Offering great customer service is critical as a clothing supplier, but it’s never been as important as it is right now. With COVID-19 on the tip of everyone’s tongues, buying clothing and accessories online has become one of the most common ways for people to shop. And now that spring has finally arrived, more people than ever are looking to invest in a little self-care in the form of shopping — petite maxi dresses, blouses, and skirts that suit the warmer weather.

Most brick and mortar retailers have caught on to the importance of developing a strong e-commerce brand. Many have even started offering free shipping options to help set themselves apart from the competition. There’s no question that in-person and online retailers will have to adapt in the face of the challenges that COVID-19 has brought. Unfortunately, simply offering online sales do little to help the customer experience.

When you want to improve your customer service — and your sales — this spring, rely on these top customer support and service tips.

Invest in call center software.

Most people are shopping online, but that doesn’t mean that they want to speak to a robot when they experience a problem.

Live chat solutions are one of the easiest ways for businesses to circumnavigate easy-to-answer questions. More businesses are starting the conversation with an artificial intelligence system then directing the user to the appropriate contact center. As a result, your support team won’t be as tied-up on the phone. Developing these communication channels is a good first step for businesses looking to boost their customer service response.

However, some people won’t want to use live chat options if they’re already frustrated or dealing with a more complicated problem. That’s why it’s important to invest in quality call center software solutions. Studies have shown that call center software is key for improving the customer experience and getting the user to come back again. After all, getting customers to come back, again and again, is a far better business move than solely marketing to new customers. If you don’t have a phone number for customer support listed on your website, you might be failing to meet your customers’ concerns. They should be able to reach a help desk with a real person operating the call center, even if it doesn’t immediately connect them directly to small businesses.

Offer free returns.

People love shopping online, but most folks realize that buying clothing can be a crapshoot. Sizes will change from vendor to vendor, and even if you offer a sizing guide, your clients might still buy an option that doesn’t fit. At the end of the day, not all of your clothing will be suitable for all of your customers. Whether your business solely operates online or in-person, free returns with an easy-to-understand process can make all the difference.

After all, no one wants to be stuck with clothing and goods that don’t fit. Offer free returns for a limited time from when your customer bought the goods. You can streamline this process by offering a free shipping label right in the box when your client receives the product. While it might cost a little more on your end, you’ll be sure to offer the best customer service that will keep bringing customers back.

Feature an FAQ page on your website.

Does your call center get the same questions over and over again? Clear up your phone lines by offering an FAQ section on your website. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are a great resource for curious buyers since it puts all of their common questions in one place. This can prevent them from contacting you with further questions while also boosting your brand’s image since you’ve taken on this responsibility. Rely on items like your store’s business hours, the number for phone support, and your return policies. Putting these items in a drop-down accordion can make it easier for clients to find their question and get an answer fast.

Customer loyalty is only earned through great customer service. At the end of the day, great customer service has even been shown to save both small businesses and large enterprises money. Whether you choose to invest in a call center, a free return option, or an FAQ page, always place the customer-business relationship at the forefront.