The Extra Mile
We’ve all heard about going the extra mile – doing some spectacular – above and beyond the ordinary to deliver an amazing customer experience.
But how about going the extra inch?
Retail is detail – and in many cases just doing a little bit extra will make your customers happy and more importantly, make them more loyal.
Examples of going the extra inch?
- A kite store ties a snap swivel on every spool of kite string the goes out the door. They also size and trim every child’s first yo-yo string. A big deal? No, but it makes the customers’ experience better and they remember.
- An ice cream shop puts a candy corn in the bottom of every sugar cone so that the melting ice cream drips don’t leak out. Not a big deal nor a big expense but mom and dad remember the thoughtfulness and the child remembers the treat.
- An electronics store follows up with a call or an email to see if you liked the equipment you bought. It’s not a show stopper but it makes the customer feel that the store really cares that they were happy with their purchase. Guess where that customer will go the next time he/she needs an electronic gadget.
So where is your extra inch? Can you…
- Dress up your shopping bags with tissue and/or a raffia tie?
- Adjust the straps on every bike helmet you sell?
- Send a thank you not to your best customers for that day?
- Offer a mini bottle of water (with your logo, of course) to your thirsty shoppers?
- Put a piece of candy in each shopping bag?
- Give out a sheet of planting tips with your annuals?
There are probably any number of little things you can do to go the extra inch. Ask your staff to come up with some ideas. They’ll probably surprise you!
One of the best things about these types of ideas is that you can start doing them quickly and easily – unlike going the extra mile. No need for a marching band or a roller coaster in the parking lot. Just go the extra inch.
Talk to you soon. ~Norma