Some aspects of effective customer service are:
knowing your customers' needs;
identifying your key service activities;
delivering superior service;
follow-up.
In a competitive marketplace it makes sense to aim to provide superior service. Customers base their purchasing decisions on the service they receive, not just price, quality and availability.
Build superior customer service into your business:
Incorporate customer service strategies into your business and marketing plan.
Develop a business vision that reflects your commitment to good customer service and let your customers know about it.
Make sure everyone involved in your business shares your commitment.
Customer service check:
Do you tend to over-promise and under-deliver?
Are there opportunities to improve your service?
Do you know if your customers value your customer service initiatives?
Do you have systems in place to deal with unhappy customers?