Loyalty of a Brand???

First off I consider myself a coffee snob. I love Starbucks and do not like Dunkin Donuts. Here are two surprising stories that relate to customer expectations............
I went to Starbucks recently and asked what time they would be open in Sunday.
Girl #1: I think we open at 6?....Girl #2: No, I think we open at 8....Girl #3: No, it's either 7 or 7:30..... Guy #1 at the register said: I'll check I am not sure (better answer)..... Manager #1: I think we open at 7, but I'll check..... Customer Service #1 Yes, the time is 7: (ps...they did open at 7.)
Moral to the story:
1. Loyal customers might go out of their way to use you even if you slip
2. Don't rest on your laural's, some may give up sooner than I did
3. There is power in a Brand
The corollary to this story
I expect when I order a bagel at Dunkin Donuts that they won't hear me or pay attention. I suspect they will get it wrong. Not toasted and expect me to put on the cream cheese while I am driving.
Not this day!!!! I was greeted by someone who said in a jubilant voice: "Goooood Morning! Thanks for coming here today what may I do for you?" OMG #1...I must be at the wrong place. I ordered and she got it right. She thanked me with the same sincere, fun voice and proceeded to sing. OMG #2! I asked the drive through lady who I had talked to and passed on a tip. I have never done that before. She asked if it was the singing or the friendliness. I told her both and smiled the rest of the day!
Moral to this story:
1. One person can change your impression of an entire Brand (good or bad)
2. A person who loves their job can make a difference in someones entire day.
3. One person can turn a non customer into a Loyal customer.



4 Comments:
At November 10, 2009 11:44 AM ,
Coolbreeze said...
Good story Sean. It is so true!! How many times do we base our willingness to support an entire company or product on the people who are in the forefront. For better or worse first impressions mean almost everything!
At November 11, 2009 2:45 PM ,
Alissa Fedele said...
Love this story! Great lessons
At November 17, 2009 8:27 PM ,
Kim W. said...
You never get a second chance to make a first impression.
At January 25, 2010 2:49 PM ,
John said...
Great lesson in this story. Only one issue though - Dunkin' Donuts is way better than Starbucks!
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