During a recent computer component purchase, I learned that purchasing isn’t just about acquiring a product. You are creating relationships. Even if they may be micro-relationships, they are relationships all the same. So you just have to determine which type you wish to have.
Earning a Customer
I took my Honda Odyssey into have its oil changed last week. Within a mile, I have a choice of no less than five quick lube and oil shops. My selection often comes down to which shop has the shortest wait time.
Big Enough
During a recent discussion with an engineer who was considering having us build him a workstation, he made a comment about our company: “You’re big enough, but not too big.”
Making a Connection with your Customer
Around Thanksgiving last year, I decided to take advantage of a sale at a popular online gaming company. After researching various titles I might enjoy, I settled on a game and purchased it through the store. The game installed fine, but wouldn’t allow me to start a new game.
I don’t have a lot of patience when it comes to troubleshooting games. Games should be a break from work. I enjoy a good RPG such as Diablo that I can play with my sons or daughters. When this new game wouldn’t launch, I searched Google for help, but after a few hours, I hadn’t made any progress.
High Expectations
A couple of years ago, a new restaurant opened for business in town. For anyone traveling into St. George from Las Vegas or Zion National Park, it is hard to miss because it’s situated the ledge which overlooks the town.
Selling vs. Problem Solving
“I don’t know where to begin.”
That’s what I told Beth, who was working the counter at my local auto parts store.
I sheepishly placed a sleek can refrigerant on the counter and began to explain my predicament. I purchased a refill because I already owned a pressure gauge, I assumed it was compatible with any can. I found out that isn’t the case when I tightened the gauge and heard the stem pop.
Voting with My Wallet
What are you willing to trade for cheap?
I had two boxes to send across the country. A US Post Office and a UPS Store are equidistant from my home, but I decided to take the cheap route and head to the USPS.
The Last 5 Percent
Have you ever gone to an upscale restaurant on a special occasion? The hostess greets you immediately, and your table is ready. Your server is friendly and attentive, and the meal itself is everything you hoped it would be. Your table location, the lighting and the ambiance are perfect. Your server brings the check to your table and says,
Great Service from an Unlikely Source
Sometimes you find excellent customer service in the most unlikely places. That’s what I’d like to tell you about today.
Just over four years ago, I left the state of Washington for the desert of southern Utah. In addition to trading the mild Seattle climate for the scorching summers of Utah, I was now on the hook to pay state income tax. Washington finds a way to get their pound of flesh through higher sales and property taxes, but completing my end-of-year accounting was easier in Washington because all I had to worry about was Federal taxes.
Have a problem? Don’t Wait!
I was recently having some issues with my cable internet and TV. At first, the cable box would periodically freeze and we’d be unable to change the channel. About the same time, the internet would cut out as well too. At first, it was only happening a couple of times a week. Eventually, it started happening a couple times a day.