What is the importance of "first impressions and greeting customers" in customer service?

first impression is important but the most important how to achieve a successful good impression .
in my opinion small steps could help alot : be in love with your work know your product very well keeping up with the market search and stay up to date always

The first few minutes of the meeting with the client is the most important, because the first impression lasts and works this impression to influence the decision of the client and the conviction of the person and them persuading the product or service

The first impressions always important even in the public life not just in business.
It may let the customer like or not like the company ..
Just because of your greeting.

1st impression and the smile , the greeting is 50% of the sale .

What is the importance of "first impressions and greeting customers" in customer service? The importance of “first impressions and greetings” in customer service can be understood if we pay attention to the phenomena known as “Moment of Truth”.
It can be defined as follows In customer service, instance of contact or interaction between a customer and a firm (through a product, sales force, or visit) that gives the customer an opportunity to form (or change) an impression about the firm.
It is a powerful concept for any manager and employee to understand.
A moment of truth is anytime a customer comes into contact with any element of your business and has the opportunity to form an opinion about your service quality.
And it’s happening at your business as you read this.
However, You have a great deal of influence on your customer’s experience.
Organizations must encourage every employee and his or her co employee to challenge themselves to make each moment of truth positive for your customers.
What do customers experience at your business…what are their moments of truth? Here are some things to think about as you ponder the customer experience.
Moments of truth at your business include, but are not limited to: • Website (is it easy to navigate, does it give accurate, up-to-date information?) • Parking lot • Signage • Product brochures (availability, accuracy, etc) • Lobby, number of locations • Greeting upon entering • Wait time to see an employee • Phone system…it may be automated, but can they press zero to speak to someone? • Complaint resolution (is it timely, well done and preventable in the future) • Employees (are they fast, accurate, friendly, knowledgeable? Do they make suggestions about services that will improve the customers experience? Do they follow up, go the extra mile, provide consistency and always maintain a professional image?) • Is it easy to do business with you? Etc etc A positive moment of truth with a customer ensures customer loyalty and opportunity to utilize the life time value of a customer.
However, a negative moment adversely affects the customer relationship that will have bearing on the revenue generation.
As such it is of paramount importance to create good impressions if not excellent impression every time an organization comes in to contact with its customers and not just the first time alone.

It makes the customer feel great and welcomed.

Of course, first impressions are lasting Service is good, quick and professionalism from the first time make a good impression at the client Customer satisfaction from the beginning promotes new customers Creating a good idea from the client to the Company

Most IMPORTANT key point to a successful customer service, No1 rule you have to like what you are doing, and you have to have it in your blood, or then you will FAIL no matter what you try: The most important part of customer service is the First Impression because it's the last and will mark customers or anybody in your professional to personal life, if you exceed in the below, you will be a winner: Know your product/brand very well, gain passion for it so you may influence others (internal-external customers) For a captivating and unforgettable first impression: - Grooming has to be impeccable / make yourself stand out from others - Self confident body posture/ language - Positive and passionate aura has to be passed on (show you like what you are doing) - Always smile in adequate ways (not to fake or forced smile or exaggerated one) For an excellent meet and greet, never keep a client waiting too long: - Warm and welcoming personality - Positive tone of voice when greeting (happy, soft, relaxed, confident etc...) - Be cool and relaxed but maintaining your professionalism - Eye contact at all times (not to provoking, aggressive or scared) - Initiate Hand shake depending the situation(to be avoided in some countries), or go with the flow if the customer initiates hand shake - Hand out a business card if you have one, or just say your name and show your name tag while saying it(customer can memorize your name if shown in written) - Start initiating conversation/questions in breaking the ice Once all this done, move on to need analysis....
Best phrases to be used to welcome the customer, depending in which field you are in, and if you know the customer's name, always use it: - " Good morning/afternoon/ evening, Welcome to...., how may I help/assist you today" :-) May I be of any assistance" :-) - "Good morning/afternoon/ evening, how are you today? May I be of any assistance?" - " Good morning/afternoon/ evening, my name is ____ may I help you in anything? may I offer you my assistance? may I offer you my services? it will be a pleasure to assist you today :-) - " Hello there, :-) my name is____i am ____(sales manager, sales consultant, front of the house, server etc), may I help you in anything? may I offer you my assistance can/ may I offer you my services I will be assisting you today I will be offering my services today it will be a pleasure to assist you today :-) So many phrases can be used, the moment you feel good with yourself, and you like what you are doing.
If you don't have people skills in your blood, you are not for customer services, sales or anything that is the front wall/ direct contact with external clients.
:-) hope this helped....

The first impression is the best impression.
How you interact with a person in the first 10 seconds will determine whether they will listen to you and trust you; or despise and look down upon you as a professional.
Introduce your self, understand the situation, provide alternatives, ask for feedback, upon approval, execute accordingly within the limits allocated to you.
this will ensure that the customer is satisfied and the trust has been built.

There are two very famous sayings which can elaborate the question easily: 1.
First impression is the last impression...
Whatever you'll leave in first impression will last long till the last sentence of your business or life relationship.
2.
Your words are the mirror of your personality or the organization you are representing.
However you'll start the conversation, will effect the remaining body of your discussion, and however you're discussion was, will be effected till the last communication you'll have with that person or the client.

The first impression not end up with just smiling and nice hello, one has to carry the reason customer has walked down to you, listening his/her query and seriousness to fulfill it rather passing or excusing the very moment after hello.
The body language if physically present or the tone customer calling you need immediate way to adjust ourselves in responding.
I always say few extra words before responding after realizing for what it could be.
If one has interacted in the past and experience with different personalities it will not be difficult, one can only learn with passage of time.