‘TO THE LINE’ SERVICE
One of my absolute pet peeves is wine glasses with lines on them. Or emblems, or anything that dictates a maximum pour. Apart from the fact I am not a fan of having a maximum limit of wine enforced on my glass, I think it says a lot about the establishments that serve them.
It always feels a bit stingy when wait-staff make a conscious effort to pour exactly to the line. It makes me feel like I am not worth any more than that, that there will be no added extras tonight. I always watch the wine get closer to the line in nervous anticipation, as if the level of appreciation for my patronage is being measured out in front of me. When it stops right at the line, I get it. This place is about not wasting time, effort, energy or wine on making my experience incredible. I would almost prefer to have less wine and no line from a customer experience point of view (actually, I wouldn’t, but you get the point). However, when the waiter pours a little bit more and goes over the line, even slightly, I am ecstatic! I feel like I am valued, like I am special and that I am going to be taken care of no matter what.
I think sometimes customers feel like this when they deal with salespeople too; like they are getting exactly what they deserve and no more. The processes and steps are followed, the boxes ticked, the templates filed, the job is done. Nothing special just what is expected. This ‘to the line service’ does not create an amazing customer experience, and it most certainly does not convert sales. If anything, meeting service expectations and just hitting the line, is almost as unacceptable as providing a poor customer experience.
These days, I don’t think you have to go the extra mile. You don’t need to spend a heaps of money or really go out of your way to impress. I think you just need to add an extra splash. What can you do to ensure you are consistently offering above the line service?
Between managing Auridian Training & Consulting and travelling as an international speaker and business consultant, Meg Salter is the proud mum of two delicious and spirited young children who keep her happy, grounded and always in need of a beverage.
If you would like more information about how to create an above the line customer experience contact Meg on meg@megsalter.com.au.
