Violators will be towed!
Had a meeting in downtown Albuquerque yesterday a.m - which like most cities has a bit of a parking problem. (Of course, it’s all relative - in our case, one might be forced to park a whole three blocks away, for free.) Circling the block and reading store signs triggered some thoughts re getting and keeping customers.
You know the signs - “For ACME CUSTOMERS ONLY! VIOLATORS WILL BE TOWED AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE!” Well, alrighty then - really makes you want to visit Acme - now or ever - doesn’t it? Don’t they want new customers? Here’s my idea - post two types of friendly signs:
1. 1/2 of the allocated parking spaces would have this sign: “Free Parking with Acme. Come in for your free parking pass!” This would require a bit of thinking, employee training and some merchandising - but people would go into the store, which is the critical first step to a sale. The “parking pass” could be a $5 off “new customer” purchase coupon with no expiration date. Sure, a few people would take advantage - but I bet the new business would more than make up for reduced parking space.
2. The other half of the spaces would have this sign: “Reserved for Customer Convenience. Thanks for thinking of Acme!” (or some such - got a catchy benefit statement? “Acme - Where all Smart Coyotes Shop!” Okay, that’s cutesy - but you get the idea.)
This friendly approach also applies to web sites:
1. Does the site entice people to come on in and stay a spell, find out more? For example, if your target is small business owners - don’t paint your storefront black and make them sit through a dancing dog & pony show before they can find anything. They’ll click right out of there - their time is literally money to them.
2. Does the site give visitors a reason to come back?
3. Are visitors treated like valued guests? Can they find things easily? Do they feel comfortable? And so on. For example, forcing me to fill out a complete order form and submit credit card information before being told that an item is “out of stock” does not make me feel valued or comfortable.
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June 22nd, 2005 at 5:13 pm
I recently had a rehearsal that was scheduled to be held at a church. I had never been there before. As I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed the same type of sign. “Parking for church activities only - violaters will be towed - The church is not responsible for any damage due to towing”.
I had the same thought you did. Didn’t seem friendly and inviting to me at all.
Of course, I’ll also admit that those store signs have never stopped me from parking in those spaces. (Not for short term parking anyway.)
All the best!
deb
June 23rd, 2005 at 4:51 pm
How’s that for a good Christian attitude! Part of the problem is that people are so afraid of getting sued - they figure the best defense is a good offense…which turns into offensive for potential customers (or church visitors who might want to - um - get some help or donate some money.)
February 7th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I work at a business along a busy street. we have only 5 parking spaces. The majority of our clients are senior citizens. Unfortunately there is a college annex across the street, many times our lot will be filled with cars of college students attending classes who don’t want to park a block away. It’s a little easier for them to walk a block than a senior with a walker or a cane. We are considering putting a “tow away” sign because of this. It’s a case of taking care of our existing customers before trying to please “potential” customers.