Lord Ember Stone's Quest

If you are going to list your home for sale and want to give it that added punch, why not consider a new kitchen? Kitchens are a great place to start renovating as they are easily the most social room of a home and they also have a great amount of diversity for an expression of style. In addition, this room contains more appliances and counter space than any other room. These appliances can get run down, counter tops can get damaged and stained over the years, the kitchen simply makes sense as a main area to reinvent.

The essence of any new kitchen will likely be the replacement of the major appliances. The stove or range top, dishwasher, sinks, fridge and fixtures. These are the things that you will want to theme your kitchen around. The color of the appliances should of course match, stainless steel is the current favorite. Next try to match your new counter top up with the color of the appliances. Perhaps the most desirable surface being used for counter tops these days in natural granite. However, solid counter tops can get quite expensive. There are more moderately priced options that mimic the look of granite at a fraction of the cost.

While you are at it, you might want to consider redoing the floors too. The most traditional style of flooring for kitchens is a linoleum or vinyl, but these surfaces have lost their dominance of the market in favor of more stylish surfaces like tile or laminate. Tile is a great surface for kitchens as it is highly resistant to wear and is completely waterproof. Also there is a stunning variety of styles and colors to choose from so you can create any look for the kitchen that you can imagine. One simple fact is true, good kitchens sell homes. So don’t cut corners when restyling your kitchen.

The last thing we want to hear during our work day is complaints from customers. However, it does come with the territory. Here are a few tips on how to turn your customer’s complaint into a positive.

1. Listen

When a customer comes to you with a complaint about one of your products or services, listen to them. Listen to what they are telling you, and take notes if at all possible.

The number one thing a customer wants when they have a problem is for someone to listen to them.

Allow them to vent, let them get it all out. Once they have explained their problem in full, begin to ask any questions you may have to get a full handle on the situation.

While you are listening, body language is very important. Make sure you maintain eye contact. This sends your customer a message that you are taking them seriously.

2. Be Empathetic

When the customer is done explaining their problem, show sincerity by telling them that you understand how they feel. Apologize on behalf of the company that they feel the way they do, and tell them that you are committed to resolving their issue within the guidelines of your company.

By becoming defensive in this situation, you are taking a bad situation and making it worse.

By having an understanding of where your customer is coming from on the situation, and speaking in a calm tone of voice, you can clearly defuse the situation.

You don’t by any means want your customer to become angry and cause a scene.

3. Offer a Solution.

We have all heard the expression “the customer is always right.”

I don’t necessarily agree with this, but it is important to work toward finding a solution, even if the customer is in the wrong. For instance, you might try meeting them half way.

You will know wether or not your customer is a repeat offender, and you can handle the situation accordingly.

For customers who have a legitimate complaint, it is best to rectify the situation right then and there. Wether it is giving them their money back, or replacing their product.

Always leave your customer with your business card and tell them if they should ever have a problem again, they should not hesitate to contact you immediately. This will help them regain their confidence in you and your company.

The main goal when a customer has a complaint is to not allow the problem to snowball. Your objective should be to defuse the situation and retain your customer.

By handling tough situations such as these in a professional manner, you will find your once complaining customers satisfied that you resolved their issue, and a new found respect for you.