For many businesses, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. But it certainly is not the time slack off on service. In fact, in today’s market, there is a direct correlation between service and sales. Seventy percent of buying experiences are based on how the customer feels they’re being treated. (McKinsey, 2014).

The holidays are hectic and can be stressful for customers and staff alike. Roll out the red carpet for them both and you may find yourself earning rave reviews and repeat customers in the new-year. Here are ten customer service tips to get you started.

1. Get your staff red-carpet ready – Communication is key during this busy season. Arm your team member with the information they need to answer frequently asked questions, and empower them to do what it takes to make your customers happy. Let them know what they can do without asking, and when they need to escalate a problem to the manager.

Taking 10-15 minutes in the morning to get everyone on the same page is time well spent. In fact, that’s a tip you can take to the bank any time of year, but is especially critical during the holidays.

Read the rest of the article in Garden Center Magazine here.