Client Support Process - Standard Operating Procedure
Purpose
This SOP documents how Symphony Core handles inbound client support requests through the current email-based system. It defines the intake process, triage criteria, response responsibilities, and escalation guidelines for the support team.
Scope
Covers:
- Email intake via support@symphonycore.com Google Group
- Triage and response process for client support requests
- Escalation from L1 (Team) to L2 (Rohit)
- Informal SLA targets for response and resolution
Does Not Cover:
- Ticketing system implementation (see PRD: GHL-Based Support Ticketing System)
- Client onboarding issues (see SOP: Client Onboarding Procedure)
- Billing disputes (escalate directly to Rohit)
- Technical emergencies (contact Rohit directly)
Current Volume
- Weekly requests: 1-5 per week
- Typical issues: How-to questions, minor configuration changes, workflow troubleshooting
Process Overview
Email Configuration
Support Email Address
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Email address | support@symphonycore.com |
| Type | Google Group (not a Google Workspace account) |
| Access type | Custom / Mailing |
| Group labels | Mailing |
Group Members
| Member | Role | Responsibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Anand | rohit@symphonycore.com | Owner | L2 escalations, complex issues |
| SC Operations | team@sc.symphonycore.com | Member | L1 triage, basic issues |
Note: team@sc.symphonycore.com is connected to the "z. SC Operations" sub-account in GHL. Emails appear in the GHL Conversations inbox.
Roles and Responsibilities
RACI Matrix
| Activity | L1 Team | L2 Rohit |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor inbox daily | R | I |
| Initial response (< 24h) | R | A |
| Basic troubleshooting | R | C |
| GHL configuration changes | R | A |
| Complex workflow issues | I | R |
| Billing/contract inquiries | I | R |
| Client relationship decisions | C | R/A |
Legend:
- R = Responsible (does the work)
- A = Accountable (final approval)
- C = Consulted (provides input)
- I = Informed (needs to know)
L1 Team Responsibilities
- Monitor team@sc.symphonycore.com inbox daily
- Acknowledge client requests within 24 hours
- Handle basic issues directly:
- How-to questions
- Password resets
- Minor configuration changes
- Documentation requests
- Escalate complex issues to L2
- Document resolution in email thread
L2 Rohit Responsibilities
- Review escalated issues
- Handle complex matters:
- Workflow/automation issues
- Integration problems
- Billing or contract questions
- Client complaints
- Sub-account configuration changes
- Final authority on client relationship decisions
- Delegate back to L1 with instructions when appropriate
Prerequisites
Before handling support requests, ensure:
- Access to team@sc.symphonycore.com inbox (via GHL SC Operations sub-account)
- Understanding of client GHL sub-account architecture (see KB-009)
- Familiarity with common GHL features and troubleshooting
- Knowledge of escalation criteria (see below)
Process Steps
Phase 1: Intake
Step 1.1: Client sends email
- Client emails support@symphonycore.com
- Google Group automatically forwards to both members
Step 1.2: Team acknowledges receipt
- L1 team checks inbox at least once daily
- Acknowledge receipt within 24 hours
- Example acknowledgment:
"Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out. I've received your request about [issue] and will look into it. You should hear back from me within 24-48 hours."
Phase 2: Triage
Step 2.1: Assess request complexity
Review the email and determine:
- What is the client asking for?
- Can this be resolved quickly (< 30 min)?
- Does this require sub-account access?
- Is this a billing/contract matter?
Step 2.2: Route to appropriate handler
| If request is... | Then... |
|---|---|
| How-to question | L1 handles directly |
| Password/access reset | L1 handles directly |
| Minor config change | L1 handles (may need guidance) |
| Documentation request | L1 handles directly |
| Workflow not working | Escalate to L2 |
| Integration issue | Escalate to L2 |
| Billing question | Escalate to L2 |
| Client complaint | Escalate to L2 |
| Unsure how to proceed | Escalate to L2 |
Phase 3: Response
Step 3.1: L1 handles basic issues
- Research the issue (check GHL docs, previous solutions)
- Draft response with clear instructions
- Include screenshots if helpful
- Send response via reply-all to keep thread intact
- If needed, schedule call with client
Step 3.2: L2 handles escalated issues
- Review full email thread and context
- Investigate in client's GHL sub-account if needed
- Respond directly or provide guidance to L1
- For complex issues, may schedule call with client
Phase 4: Resolution
Step 4.1: Confirm resolution
- After providing solution, ask client to confirm
- Example: "Please let me know if this resolves your issue or if you need any further assistance."
Step 4.2: Close the thread
- Once confirmed resolved, no further action needed
- Email thread serves as record of resolution
- (Note: No formal ticket tracking in current system)
Escalation Guidelines
When to Escalate to L2
Escalate to Rohit immediately if the request involves:
- Billing or contract: Any questions about pricing, invoices, or contract terms
- Client complaints: Dissatisfaction, frustration, or service quality concerns
- Workflow/automation failures: Workflows not triggering, incorrect automations
- Integration issues: Third-party connections failing (Google, Stripe, etc.)
- Sub-account changes: Adding/removing users, changing permissions, deleting data
- Feature requests: Client asking for new capabilities or customization
- Unresolved after 24h: Any issue not resolved within initial response window
- Uncertainty: Whenever unsure how to proceed
How to Escalate
- Reply to the email thread (keep rohit@symphonycore.com in CC)
- Clearly state: "Escalating to Rohit for [reason]"
- Summarize what you've already tried or learned
- Rohit will respond directly to client or provide guidance
SLA Targets (Informal)
| Metric | Target | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial acknowledgment | < 24 hours | All requests |
| Resolution (basic issues) | < 48 hours | L1 can handle |
| Resolution (complex issues) | < 72 hours | L2 involvement |
| Client satisfaction | No complaints | Informal feedback |
Note: These are informal targets, not contractual commitments. The goal is responsive, helpful communication.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Issue: Emails not appearing in team@sc.symphonycore.com inbox Solution:
- Check Google Group membership (admin.google.com)
- Verify team@sc.symphonycore.com is still a member
- Check spam/junk folders in GHL Conversations
- Verify GHL email integration is connected
Issue: Client didn't receive response Solution:
- Check Sent folder in GHL or Gmail
- Verify client email address is correct
- Ask client to check spam folder
- Resend from alternative email if needed
Issue: Unsure which sub-account client belongs to Solution:
- Search for client business name in GHL agency dashboard
- Check client email domain against sub-account contacts
- Ask client directly which business they're calling about
Issue: Client request is unclear Solution:
- Ask clarifying questions before attempting to solve
- Request screenshots or specific examples
- Offer to schedule a brief call if easier
Future Enhancements
This SOP documents the current email-based support process. A formal ticketing system using GHL pipelines is planned to provide:
- Formal ticket tracking with IDs
- SLA monitoring and automated reminders
- Tiered support workflow with clear escalation triggers
- Historical reporting on support metrics
See: PRD: GHL-Based Support Ticketing System
Related Documents
- KB-009: Agency Sub-Account Architecture - Understanding SC Operations sub-account
- Client Onboarding Procedure - For onboarding-specific issues
- PRD: GHL-Based Support Ticketing System - Future state design
Revision History
| Date | Version | Change Description | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-22 | 1.0 | Initial version documenting current email-based support process | Symphony Core Systems Team |