customer service

/ˈkʌs.tə.mɚ ˈsɝː.vɪs/
assistance to customers

The company prides itself on excellent customer service.

The company is proud of how well it helps its customers.


Business
formal

The assistance and support provided by a company to customers before, during, and after a purchase.

Our customer service team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.

Our support staff works around the clock to help customers.

The store received complaints about poor customer service.

Customers were unhappy with how they were treated by the staff.

Often abbreviated as 'CS' in business contexts.

Collocations

excellent customer servicevery high-quality supportpoor customer servicebad or inadequate supportcustomer service representativea person who helps customerscustomer service departmentthe team responsible for support

Related Phrases

after-sales servicephrase
support provided after a purchase
customer supportphrase
a broader term for assistance
help deskphrase
a specific support team

Pro Tip

Common Mistakes

Avoid using 'customer service' as a verb (e.g., 'We customer service our clients'). Instead, use 'provide customer service' or 'assist customers'.

Gold Rule

Professional Tone

In formal writing, 'customer service' is preferred over casual terms like 'helping customers' when referring to the department or function.

Word Origin

The term combines 'customer' (from Latin 'consuere', meaning 'to accustom') and 'service' (from Latin 'servitium', meaning 'slavery or servitude'). The phrase emerged in the early 20th century as businesses began prioritizing client relationships.

Usage Notes

Commonly used in retail, hospitality, and corporate settings. May refer to the department, the quality of assistance, or the act itself.

Word Breakdown

customer
a person who buys goods or services
noun
+
service
assistance or work done for others
noun
English Dictionary