How to deal with international clients?

In the course of their work, private chauffeurs have to deal with clients from all over the world. Dealing with international clients has become an integral part of the business, but it also brings with it a number of challenges that you will have to face.

Cultural differences, different languages and expectations require an even more attentive and personalized approach to your service – let us take a look at how to deal with international clients.

What are the most important aspects to consider when managing international clients?

When managing international clients, there are several aspects to consider in order to ensure excellent service. First, communication is essential: you need to make sure you understand and make yourself understood, avoiding misunderstandings due to language differences. Therefore, it is useful to know at least English in order to communicate with an international clientele. 

Another important aspect is to respect cultural differences. Each culture has its own social norms, and what is considered polite in one culture may not be so in another. For example, punctuality is extremely important to some cultures, while others may place more importance on other factors. 

Also very important is the flexibility and customization of the service to each client’s specific preferences. The customization of a chauffeured car rental service includes everything from the choice of route, to the type of vehicle used, to small details such as beverages or comfort on board. 

Regardless of the type of customer, you should always maintain a professional, courteous and respectful attitude, which is essential to building trust and ensuring that international customers always feel welcome.

Let’s take a closer look at how to handle each of these elements.

Respect cultural customs

Every culture has its own customs and expectations: knowing and respecting them is the first step in providing quality service. For example, some cultures value direct communication (think English-speaking cultures), while others prefer a more formal and discreet approach (typical of Eastern cultures). 

Educating yourself and learning about the key customs of the international customers you interact with is an investment that will be reflected in the quality of your service and your ability to provide the best in-flight experience for your passengers.

Tailor your approach

While flexibility is an essential element of a chauffeured service, it is even more so when dealing with international clients. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so tailoring your service to the specific needs of each client is critical. 

Listen carefully to what the customer wants and make yourself available to provide a service that meets their expectations.

Pay attention to communication

Communication is another crucial aspect of dealing with international clients. To best communicate with your clients, I recommend being clear and precise, avoiding phrases that could be misunderstood. The solution in these cases is to use simple, straightforward language and, if possible, to speak in the client’s language or at least in English, which is often the international language. 

Having information materials or guides translated into the languages of key customers can make communication even easier.

How do you welcome an international customer on board?

A professional welcome is the first step in putting international clients at ease. In this case, there are several small touches to consider:

• If you are waiting for your client at an airport or train station, make sure you know their name and arrival time by preparing a visible and legible welcome sign. Mistakes can often be made in the spelling of an international client’s name: always double check before greeting passengers;
• Knowing the customer’s habits in advance can make all the difference: read carefully about any special requests your customer may have and adapt immediately;
• Courtesy is universal, but the way it is expressed may vary depending on the type of customer you have in front of you. Being on time, being helpful, and offering to help with luggage are just some of the small touches that can make a big difference in the customer experience.

How to manage a transfer with an international clientele

After the reception, it’s time to manage the transfer by tailoring your service to the client’s needs. Again, there are several points to consider:

• Route planning must take into account the preferences and habits of the passengers. For example, some customers may prefer scenic routes (especially if they are tourists touring a city or region), while others need to get to their destination as quickly as possible;
• Equally important is time management, especially when transferring international clients who may also be very tired after a long journey. It is important to manage time efficiently to ensure that deadlines are met and delivered on time.

Improve your business with LiMO

If you want to improve every aspect of your life as a chauffeur and know how to manage your clients from reception to after service, the solution is to join LiMO.

LiMO is the largest chauffeur community in the world. By joining LiMO, you will have access to several opportunities for professional growth, thanks to the management and the marketplace where you can exchange rides with other drivers. There are also chauffeur courses that cover topics such as customer reception and service management.

To learn more, start here.