It’s the Lenten season and like many people, you may have given up drinking, gambling or other activities that may be considered bad habits. Just like individuals, businesses too can take this time to regroup and examine their style of business to identify some of their bad practices. I’ve given up shopping at a number of businesses here in T&T and it’s simply because I left the business feeling uncared for or ignored. Here are a few of my experiences:
I once visited a cinema in this country with my twin niece and nephew. They were very young at the time – may be 2 or 3 – and wanted popcorn. I had experiences at other places where I would buy one item but I was given an extra cup or package – free of charge – to spilt the item. Thinking the cinema might be the same, I asked for an additional popcorn bag, explaining to them the reason I needed it. They were willing to give it to me but at an extra cost. What did it really cost extra to give a paying customer a popcorn bag at no charge? Absolutely nothing or maybe $1.00 at most. But what it did do was fail to show real care and love for its customer.
Another poor business practice is having employees answer the telephones with a simple “hello”. Businesses should have protocol when receiving phone calls and a caller must always be greeted with politeness and confirmation of the business place being contacted. Furthermore, the person assigned to taking phone calls must always be equipped with enough information related to the business or can easily guide the caller to a resource with this information.
Profit making is a business’ ultimate goal but sometimes focusing solely on monetary rewards can in fact put you in a position to lose profit. Once customers feel appreciated and cared for they will keep coming back to you and continue to support your business.
