Article • 4 min read
8 fresh alternatives + synonyms for “happy to help”
Customers want to have genuine conversations with customer service reps. Here are some better customer support phrases than “happy to help.”
출처 Susan Lahey, Contributing Writer
최종 업데이트: March 5, 2024
I think of catchphrases like fashion trends or pop songs: For a while, they are ubiquitous and beloved. People can’t get enough of them, and talking about them helps us connect. Then, seemingly overnight, a trend’s popularity hits a tipping point, and no one can stand it anymore. The same goes for common customer service phrases like “happy to help.”
Overused customer service expressions become meaningless. That’s tough for customer support agents who need to make dozens of conversations each day feel authentic and personal, using only certain words and phrases.
The phrase “happy to help” has gone from genuine to grating, and if customer service reps use it at all, they should do so sparingly. Swap in these alternatives to maintain genuine customer service conversations.
More in this guide:
- “Happy to help” meaning and reasons to avoid it
- “Happy to help” synonyms and alternatives
- How to stop saying “happy to help”
“Happy to help” meaning and reasons to avoid it
“Happy to help” is a common phrase used as a substitute for “You’re welcome.” Beyond being overused, “happy to help” isn’t personal or empathetic. Because this phrase doesn’t reference the customer at all, it sounds closer to “I’m just doing my job” or “That’s what I’m here for.”
Customers can detect when customer service agents are genuine and empathetic. “Happy to help” doesn’t communicate “I’m glad I solved your problem” so much as “I’m glad I’m a problem-solver.” If customers leave an interaction feeling like the agent wasn’t interested, they might take to social media to share their bad customer service experience. And that’s not good.
“Happy to help” synonyms and alternatives
I live in Portugal, and the language barrier leads to a lot of miscommunication on my behalf, so I empathize with people who get English phrases wrong. But one of my favorite “happy to help” substitutes came from a Portuguese airline agent who helped me change a flight.
When I thanked him profusely, he said, “I took a big hug off your back.” I think he meant he took a big weight off my back, which he did, but he was so thrilled to have made my life better that I found his mistake charming. This interaction is in my top five most memorable customer support experiences.
Words have meaning
Send a message that matters. From WhatsApp to live chat and everything in between, learn eight ways to transform your support messaging strategy to improve your customer service.
Using the exact right words is less important than providing good customer service, but your response to a customer should communicate your authentic desire to help and happiness in making their life easier. Some phrases that can do this include:
| Alternative | Example |
|---|---|
| I’m glad we were able to solve your problem today. | Hi John, I’m glad we were able to solve your problem today. Is there anything else we can help you with? |
| It’s my pleasure. | It’s my pleasure, Sarah. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions or need further assistance. |
| Thanks for letting me help you today. | I’m glad for the opportunity to help you today. What can I do to make your experience better? |
| We’re here for you whenever you need us. | Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions or need anything else. We’re here for you whenever you need us. |
| I’m so happy this worked out. | I’m so happy this worked out. I’m glad we could get you back up and running. |
| I’m glad to be of service. | I’m glad to be of service. Is there anything else I can assist you with today? |
| We’ve got your back. | Rest assured, you’re not alone in this. We’ve got your back every step of the way. |
| I’m glad we could take care of this for you. | I’m glad we could take care of this for you. Feel free to reach out anytime if you need further assistance. |
How to stop saying “happy to help”
Now, even though you have alternatives to “happy to help,” old habits die hard. For help avoiding the phrase, try these tactics:
- Give yourself a pep talk before starting your shift: Remind yourself not to phone it in but to be entirely present and focused on the customer.
- Get the customer service manager involved: Managers can gently remind the team to use different responses when a customer thanks them.
- Make a cheat sheet of these new phrases: Write your favorite phrases on a sticky note to help you change your phrasing so you always sound fresh and engaged.
Eventually, these alternative phrases will come naturally and in the right tone. And sooner or later, that sticky note won’t be necessary. Your customers will notice the difference.
