Better use of your transactional emails can better your business.
I had a great customer experience last week. My windshield was cracked and needed to be replaced. I called my friendly insurance rep at Progressive Insurance and was told the deductible was higher than the cost of replacement so payment would be at my expense. Would I be interested in being referred to their preferred supplier, Safelite AutoGlass and get the preferred discounted pricing? Doh!
I made arrangements with Safelite Autoglass to replace the windshield later that week. So far, so good, and no big deal. Here’s where they really shined. Shortly after the phone call I received an email from them confirming my order. I had made arrangements to have the work done in the parking lot of my office building. It’s a big building with a huge parking lot and only moderately patrolled. What if these people weren’t on the up and up? What if somehow a scam artist impersonated the real installer and stole my car after I gave them the Keys? I know, you say, a little off the wall here. But I think you get my point about just the general over-all level of concern. As if on cue, another email arrived. It was branded with the company logos and information. It confirmed the appointment, price and all the details needed about my vehicle. It also had sections on Security and Safety along with a picture of Charles and a brief biography about him. My gosh, instant reassurance. I knew these people were legit and I knew my installer by his first and last name and more importantly what he looked like. The day after the installation SafeLite send a follow-up email to confirm my satisfaction and ask if I would take a survey about the experience. I’m sure you can tell how I responded to the survey.
The point of this story is; the act of confirming a business transaction can be so much more than just a simple confirmation. It is an opportunity for a company to reinforce their Brand awareness, garner customer satisfaction, develop customer loyalty and gain insight into their customers’ experiences. The only step in the process that Safelite missed was the opportunity to cross-sell or up-sell other services they offer. But hey, I’ll overlook that because they’re so much farther ahead than most other retailers/service companies already. It's part of a growing trend, where smart retailers are finding more ways to connect with their customers through online and digital formats.
Mike Morawski, Chief Development Officer & Satisfied Customer
I agree wholeheartedly! This type of follow up and customer contact is a definite plus. From a consumer's standpoint, I look forward to this 'catching on'.
Posted by: J. Balavich | November 02, 2008 at 11:46 AM
We had a rock hit our windshield last week.My husband call Safelite, and they came out the next day and fixed the windshield, the work was outstanding and professionally done, I want to thank Greg for work well done and his politeness and explaining things to me .
M/M Jones
Posted by: mary/mark jones | January 13, 2009 at 04:11 PM
I HAD SAFELIFE TO COME OUT I WAS LIED TO SEVERL TIME IF I NEED A GLASS REPLACED AGAIN I WILL NOT CALL SAFELITE I WAITED THREE DAYS AND I HAD TO CONTINUE TO CALL THEM BEFORE I GOT A GOOD SERVICE REP WHO WORD TRUE
Posted by: TOLENA PIPPINS | May 14, 2009 at 06:50 PM
a treelim fell on my car glass so I call safelite glass before 12;oclock the next day it's in.They just put one in two weeks ago excellent job done by the repairman.-shopnumber05603510028theotherrepairman-05603508507both good jobs.
Posted by: sadie&thomas mc duffie | June 30, 2009 at 01:53 PM