Deliver on Commitments

Companies can increase their credibility if they simply deliver on their commitments. More often, it seems that people will make commitments and then not deliver. This erodes trust and can damage the relationship. Credibility goes down the tube. It's better to set a realistic delivery date and meet it than to tell the customer what you think they want to hear and miss that date.

This is on my mind because twice this past week, I have been promised a particular delivery date on a service, only to be disappointed when that date isn't met. The worst part is that there hasn't been any communication from the company. In both situations, these were sole proprietors who have already been paid for their services. Their credibility is shot in my mind and they won't be getting a recommendation or referrals from me.

So, my recommendations are to:

1) Make commitments you can keep.
2) Set realistic delivery dates.
3) Communicate with your customer if you are unable to deliver on schedule.
4) Under promise, over deliver.
5) Delight the customer!