As 2014 kicks off, people are making their New Year’s resolutions related to health, fitness, friends, family, education, and work. At Lavi, we have decided to focus on the “Customer” and give retailers 5 resolutions for a better waiting line experience in 2014. Flip through this slideshow for a summary of these resolutions:
1. Focus on Entertainment
Get your customers to forget about the wait at hand. Utilize digital displays and in-line merchandising to distract them. Digital signage can provide useful information, play a how-to video on a trendy product or display targeted advertising. In-line merchandising lets your customers continue their shopping experience feeling relaxed and unaffected by the wait.
2. Go Virtual with It
Your customers value their time and freedom. Virtual queues eliminate the waiting line allowing customers to have free time to relax, use a mobile device, check email, read an article or simply to continue shopping. When your customers are not restricted to the waiting line they do not feel the pressure of the wait.
3. Mind Your Queues
Real-time queue monitoring gives managers the tools to proactively manage each queue and the resulting customer satisfaction levels. Managers receive alerts when potential complications could arise such as lines that are getting too long or unacceptable service agent down time. Managers can make instantaneous decisions to open more queues or expand an existing queue formation. Well monitored queues decrease wait times, provide a more efficient check out process and result in more satisfied customers.
4. Bring Mobile into the Mix
Today, people eat, work, play and sleep with their smart phones mere inches away at all times. Communicate with your customers in a way they will be most receptive, through their mobile devices. Add a mobile element to your virtual queuing that allows customers to register for a place in line before entering your store and then for added convenience enable communication with service agents via text when their turn is coming up.
5. Combine Digital Signage and Merchandising
The combination of digital signage with in line merchandising is the ultimate driver of impulse sales. Digital signage delivers timely and relevant information that raises product awareness and prompts customers to stay engaged in the shopping experience. Strategically display endorsements or how-to videos on a targeted product right next to a merchandising display of the product itself. Your customers will be happy and you will increase revenues. Focus on your customer this year. Create a more efficient and pleasant waiting line experience that is entertaining, efficient, convenient and ultimately satisfying. Your customers will thank you.
