The After-sales Customer Expectation Pyramid: Boosting Customer Loyalty

Michael Kruse Sørensen
October 4, 2022
3 min

It's an unfortunate reality, but many customers are not satisfied with their orders. The product is either not as expected or faulty; this calls for a great after-sales service. In order to boost this service, it helps to look at the customer expectation pyramid and identify where your company might be lacking.

What are customers expecting from the after-sales service?

It's no secret that customer loyalty is the key to any successful business. But what exactly do customers expect from the after-sales service? The Customer Expectation Pyramid suggests three levels of expectations.

This can be used to evaluate where retailers might be lacking.

The After-Sales Customer Expectation Pyramid

Convenience

First we have convenience. Today, customers want to have access to help and support without any hassle. They want to use self-service solutions to find answers to their problems and move on.

A bad example: Warranty claims is perhaps the most challenging after-sales inquiry there is, yet, with long and complicated guidelines, brands make it difficult for customers to navigate. First, and perhaps the most important learning, make it easy for customers to find exactly what they are looking for.

Speed

Second  is speed. In today's fast-paced world, customers expect all businesses to be able to keep up with their growing demands in every aspect of the customer journey.

Be responsive – if a customer has a question or concern, make sure you address it promptly. This shows that you’re attentive and want them to have a positive experience.

Going back to the example with warranty claims, collecting accurate data about the faulty product is the first step in reaching quick resolutions. Not responding in a timely matter or taking multiple days to resolve a simple issue is a no-go!

Ownership

The best leaders will take ownership of their products. They make sure customers feel heard and understood. They care and nurture long-lasting customer relationships.

Let your customers know that you appreciate their business. This could be through thanking them personally, or showing them that you’re invested in their satisfaction by following up after they make a purchase.

Product quality is non-negotiable, and customers will always be looking for products that meet their standards. However, taking full responsibility when products break is just as important, and especially with the growing focus on sustainability.

Exceed expectations and boost loyalty

Meeting customer expectations is only the beginning. If you want to create loyal customers, you need to go above and beyond by exceeding their expectations. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

  1. Keep your promises. If you say you’re going to do something, make sure you do it! This builds trust and keeps customers coming back.
  2. Pay attention to the details. It's the little things that matter most to customers. Show them that you care about the details of their order by quickly resolving their issues.
  3. Communicate frequently and openly. Customers appreciate honest communication. Keep them updated on the status of their orders and let them know if there are any delays, changes, or issues.
  4. Take responsibility for mistakes. If something goes wrong, own up to it and make it right. Customers will respect your honesty and appreciate your efforts to correct the situation.
  5. Go above and beyond. Exceeding customer expectations is the best way to create loyalty. Find ways to delight your customers with your steller service or products.


By following these tips, you can turn your customers into lifelong fans and create loyal brand ambassadors!

Conclusion

By understanding your customers’ post-purchase expectations and working to exceed them at every opportunity, businesses can create customer loyalty that will continue to support them. Use the Customer Expectation Pyramid as a guide to boost customer loyalty and keep your business thriving for years to come.

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