After-Sales Service Support

 After-sales support, sometimes called after-sales service, is any service provided after a customer has purchased a product. After-sales support may be provided by a retailer, manufacturer, or a third-party customer service or training provider. Typically, examples of after-sales service include support regarding warranty service, training, or repair and upgrades. After-sales support may also be considered to be part of a company's overall marketing strategy. Some customers might seek out a company’s products based on its after-sales service, for example, Best Buy Co.’s Geek Squad or Apple Inc.'s Apple Care 

 After-sales support helps ensure that a customer gets as much use and value as possible out of their purchase. This may entail training on existing features or education about new uses or capabilities. The business reasoning behind after-sales support is that it can contribute to brand loyalty and repeat sales; happier customers tend to create repeat customers. Good after-sales services can also result in positive word-of-mouth for a company. Poor after-sales support can prevent companies from achieving a good customer satisfaction record and therefore growth. 

 Some examples of after-sales services include companies helping with the installation process (such as computer software), maintaining products through free or discounted service (oil changes included with purchase of a new car or via a paid-for service plan), or having a clear exchange and return policy and providing a customer service number. Some other examples include: 

 Such after-sales support may come free with the purchase of an item and may also be sold as part of a more comprehensive service plan, such as how Best Buy Co. sells Geek Squad computer-related service plans.Service offered through a help or support desk may include technical assistance for personal computers, mobile phones, software, machinery and a variety of other products. 

 Real-time online support includes email, chat, forums, and a social media interface (and monitoring) that assists in responding to public complaints and criticisms. This may include handling returns or repairs. 

Customers who have a bad experience with a product have more venues than ever to publicly complain. As such, companies should be proactive in reaching out to customers after a purchase is made to ensure that their experience is as good as it can be. Reaching customers early can avoid product returns and public complaints, which can lead to negative public perceptions. Such interaction should be ongoing, as well, and give customers the opportunity to revalidate their decision to buy a product. Companies should also make it easy for happy customers to share their experiences with their products, such as providing the opportunity to post reviews, ideas and stories on social media.