The Nose Knows

Reading Time: 3 minutes

A 2017 study by Proctor and Gamble shows that nearly all U.S. consumers will only return to a business if it smells fresh and is noticeably clean, and 95 percent agree that cleanliness can elevate a good business into a great one. Cleanliness even tops excellent service as a reason people choose to become repeat customers, with 75 percent of the surveyed saying they’d overlook slow service if the business appears clean. That’s powerful information for business owners because repeat customers equal increased revenue. Having a clean and fresh work place is good for business.

“No matter how big or small the business, every experience a customer has at a hotel, restaurant, day care facility or office affects their perception and inclination to come back,” says Paul Edmondson, Commercial Director, North America, P&G Professional.

8 Tips To Retain Customers

Here are 8 ways your business can put its best face forward and keep your customers coming back:

  1. Get rid of unpleasant odors. There is nothing less inviting than walking into a place of business that smells bad. Whatever it is that is causing the offending odor, get rid of it now. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of bathrooms, kitchens and carpets should keep smelly nellies at bay.
  2. Clean your workspaces regularly. Cleanliness is definitely next to godliness in the minds of consumers. Businesses that pride themselves on clean workspaces will ensure repeat customers and increased revenue.
  3. Make sure your staff looks presentable. Your employees are your brand ambassadors. They are the face of your business and should reflect the image you want your business to exude. No matter the dress code, employees should take pride in their appearance and personal hygiene.
  4. Clean floors matter. Dirty, dull lackluster floors send the wrong message to your customers. They say that building maintenance isn’t a priority for you and that just makes your business look bad. Safety can also be an issue if floors become slippery or cluttered.
  5. Clear the air. According to health.com, “a 2015 Harvard University study showed that offices with increased ventilation and lower levels of air pollutants were linked to better employee performance.” Even just opening the windows on a nice day or getting an air purifier with a HEPA filter can do wonders.
  6. Take out the trash. Overflowing trash cans? Never a good look. Enough said.
  7. Keep noise levels at a minimum. If you can’t hear yourself think when you walk into a business, it’s too noisy. Of course, this can depend on the type of business. A restaurant or bar will obviously be noisier than an office. The key here is to make sure the “noise” your customers are hearing is pleasant and what they expect.
  8. Clear the clutter. Clean and tidy work environments tell a customer that you are professional, organized, efficient and pay attention to detail. They also lower stress levels for employees and can increase productivity.

What about your business? Download our Cleaning Checklist to see if you are leaving customers with a good first impression. If you need help maintaining a fresh, clean and healthy work environment for yourself, your customers and your employees, give us a call, or CLICK HERE to contact us. Buildingstars’ comprehensive cleaning solutions create cleaner, healthier workplaces and let you focus on the most important aspects of your business.