English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
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 notes

In 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
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “customer service” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Their _____ is the reason I keep renewing.

customer support client service aftercare help desk support team service desk contact centre

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.

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial