As an artist, you probably don't consider
yourself in the service business. Excellent service, however, can make
anyone and any business stand out in a sea of competitors. Most business
texts will tell you to always under-promise and over-deliver. In other
words, wow your buyers with your speed, efficiency, and quality.
Last week I visited family in Oklahoma City. In the middle of a day of
shopping, all I wanted was a salad. I would have been very happy with
just a salad. We picked out a nice restaurant. It wasn't too fancy, but,
as you'll see, it stood out above all other restaurants. As soon as we
ordered, we were brought a delicious (I mean REALLY delicious) "taste"
of an appetizer--compliments of the chef. Throughout the meal, our water
glasses were never less than half full. When we were finished and opted
out of the dessert, we were brought two scrumptious berry-cream-sorbet
desserts--again, compliments of the chef. Do you think we have told
everyone about this restaurant? Do you think we'll be back there
again? Yes . . . Heck yes! And all because they went above and
beyond what we expected of them.
Here are some ways you might be able to improve your service:
- Offer to deliver any artwork to your
buyers and hang or install it in place.
- Provide gift wrapping.
- Tell people they can live with your
work for a week while deciding whether or not to buy it.
- Return all calls and emails promptly
and professionally.
- Give all buyers specific
instructions on how to care for the art.
- Offer to make any repairs for a
reasonable period of time.
- Show two-dimensional works in
multiple frame styles or offer to change out framing and/or matting.
- Send handwritten notes after
introducing your work to someone and thank-you notes after someone
buys it.
- If you don't have something they
want, refer them to another artist who might be able to help
them. By doing this, you create goodwill with the customer (and they
know lots of people) and goodwill with the referred artist. You have
nothing to lose and everything to gain.
[ By the way, be sure to eat at Deep Fork Grill the next time you're in
Oklahoma City: http://www.deepforkgrill.com ]
| KNOW THIS |
Excellent service
will set you apart. |
| THINK ABOUT THIS |
Ho-hum service makes you
just like everyone else. |
| DO THIS |
Commit to better service in at least
one area of your business. Get some ideas on the Art Biz Blog: http://www.artbizblog.com |
|
