,998 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: You can take this course online in every U.S. state including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. International availability includes English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: April 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.5 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: John Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I am extremely grateful for this course and enjoyed every video that was provided! The lessons were easy to understand and the videos helped me a lot! Thank you for all you do!" -- Melody T.
  • "This course helped me get a new job in customer service. It has great pay and benefits. I am so grateful for Universal Class. I will keep taking courses to achieve promotions." -- Danielle L.
  • "This course has helped me improve in every aspect. I am putting into practice everything I have learned." -- Martha B.
  • "I enjoyed the class and I learned new ways in communicating with my customers. I've even used some of the lessons I learned and applied to my job with positive results." -- Mallory E.
  • "I love the course it gave me more insights on how to treat people in general and not just your customers." -- Joy voke S.
  • "I have spend years in the hospitality industry and worked with a diverse community of people, yet, taking this course really helped refresh my skills and I learned new information." -- Teresa A.
  • "the instructor was there when I had a question he would answer right away and he checked my work he really motivated me." -- Mary V.
  • "This was a fun course! It was written very well and easy to follow. I enjoyed taking this class. More people need to learn what great customer service is all about. They need to take this class!" -- Theresa H.
  • "Thank you for the overall great course. I really appreciate your time and effort in making this course available to us. Overall, I enjoyed it." -- Reana D.
  • "Universal classes have changed my life for the better. Very thankful. All my instructors are awesome!" -- Maxine C.
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