Editorial: Time to celebrate the best of service

Many shops and businesses in the River City offer exemplary service.THERE can be little doubt that we live in a very consumerist society. Everywhere you turn, ads are extolling the virtues of particular goods and services. Amid all the hype and price comparisons, one thing remains constant: to succeed in business, you simply cannot afford to take your customers for granted.
Service is king and, while many people are motivated by price, variety or simple convenience, it's a sure bet that plenty of purchase decisions in Wanganui are made on the basis of the level of service afforded the prospective customer. It's something I take into account and so do others I talk to.
Many shops and businesses in the River City offer exemplary service and have a loyal base of repeat customers as a result.
As a customer, how you are treated will dictate whether you choose to return. And it's fair to say that, over a period of time, relationships can be built that transcend mere customer-service provider. In many cases, those on both sides learn of the highs and lows of family life, stresses at work and other important details of life. What appears mere small talk can grow to become something much more.
Of course, over-zealousness can be just as off-putting as a stand-offish customer service approach. I have walked out of shops because I felt I was being pressured into buying something, just as I have left businesses or opted not to return after failing to be noticed.
What exactly good service entails will be subjective and each of us will have different expectations of businesses depending on the situation. The challenge for any business is to find the right balance.
So it will be interesting to see the results of the Mainstreet Service Awards when they are revealed in a few days' time. As one of the "secret shoppers" surveying service levels revealed in Saturday's Chronicle, not all businesses are equal. While some offer outstanding service, others have a lot of improving to do.
It is great that we are able to celebrate the success of our top performers, and let's hope that those who don't score as well take note and lift their game. Any advantage you can get in these difficult economic times is worth pursuing, and many aspects that define good service cost nothing.
The best part of the competition is that we, the public, can have a say. So, take this opportunity to get involved. Go to www.mainstreetwanganui.co.nz and cast your vote.
Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz