What does Parking have to do with Customer Service?

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“You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windshield, it said ‘Parking Fine.’ So that was nice.”

 ~Tim Vine

Imagine this, it’s a busy shopping center/strip mall, there are many store fronts, and all the parking spaces are taken in front of your store of choice.  This is a common theme perhaps in today’s busy world.

I recently experienced this exact scenario.  But what caused me concern and troubled me was that the three prime parking spots directly in front of the store were taken up by the stores delivery drivers.  Thus, creating the situation that the customer had to go elsewhere to park.

Please don’t misinterpret this First World Problem as me complaining.  I don’t mind walking a little bit extra to help my midline.   This is more of an “order of importance or priorities towards your customer” issue.

 

Please don’t misinterpret this First World Problem as me complaining.

So to help us evaluate our priorities, I created a list of 3 ideas to consider.  So here are 3 Order of Importance Priorities to consider towards your customers.

 

1.  Who are you serving?  As a business or employee of a business you must ask yourself the question, who are we serving?  Are we serving our needs to get the best parking spot which will allow us to dart out on the next delivery?  Are we about creating as much convenience for our walk-in customers as possible?  The answer to who are we serving will help to define the priority in this case.  Whether making a delivery or an in the store sale the priority of the current location should be established.  Keep in mind the folks at home have no idea where you parked but the customer that had to park 3 rows away will notice.

 

 
2.  What are your goals?  Your goals will have a direct effect on your priorities.  Is the goal to be the best delivery store in town or to increase profits by 10% this year?  If increasing profits is the goal then creating the most convenience for your drive up customers might be something you will want to consider.  The goals will also serve as a roadmap to priorities.  How can you get to where you are going if you don’t have a map?  If you are stuck in your goal writing visit my friends blog for help.  How to Break Through Goal Setting Roadblocks.

 

 
3.  What is your image?  What is the image, ultimately, that you are trying to portray?  Having the prime spots taken up by your own employees cars might send the image that we are about our parking needs, not yours.  It may also establish an image that says, it’s difficult to shop here.  In today’s world full of options, image is so important.  The key to an exceptional image is building trust with your customers.  Daily, the question will be asked, “Can we trust this company?”  You can provide the best answer through service.  Allowing your patrons to access front row parking says. “We are here to serve your needs before our own.”

 

This parking scenario can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be.  Taking the time to consider the above 3 Order of Importance questions could help solidify your business no matter how busy the parking lot might be.

 

Do you have a Customer Service story you would like to share or would you like to leave a comment?  Do so below and let’s start a conversation.

 

Please click on link to leave a comment. http://ubergoodexperience.com.  If your on my website please comment below.

 

Thank You.

 

Now go and serve wisely,

 

Rafael

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