Gloom, Doom and Recession - What’s Your...

Every day the news is enough to send you spiraling into depression. We’re deep in recession, gas prices are sky high, businesses are shutting down left and right, and the airlines are either going out of business or merging every day.

But what if you focused on your customers instead of focusing on your problems? What if you gave them the extras - and charged them for it - but made it so much fun it was worth paying extra for?

Movie theaters have been having a hard time over the past few years. I know several in our area that have gone out of business. But a new one opened up in December that’s filled every time we take in a movie. They charge a couple dollars more than other theaters in our area, but they have a self serve area for popcorn and soda. The seats are leather and are very comfy. You can even by VIP loveseats for a few dollars more, and you’ll have a waiter serve whatever you want from their cafe.

Great customer service giving their guests exactly what they want - and what they complain at with other movie theaters (high prices for popcorn and sodas) .

What about the airlines? What if they gave you free Internet service while you were in the air? What if they gave you a free movie for your kids to watch? What if they gave you free drinks and a great snack? What if you could get a pass to go through security faster? What if carry on baggage was easier to carry on and stow?

People are willing to pay for things they put a value on - mainly time savers. Be up front. “Yes, you’ll pay a bit more, but we won’t nickel and dime you on the back end. Get exactly what you want.”

What can you do to improve your customer service? What are your customers willing to pay more for to receive the best quality service available?