The economy leaves customer service budgets strained, and more than one company has trimmed their services back, but according to the Institute of Customer Service, chief executive Jo Causon, quality service is even more important in times like this. When money is tight, people are much more concerned where and how they spend.
As an example, let us consider an airport parking garage. In 2007, Sky Harbor Airport Parking’s general manager, Jason Pasley lost money operating his garage because he decided to make the decision to continue all customer service amenities, but ultimately wound up as the only parking site to remain open of any off-airport parking facility. Prior to the economic crunch of 2006, Pasley’s lot was 90 percent full, but with less people traveling, there was a significant decrease in business.
While other off-airport parking facilities used less shuttle services, Pasley kept his going. It didn’t matter if there was one person or ten people being shuttled back and forth to the airport, his shuttles still were in operation every five to seven minutes, and left the parking lot every three to five minutes. Where other lots were using less shuttles and saving money in the short term, Pasley had reinvented his parking lot for pilots and other airline employees who were glad to get to their jobs on time.
Adding to Pasley’s appeal, he was glad to honor competitor coupons, helped passengers with their baggage and even waited for customers to start their cars at night when dropping them off. Shuttle drivers were able to inflate tires, were efficient and courteous. If there was a problem, clients went to Pasley.
So how has Pasley done since the economic crunch? At the beginning, he lost money, but now he is the only off-airport parking facility left.
Any organization can take cues from Jason Pasley’s for their customer service business plans. The real estate industry has taken a huge hit, but agents and brokers who have not compromised their services are the ones who are still out there doing business. Sellers and buyers are much more aware and better educated than ever before. Mix that with the demand for better service and all the innovations modern technology can provide, only the representatives who provide superior service, superior skills, and the latest in technological advances are the ones who are successful. True, we are spending more money for more conveniences and individual needs for our clients and customers, but we are rewarded with continuing business and customer loyalty.
Plan carefully before making any budget cuts in your customer service department. Coined by Robert Burton, “penny wise and pound foolish” were never so true.
photo credit: MikeTroy Photography
Give trust and you'll get it double in return. One customer well taken care of could be more valuable than $10,000 worth of advertising. One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for other. I agree with Cheryl. As a costumer services provider, she is right that costumers are real asset of a company. If we don't take care of our customers, someone else will. If a organization care about its costumer sooner or later it will lead. Thanks Cheryl for sharing such an informative article.