1-888-353-5012We had a wicked windstorm in November. It was so strong that a skylight blew off our garage roof and onto my car which was parked nearby. The blow damaged a taillight and caused some body damage, so we made a call to our insurance company and then to our local Auto Body Shop. A visit to them would be in order. I DREAD these kinds of mundane errands and responsibilities, but unfortunately, from time to time they can’t be avoided.
The shop’s schedule was very full so as a first step they asked us to bring the vehicle in so they could assess the damage, prepare an estimate and order the parts. Once everything had arrived, the repairs would be scheduled, and until then I could keep driving the car.
So bright and early on a Saturday morning I dragged myself out the door. Already in a sour mood about the situation, I was now anticipating a wait in a cold, uninviting waiting room OR, depending on how long they needed, a walk home and walk back again when they were done. But after I’d checked in and exchanged all the preliminary details, I was pleasantly surprised when I was not directed to an uncomfortable waiting chair, but I was offered a free coffee at the café across the street. The service advisor handed me a business card sized offer for one FREE coffee, so off I went to the nearby, warm and inviting café. I even treated myself with a delicious muffin to go with my coffee while I waited. It was lovely and appreciated and within half an hour, I received a text letting me know my car was ready to take home.
Both the Auto Body Shop and the Café are locally owned and have been in the community many years. For the Auto Body Shop, who has limited space and resources to enhance the waiting experience in their own building, it transformed a customer’s hassle into a pleasurable and memorable experience – all for the simple price of a cup of coffee. For the Café, it generated one new customer that day (I purchased that muffin), word of mouth referrals which I have and will continue to share, and a likely return from me in the future. Without that free coffee, the likelihood I would have EVER visited the café is low.
"Without that free coffee, the likelihood I would have EVER visited the café is low."
For Business Owners, bartering in this way can be a creative and cost-effective strategy to enhance your business and your customer experience. It’s also a great way to ingrain your business in your community and reach customers you wouldn’t have otherwise. What local businesses with complementary services could help you add value to your customer experience? You are only limited by your own creativity. Here’s a few ideas to kickstart your creative spark.
“Shop & Eat”, or “Bites & Rides” A foodservice provider could provide pop-up food or drink tastings at a local retail market or auto repair business, offering complimentary refreshments while capturing email addresses for a Free $10.00 Off Their Next Visit to your business.
“Wheels & Wardrobe” An Auto Repair Shop could partner with a nearby retailer for a collaboration that included a ride to the mall and a certificate for a Free $10.00 Off at the partnering retailer.
“Shop To Support” A retail provider could partner with a local school, organization or sports team to offer discounted certificates to sell as a fundraising opportunity.