Customer satisfaction is the most important part of the retail experience. If you aren’t making people happy, they’re not going to want to come back to your store. Even if you aren’t being rude to them, it can still be difficult to draw people back to your store, especially with competition. Here are four subtle ways to improve in-store customer satisfaction.
Maintain an Ideal Temperature
If your store is chilly or sweltering, people are going to want to leave quickly and not come back. There needs to be comfort in a store, just like there needs to be comfort in a house. Make sure that your store is kept at or around room temperature. Ask your employees how they feel. Some might feel very warm, while others might feel quite cold. Work with the temperature until you reach one that everyone can agree. It can help to work with a company like the L.J. Kruse Company or someone similar to keep your HVAC in good condition.
Thank by Name
You don’t want your customers to feel like they’re one anonymous blob to you. Instead, you should personalize your relationship with them. It doesn’t have to feel weird, and you don’t have to step too far outside your comfort zone. When they scan their credit or debit card, it might show their name on the screen. You can also encourage employees to learn it in friendly conversation. Make sure that no boundaries are overstepped and that people feel comfortable.
Offer Free Samples
People spend so much at stores. It’s only fair that they get something in return. Free samples are a great way to show appreciation. Whether it’s a free sample of food, soap, or something else, you can satisfy customers. There are also benefits to this. Should they like the sample, they might be interested in purchasing the product it’s for.
Lighten Things up
If you’ve ever gone shopping in a poorly-lit store, you know how unpleasant it can be. While you don’t want to have overly-aggressive, glaring lights, you should make sure lights are kept at a reasonable level. Look for lighting fixtures that will help your customers feel secure. Work with a professional electrical company to get it installed. You want your customers to feel enlivened, by their shopping experience. With the right lights, you truly brighten their day.
We hope this has given you a great idea of how to subtly improve in-store customer satisfaction. Retaining customers is more than just having great products and enticing sales. You need to be putting your best foot forward. Every employee should be enthusiastic about their customers and give them the best experience possible.