Welcoming a Happier Customer

I have worked in retail and hospitality, and in both industries I was instructed to always greet customers when they entered the store/cafe. “Customers feel more comfortable browsing for longer and are more likely to buy something” I was told. And they were right! Whenever I visit a store or approach the counter today as a customer and they don’t greet me, I feel as though I’m intruding or shouldn’t be there. A nice warm welcome is a really simple way to let customers know that you appreciate them visiting or calling your business.

Ever called a company only to be greeted by a receptionist who sounded half asleep, grumpy or just plain disinterested? It doesn’t create a great first impression. An automated phone greeting is a better way to ensure every customer is greeted in a warm and welcoming manner.

Is the phone always ringing off the hook in your office? Perhaps some days you’re understaffed and it rings longer than you would like. With an auto attendant set to kick in after two or three rings, customers aren’t given the opportunity to hang up before their call is answered/take their business elsewhere. They’re greeted instantly with a warm and welcoming greeting message. The auto attendant can then ask the caller to leave their details, play a menu directing the call to the right department, or place them on hold until staff are in a position to give their full attention to the customer.

I was out shopping recently and upon entering a store, I was not only greeted but advised “today we have 25% off everything in store!” Naturally, I bought a few things that I wouldn’t have picked up at full price, simply because she took the time to greet me and let me know about the promotion. What I also noticed however, is that when the same shop assistant answered the phone she neglected to mention the sale to her prospective customer. Now no one’s perfect. (I like to eavesdrop.)  But a professional phone welcome message that not only greets every customer but also mentions “Everything in store is 25% off” makes good business sense.

It’s a simple customer service principal that can be applied to any customer interactions, on the shop floor, in the waiting room, or on the phone. First impressions matter. With our professional scripting and voiceover services, you’re able to leverage your Auto Attendant to make callers feel valued and appreciated. And perhaps even make a few extra sales while you’re at it!

– Rachel McGeorge