Thursday, August 23, 2012

It's Showtime...At The Oil Change Garage?!

Have you ever gone someplace and had an experience that was so unexpectedly enjoyable, you couldn't wait to tell people about it?

That's exactly the kind of response you want consistently from your customers.

What is required to create this kind of experience?  Exceed expectations with pleasant surprises.

I just had such an experience at, of all places, an oil change garage

So, what is the typical expectation when getting your oil changed at a garage?  That oily/dirty garage workers drain the old oil and fill new oil into your car correctly for a fair price. That they are competent and efficient.  Pretty simple, right?

I just bought a used car and wanted to get the fluids changed.  I decided to go to the same place noted by the previous oil change sticker in the window.  I had never been to a Valvoline Express Care station, but thought they might be able to provide some additional insight about the maintenance history of my car.

When I arrived, I had the typical expectations.  However, they were radically exceeded from the moment I drove into the parking lot.  Here's what my experience was like: 

An attendant walked out to warmly greet me as I began to park in a parking space - urging me to pull directly into the repair bay.  He and the rest of the team were dressed in a clean/professional uniform.  He guided me into the bay and they began a non-stop banter and flow of information.  It was more like Seattle's Pike Street Fish Market (Google it) than any auto garage I've ever seen.  Shouts of "Showtime, Bay Three!", "Electric a go!", "Thank you, sir!" reverberated across the garage as four separate specialists rushed around conducting a full diagnostic of lights/signals and other fluids prior to changing my oil.  They brought up my car in their computer system (next to my car), shared the extensive service history, and provided insights about the options for service now and in the future.  They provided a full-service oil change with all the bells and whistles (including payment and receipt) without me having to get out of my car

In less than 9 minutes.

Yes, I was impressed.  But even though it cost a few dollars more, it was way more than worth it.

And plenty of other people know about them now.  I'm now an unpaid promoter for Valvoline Express Care.  All because they spent the effort on things that didn't cost any extra to provide buzz-worthy service.

So, what low/no cost things can you do to create a "Showtime" experience for your customers...and get them buzzing?

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

8 comments:

garage equipment said...

Certain engines use the pressurised oil supply to operate specific functions, such as hydraulic tappets or the camshaft chain tensioner.

Michelina Douglass said...

Superb service! That’s what you call an excellent customer service! What you paid was indeed worth their service, considering it only lasted for 9 minutes! Anyhow, I bet you know the sound of a car that needs an oil change. Is your car equipped with an oil warning light? It usually turns on when the oil needs to be replaced.

Unknown said...

You got it right, Michelina! Only a few repair shops can give quality service in a short period of time! Actually, 30 minutes for an oil change is already pretty quick. How about nine minutes? Heeh, great for them to have that kind of service. :)

Regards,
Cody

Unknown said...

Wow! You really are lucky to have those experts coming over to help you with your car problem. Apparently, they are more than willing to solve your car trouble, and it’s really impressive how quickly they were able to properly finish their task. GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE! Congratulations with your car! =)

Sandy Gonzales

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Unknown said...

I work at a oil change. And if I have to say those call outs, im going to quit. Its embarrassing. What a joke! Can't wait for the mass walk out for employees.