noun
customer service
KUS-tuh-muh SUR-vis
Customer service (noun) means the help and support a business gives to people who buy from it, before, during and after a purchase. Example: “Their customer service is the reason I keep renewing.”
noun
1
The help and support a business gives to people who buy from it, before, during and after a purchase.
"Their customer service is the reason I keep renewing."
"She spent an hour on hold trying to reach customer service."
2
The department or team within a company whose job is to deal with customers' questions and complaints.
"Customer service will call you back within one working day."
"He works in customer service for a mobile network."
How to use customer service
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe help a company gives its customers.
When to use it
Neutral. Everyday business vocabulary, and a common job-title element.
Memory tip
It is uncountable when it means the quality of help given: say 'their customer service is excellent', not 'their customer services are'.
Easily confused with
customer support
client service
customer experience
after-sales
Common pairings
poor customer service
customer service representative
contact customer service
customer service skills
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like customer service.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their _____ is the reason I keep renewing.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for customer service
See all rhymes for customer service →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between customer service and customer support?
Customer service is the broader term covering every interaction a customer has with the business, including sales, billing and complaints. Customer support usually refers more narrowly to technical help with a product after purchase, and is the standard term in software companies.
What counts as good customer service?
Resolving the customer's problem quickly, on first contact where possible, without making them repeat themselves or navigate obstacles. Speed and friendliness matter less than whether the issue is actually fixed and whether the customer is kept informed.
What is the difference between customer service and customer experience?
Customer service is what happens when a customer needs help, while customer experience is the whole impression the company leaves across every touchpoint, including the website, the product and the packaging. Good service is one component of a good experience.
What is the meaning of customer service?
"customer service" (noun) means the help and support a business gives to people who buy from it, before, during and after a purchase.
