In defining the scope of CRM, three different levels can be distinguished:
Foundational services
This includes the minimum necessary services such as web site effectiveness and responsiveness as well as order fulfillment.
Customer-centered services
These services include order tracking, product configuration and customization as well as security/trust.
Value-added services
These are extra services such as online auctions and online training and education.
Self-services are becoming increasingly important in CRM activities. The rise of the Internet and CRM has boosted the options for self-service activities. A critical success factor is the integration of such activities into traditional channels. CRM activities are mainly of two different types.
Reactive service is where the customer has a problem and contacts the company.
Proactive service is where the manager has decided not to wait for the customer to contact the firm, but to be aggressive and contact the customer himself in order to establish a dialogue and solve problems.