I do feel a ticket system is the best method, however i think other methods should not be discounted, for example, the phone gives your customers a more personal feel, on the other hand live chat is also a good method, however i would only recommend it for sales as it is unethical to supply support using live chat.

I feel forums play a big part, it brings a hosts customers together - they can have there downsides, however i feel there are more upsides to it - i would however advise against a forum unless you have a fair few customers, there is nothing worse than going onto a site with 2 or 3 members tops in the forums IMO.