Susan Friedman, of Customer Service Zone, wrote an article to help employers provide the best possible service to their customers.

Below are Friedman's "10 Commandments of Customer Service":

1. The customer is boss: In a nutshell, without customers, your business won't thrive, in fact, it may not even survive. Make it a point to learn the needs and wants of your clientele.

2. Pay attention: One of the biggest complaints of customers is that they don't feel like they're heard. Focus on the customer you have before you or on the other end of th etelephone line. Each customer is equally important. No one likes to be ignored or feel slighted, this especially true with customers.

3. Know your customers: The more you communicate with your customers, the better acquainted you will become with their wants and needs. By understanding your customers, you make them feel valued and appreciated, which makes them feel happy. And happy customers are repeat customers.

4. Be sincere: Make it a point to call each customer by name, offer sincere compliments, and say thank you. Your customers should feel good about doing business with you. Tone of voice and body language are dey to demonstrating your sincere appreciation of their business. Again, you want your customers to walk away happy with the hope that they will recommend your company to their friends, families and colleagues.

5. Clarity is important: Whatever systems your company uses should be easily understood by your customers. But, remember, your customers are people, not machines, your systems should be created with this fact in mind.

6. Follow through: As long as your customers' requests are within reason, make every effort to fulfill them in a timely manner. When you say, "Yes, we can do that," make sure you do it.

7. It's okay to "I'm sorry.": Nobody's perfect. Companies aren't either. "When something goes wrong, apologize," Friedman advises. Believe it or not, customers do understand that sometimes things don't go as planned. They'll appreciate your honesty. On your side, appreciate your customers' criticism as much as you do their praise. When you make corrections, let the customers know what you did. Compliments tell you where you are doing a good job, and criticisms tell you where you need to make improvements. Above all else, make sure the customer feels comfortable, even when he's wrong. Note: Even though it's false that the customer is always right, it's true that the customer is always important.

8. One up your competition: Customer retention is a crucial as attracting new clientele to your door, so whenever possible:

• Try to give your customers products or services that are exclusive to your company.
• Find a way to show your appreciation for your customers' patronage even when they don't make a purchase.
• Think of something "you can give your customers that is totally unexpected."

9. Tellus what you think: Find ways to let your customers know that you want their input on how well or porrly your company is satisfying their needs, then:

"-Listen carefully to what they say.
-Check back regularly to see how things are going.
-Provide a method that invites constructive criticism, comments and suggestions."

10. Don't forget your employees: Your employees are your customers, too. Let them know as often as possible how much you value their hard work and dedication. Be sure not only to say thank you, but to show it as well. Happy employees who feel valued are productive employees who spread their good feelings on to your customers.

Customer service isn't easy. Friedman gives great advice on how to give customers great service.