The relationship with the customer should be maintained or enhanced. How a company or employee handles conflict is a true test of their commitment to customer service, customer satisfaction and maintaining customer relationships. Managing conflict requires skills. Skills need to be sharpened.
Conflict means different things to people.
Know what it means to you personally and professionally. Anticipate it and plan your responses to it. You can always do something. Take action on what you can quickly and serve as the bridge connecting the customer to other available resources when needed. Manage your attitude and your emotions while you are in conflict.