Without customers, no business could exist. Every organization is dependent on its customers and managing customer satisfaction can be a difficult task. Retaining new customers is much easier and more cost effective than the effort of identifying and recruiting new prospects. Delighting customers has an additional affect, they will provide recommendations.

Every organization is different. There is no standard approach to customer satisfaction and it is a process which should be continuously improved.

How ISO 9001 can help

The ISO 9001 quality management certification standard aims to enhance customer satisfaction through embedding effective processes into the organization.

ISO 9001 states that the organization shall monitor information relating to customer perception as to whether the organization has met customer requirements’ as one indicator for the effectiveness of the quality management system

ISO 9001 defines customer satisfaction as to a customer’s perception of the degree to which their requirements have been met. Satisfaction can vary from organization to organization and is subjective. Understanding a customers’ requirements and expectations will vary significantly depending on the nature of the organization (for example manufacturer or service provider), industry, country, approach to its customers and competitors in the market place.

By having effective customer feedback processes in place, customer complaints are handled well and improvements can be made preventing loss of existing customers and turning them into advocates. Useful indicators can include: improvement in the number of responses and scoring of feedback, increase in leads, greater gathering of information, reduction in complaints and the opportunity to make improvements such as adapting products or services. 

Managing customer satisfaction is a time consuming task however, having a quality management process in place will ensure processes are regularly updated and improved.

Learn more about ISO 9001 or email one of our experts who will guide you through the process. 

We also provide a wide range of training courses. Our Bookshop sells copies of the standard and a Getting started with ISO 9001 book.