Are you unintentionally driving customers away? Many small businesses enforce rigid policies that seem logical from an operational standpoint but end up frustrating potential clients.
A Real Example: Is Your Business Turning Away Customers with Unnecessary Rules?
I was in Chorlton last night, looking for a romantic restaurant in Manchester with my wife. We visited two restaurants, both with plenty of empty tables. However, instead of allowing us to sit in a quiet area, they insisted on seating us right next to other diners. When we asked for a different table, they refused. Frustrated, we left and took our business elsewhere.
This made me wonder—is your small business losing customers by sticking to unnecessary rules?
Are You Prioritising Rules Over Customers?
Many businesses create policies to maintain efficiency, but sometimes these rules push customers away. Whether it’s rigid seating arrangements, inflexible service policies, or unnecessary bureaucracy, small inconveniences can lead to lost revenue.
If you own a business, ask yourself:
- Do your policies enhance or hinder the customer experience?
- Are your staff empowered to make flexible decisions?
- Have you lost customers because of policies that don’t make sense?
The True Cost of Sticking to Silly Rules
In my case, those restaurants lost not just one meal but a potentially loyal customer. This applies to all businesses—retail stores that enforce rigid return policies, service providers with difficult booking processes, or restaurants that refuse simple seating requests. Customers have choices, and in today’s competitive market, they won’t hesitate to go elsewhere.
How to Put Your Customers First
- Listen to Customer Feedback: Pay attention to complaints and adapt accordingly.
- Empower Your Staff: Give employees the freedom to make customer-friendly decisions.
- Be Flexible: If a request is reasonable, find a way to accommodate it.
- Think Like a Customer: Would you be happy with the experience your business provides?
Final Thought: Could This Be Your Business?
The lesson is simple—customers value businesses that put them first. If you’re struggling to retain customers, take a step back and review your policies. Are they truly necessary, or are they just creating barriers?
At Business Coaching Manchester, we specialise in helping businesses build customer-first strategies that drive growth and loyalty. If you’re worried that outdated or rigid policies might be costing you sales, get in touch today.
For more business growth tips and coaching, visit www.businesscoachingmanchester.com.
