If a business premises needs to do repairs or maintenance, the loss of business can be devastating.
Customers going elsewhere might not return. The idea that one has a ‘captive’ clientèle is a mistake.
I know of situations in which this was the only supermarket for five miles. It closed for ‘repairs’. As many shoppers worked in other parts of the city, they shopped in those other parts. The supermarket, once a thriving business, became so non-financial it had to be sold.
Why?
During the five days of ‘improvements’ the customers all found other places to go. Places they liked better.
The supermarket became more of a shop, where people would pop in for a few small items, not major purchases.
What use were the improvements?
This is true for many businesses … even the ones online … unless you’ve zero competition…
and 0 competition usually … haiz … doesn’t care about customer services as much …
When one is the only shop for miles, sure, treat your customers like dirt. C & W did it, then Digicel came in, and everyone raced away and C & W had to sell out… cause NO ONE IN JAMAICA will willing support C & W.
It’s true … and I wish the Digicel will arrive soon for us!!
We originally had a local company which, after Gilbert Hurricane, was bought by C & W. When Digicel finally arrived, although it was more expensive, it was overwhelmed with customers.
You should invite Digicel to your country.
Many businesses have this problem. Maybe they should leave part of the business open during repairs.
What they should do is to be able to do repairs without effecting business… for example, maybe move things so that this section is walled off with ply board and the goods that were there are on other shelves meaning instead of ten breads there are five breads and five muffins, and the shelf packers are quick to replace so that although there is less shop the products are available.
You are exactly right, if they would just ask us!
Even you are hired to tell them, they will explain why you are wrong.