by DeviceBits
DeviceBits, a Results Company and a leading artificial intelligence software provider, recently announced the results from its latest survey, revealing that the majority of retailers using online customer care options lack effective tools needed to support an influx of customers who are shopping online.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers have been forced to significantly downsize their customer service call center operations. According to the DeviceBits survey, 50 percent of retailers reported downsizing their operations. With operations cut in half, it is no surprise many retailers face challenges with maintaining customer service levels.
The survey asked respondents about their current online customer care options. Of those surveyed, only 20 percent reported that they have live chat options available on their site, and 40 percent reported to use self-support materials. When asked how they are maintaining customer service levels after downsizing call center staff, 60 percent said they need to find better ways to offer better customer service.
When retailers were asked what is the success rate of future sales with customers that have utilized their current online customer care such as live chat or self-support, 20 percent reported that the success rate was high, with most customers making a purchase following the interaction. Another 60 percent reported that the success rate was moderate, with approximately half of those customers making a purchase. It’s clear there is a direct link between customer care and an increase in sales.
The survey also asked retailers which part of their operations are currently using customer care. Approximately 60 percent reported using customer care options for orders and fulfillment, and 20 percent reported they were using customer care to help drive sales. When respondents were asked which area of their business would benefit most from better online customer care, 80 percent said that payments and sales would benefit the most.
“It’s no secret that retailers have been overwhelmed with an influx of online shoppers as stay-at-home orders have been implemented across the country,” said JC Ramey, Tech Enabled Services at DeviceBits. “The survey sheds light to the fact that customer service is one of the most important aspects of retail business today. There is a direct correlation between customers moving forward with a purchase and the level of customer service they receive.”
The online survey was presented to more than 8,200 business associates across the United States.
About DeviceBits
DeviceBits, a division of the Results Companies, provides an AI powered customer experience platform to enable customer self-service and agent assistance operating across all digital channels. Their mission is to deliver a support element into an organization’s digital transformation. For more information, visit www.devicebits.com.