Here is an example of great customer service. About two months ago I stopped at a small restaurant in Alachua, FL called Harvest Thyme Cafe. I pulled out my laptop to work, but there was no wifi. I wasn't expecting it though.
While eating, the owner came up and told me that he planned on installing wifi shortly. I told him I was just passing through town, but thanked him for noticing that I would probably appreciate some wifi with my meal. I gave him my card and haven't really thought about it since then.
Today I received an e-mail from the owner. He wanted to let me know that the wifi was in and if I was ever in the area again I should stop by. As it turns out I'll be in Lake City next Tuesday afternoon. Guess where I'll be stopping for lunch?
Rather than going 1 minute off Interstate 75 I'll drive the 5 minutes to eat at Harvest Thyme Cafe.
Visitor Comments
Isn't it comforting to know that 'customer relations oriented' businesses can still be found? I think little things like this are small businesses' saving grace. I often wonder how privately owned cafes and shops compete with all of the Starbucks shops and other franchises, but when I hear a story like this, I realize how...It is the personal touch and the extra mile that these smaller places go to that keep their customers coming back again and again.
Last year I was apartment hunting, and while most of the management offices were very impersonal there was one complex that went above and beyond the others. They also sent me a hand written card thanking me for considering their complex. While I didn't end up signing a lease there, they still stand out in my mind and not only do I suggest this complex to friends, I am going back next week to sign a lease for next year.
This just goes to show, that keeping customers happy can be a great marketing tactic.
Posted by: Tiffany | April 17, 2006 12:51 PM