Get All Access for $5/mo

Stop Losing Money and Focus on Customer Service (Infographic) Your customers probably don't like you as much as you think. Here's a look at how improving customer service can boost your bottom line.

By Colleen DeBaise

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Sure, it pays to focus on customer acquisition -- but what about customer retention first?

According to the infographic below, 80% of businesses believe they provide "superior" customer service. But only 8% of customers would describe the service they've received in such glowing terms. When customers aren't happy, there's often significant damage done. In fact, U.S. businesses collectively lose an estimated $83 billion a year due to shoddy customer service.

The following visual comes from Shankman Honig, a customer-service consultancy in New York. "Be nice to the customers you have," the firm says. "You'll win the customers you want."

Click to Enlarge+

Stop Losing Money and Focus on Customer Service (Infographic)

Colleen DeBaise is special projects director at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Branding

How to Build Brand Recognition From Scratch — A Step-by-Step Guide for Startups

Understanding the power of branding and following this guide will help you position your startup for success and stand out from the competition from the start.

Business Process

Planning Your 2025 Strategy? Don't Make These 5 Critical Mistakes

Avoiding these common pitfalls can increase the likelihood of your 2025 strategy succeeding.

Leadership

How Mission-Driven Leadership Fuels Innovation and Growth in the Digital Era

This leadership approach is the key to sustainable success in today's fast-changing digital landscape.

Business News

'Warm Spot in My Heart': TikTok's CEO Was Spotted at Mar-a-Lago With President-elect Donald Trump. Here's Why.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Monday, according to reports.

Franchise

The 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018

Here's everything you need to know about the startup costs, training and investment opportunities from the top 10 companies in our Franchise 500.