Interesting statistics: Eight out of 10 people say that customer service can influence their decision to do business with a company, four in 10 would be willing to pay more for better service and 86 percent would leave a business that treated them poorly.
In this issue of Strictly Business we feature companies and agencies that have caught the attention of our readers who say their customer service is exemplary. We recognize that there are many other businesses who deserve recognition for their high standards and in future issues we will bring many of them to you, but for now take a look at our 2016 Customer Service Stars.
This issue’s cover feature is Dame’s Liquor & Wine located in Plattsburgh’s West End. If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, but are not as knowledgeable about wines as you would like to be this is a place where you can find people who will answer your questions and make recommendations.
CITEC Business Solutions, a not-for-profit economic development organization, offers training in supervisory and leadership development, human resource management and customer service training for North Country companies large and small.
Two traditional auto service stations operating in Plattsburgh’s South End, Dubrey’s Service and South Catherine Small Care Service, are examples of how doing business the old fashioned way still attracts customers and holds their loyalty.
Dr. Jennifer Fitscher is continuing Champlain Valley Veterinary Services nearly 60-year history of partnering with local pet families to offer care and compassion.
We’ve all been to Anthony’s Restaurant. It is, as the management staff describes, the “special place to go”. It’s known for its food, its atmosphere and its staff. “We never phone it in,” explained bartender Debora Rascoe-Hovis.
A choice for this customer service issue of SB that may surprise some of you, is the North Country Blood Donor Center, located in the Hannaford Plaza. Providing an essential service for all of us, in a client friendly atmosphere, the staff is noted for its “stellar customer service”.
And don’t miss our Insight interview with Dr. Paola Fedi, a local gastroenterologist who is a long way from his birthplace near Florence, Italy but is loving his adopted community.
Today’s customers have higher expectations than ever before and the growing trend to share negative experiences on social media is putting pressure on companies to raise their game. Smart organizations understand that good service is crucial to their success. It helps them keep existing customers and win new ones. And that’s good for business.